How to add sequins to a Pow Wow outfit

How to add sequins to a Pow Wow outfit

What you will need:

pattern
spare fabric (non-stretchy)
interfacing (only needed if fabric is thin)
embroidery hoop
sequins
seedbeads
1 needle
beading thread
fabric glue
scissors

A note about your pattern: I like to draw a to-scale pattern in color. This will give your finished product a more complete appearance because round sequins will let some of the backing material show through. If the backing material is covered with a well-designed pattern, what shows through will match!

SequinHowToStep1

Ready for the next step but first a word about the sequins I use…I just get the el-cheap-o 99 cent bags of separate colors at Hobby Lobby or WalMart. I've also bought the grande bag with the colors all mixed up, then just picked out the colors as I needed them. I buy the 6mm faceted sequins, but you can buy flat sequins, shapes, and larger faceted ones. I also like to buy the el-cheap-o bulk bag of multicolored silverlined transparent seed beads to use as topper beads…you can match almost every color and they sparkle too!

Okay, now stretch your fabric on your hoop and glue your pattern on top (a thin line of fabric glue around the edge of your pattern is plenty).

SequinHowToStep2

Now flip over your hoop and stick the interfacing to the back with a little fabric glue. This helps reinforce your stitches and gives the finished piece a little more body.

SequinHowToStep3

Psssstttt….Let your glue dry before you sew!

MmKay, now were ready to start!
I like to do my lines or outlines first. I use a single needle/thread to do a sort of running stitch.

SequinHowToStep4.1

The bead is the anchor, but the sequin is between the fabric and the bead. Make sure your sequin “cup” is facing up.

SequinHowToClose

Now, about sequin placement…I use both of the following methods:

Sometimes sequins overlap like fallen dominos…
sometimes sequins barely touch at the edges…

It just depends what kind of mood you're in I guess!!!
Also, overlapping ones seem to cover better and leave less pattern showing through…but barely touching ones cover the pattern a little faster.

SequinHowToStep4.2 SequinHowToStep4.3

Whew…still going!

Now it's time to fill in the big spaces. Same technique…only advice here is to try to keep symmetry in your work so your sparkle will be equal on both halves of the pattern! And TRUST ME, this stuff sparkles BIG TIME, especially in the sun!

Okay, I'm gonna take a break after this post and let y'all study up on all this info! Got questions??? HIT ME WIT EM!!

SequinHowToStep5

Next step…..take your work off the hoop and trim the fabric to about 3/4 of an inch away from the edge of your sequins:

SequinHowToStep6

Now flip it over and trim the interfacing really close to your stitches (careful not to cut any thread though)!

SequinHowToStep7

Now, fold and glue the excess fabric against the back of your work. I like to snip the excess fabric into little flaps that fold separately (this is particularly helpful around curved edges). By doing this, your edge stitches are reinforced and protected from fraying! Press it under a heavy book until dry.

SequinHowToStep8

Now, trace and cut some buckskin for backing material. Glue it to the back of your work and press under a heavy book to dry (remember to do any pre-work necessary for barrettes or ties before you glue it).

SequinHowToStep9

Next, just edge bead it and TaaahDaaaah!

This piece took me a total of 4 hours to complete, excluding drying time! Wicked coooool!

SequinHowToFinishedBack SequinHowToFinishedFront

 

Tutorial originally posted in the PowWows.com forums by walela49.

Last Updated on July 2, 2018 by PowWow Articles

About Paul G

Paul G is the founder PowWows.com, who wears many hats as a business coach, photographer, and collector of quirky shirts. Paul started PowWows.com in 1996 while pursuing his graduate degree. With a passion for travel, he and his family hav  traveled the world, capturing unforgettable memories and photos. When he's not coaching or clicking, he's indulging in the magic of Disney.


5 Comments on “How to add sequins to a Pow Wow outfit”

  • Avatar for Judy Cole

    Judy Cole

    says:

    What does this sequin and bead symbol represent? I’ve not see it before. Thank You, Judy

  • Avatar for Patti Brundle

    Patti Brundle

    says:

    This is the way my mom taught me 70 years ago to sew sequins. I’ve been doing it since and even used the lesson when making skating costumes for my daughters and others.

  • Avatar for Bradford Penrod

    Bradford Penrod

    says:

    Thank you so much for the tutorial! I am a bead crafter and this really adds dimension to some of my projects. Nothing catches the light like beads and sequins!

    • Avatar for Ms. Wysper J Harris

      Ms. Wysper J Harris

      says:

      Does anyone use the sequins ideas on ladies southern cloth?

  • Avatar for Patty

    Patty

    says:

    That is beautiful. Thank you for posting this. I’m going to try one after I finish my cross stitching projects.
    Thank you, Patty

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