With the holidays coming up, it is nice to add a little sparkle to basics for events, recitals and parties. Here are 3 simple options for putting shimmer on basics from your closet.
Here is a quick tutorial I did for Studio 5:
Option 1: Underlay
Add sparkle to a basic sweatshirt with sequin fabric.
Materials Needed:
- Sweatshirt: This is best used with a knit/jersey fabric rather than a woven one. Also, try to use something simple without much pattern
- Sequin Fabric: I used about a quarter yard flip sequin fabric I found at Joann that had velvet on one side of the sequins. You need just enough to cover whatever shape you decide on.
- Shape: I did a basic Google image search for a wide heart and then printed it to cardstock and cut it out.
- Fabric Pen/Marker/Pencil/Chalk: I like using a disappearing ink marker.
- Basic Sewing Tools: Scissors, Pins, Sewing Machine, Thread, etc.
Attach the Sequin Fabric
Start by tracing the shape you’d like onto the sweatshirt.
Carefully pin the fabric to the backside of the sweatshirt taking care to cover the entire shape.
Sew the Fabric in Place
Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch. Mine was at a 2 length and 2 width, however you can create a satin stitch by making the length shorter so the stitches are closer together.
Take your time sewing around the shape taking care not to stretch the sweatshirt as you navigate the shape border and be careful not to sew through the back of the sweatshirt.
Trim the sequin fabric to about ¼” from the seam.
Cut the Shape
From the front side, pinch the sweatshirt and pull the fabric away from the sequins, then make a cut.
Carefully cut around the shape leaving about ¼” of allowance from the seam.
All Done!
That’s it! Wear with pride to your next holiday gathering!
Option 2: Sequin Flower Patches
Add adorable sequin flowers to any garment with these ready made patches.
Materials Needed:
- Basic Dress/Shirt: For this I used a simple velvet dress from my daughter’s closet.
- Sequin Flower Patches: I found these on Amazon and they are attached to a basic backing fabric
- Thread/Needle: I’d recommend hand sewing these
- Scissors
- Fabric Pen/Marker/Pencil/Chalk: I like using a disappearing ink marker.
- Grid for Marking: I used cardstock and a ruler to create a grid with 2” squares then punched small holes at all of the intersections.
Prepare for Sewing
Start by clipping the patches. You’ll want to maintain a bit of the backing to sew the patch to the garment, but trim it to hide under the flower.
Next arrange the grid. I centered mine and then put it on a 45 degree angle.
Make marks at each of the intersections of the grid.
Sew on the Sequin Flowers
Using a threaded needle, carefully sew the patches to the garment going through just the backing fabric.
Make about 4-5 stitches to secure the patch and then tie off and clip the thread
Repeat for the remaining patches.
Try it On
That’s it! Try on your cute new piece of clothing and admire your work!
Option 3: Floating Sequins
Add some shimmer and sparkle with these DIY “patches” of floating sequins.
Materials Needed:
- Basic Dress/Shirt/Sweatshirt: I used a sweatshirt that was a bit stretchy. If you are new to sewing, you may want to use a woven, like cotton or linen.
- Loose Sequins: A small package can go a long way.
- Shapes: I wanted to go for a bubbles type look so I grabbed a few circular items of varying sizes to trace.
- Tulle: Not much is needed depending on how many shapes you’d like to create
- Fabric Pen/Marker/Pencil/Chalk: I like using a disappearing ink marker.
- Basic Sewing Tools: Scissors, Pins, Sewing Machine, Thread, etc.
- Embroidery Foot for the Sewing Machine: I have a basic Singer Heavy Duty machine and mine came with this foot.
Fabric Prep
Using the fabric pen, draw shapes where you’d like to attach the loose sequins.
Trim the tulle to about ½” beyond the shapes.
Pin the tulle in place, pausing about halfway to pour in the sequins, then finish pinning around the shape.
Sew in Place
Set the sewing machine to a zigzag stitch with a short width and length. My width was about a 2 and the length was set to 1.
Carefully sew around the traced shape trying to avoid sewing through the sequins and removing the pins as you go and backstitching at the start and finish.
Clip the tulle to about ¼” away from the seam.
At this point you could be done, however the sequins tend to pile up at the bottom of the shape, so I went on to create a spiral inside the shape to spread them out.
Spreading Out the Sequins
This takes a bit of bravery so you may want to practice on a scrap of fabric.
Spread out the sequins in the shape and place pins to hold them as you sew.
Attach the embroidery foot and then lower the feed dogs (mine is a switch near the bottom of the machine behind where I sew) or use a feed dog guard.
Place the fabric on the machine and use a straight stitch. I did spirals, but it is probably easier to make zigzags. It is okay if you catch some of the sequins, but better if you can move them out of the way. This won’t be perfect, but if you use a thread that matches the garment it won’t matter.
Finishing Up
Repeat these steps for any remaining shapes and that’s it! Try it on and make any changes you’d like by either adding more shapes or spreading out the sequins.
