Thread: How to sew saroyan coins.

Hey there. I just got some lovely saroyan coins from a friend. I have a bag of round coins and a bag of large diamond shaped coins. I think I want to make a tribal coin bra with them.

My question is . . . how do you sew them on? The only coins I have ever worked with are the Sirik Afgani coins. They have a loop to sew on. The Saroyan coins only have a small hole at the top. So, how do you sew them on? I don't want to have any beading on this bra at all . . . just coins. Can I just sew the coins directly on? Is there a certain way to sew them so they lay flat and not sideways?

Any ideas or pics would be appreciated. Thanks!

Hi Zepora.

I use 8 to 10lb. test fishing line, or a heavy thread like dental floss, or carpet thread (carpet thread comes in more colors, but may not last as long).

You will also need the end of a narrow crochet hook, or knitting needle, or anything that is the size of the loop you want your coin to hang from.
The hook/needle will keep all the loops nice and even looking, and will ensure the coins will have a 'swing' to them.

Place the coin where you want it, then put the handle end of the hook/needle over the hole, sew through the hole, fabric, and around the hook/needle as many times you feel you need about 5 x's around worked for me. Knot the thread BEFORE you slide the hook/needle out!!!
You don't have to cut the thread after EVERY coin, but I wouldn't sew too many coins in a row, just make sure you knot after each coin before moving on too the next.

If you ever want to sell your Saroyan coins...let me know!

:-)

Thanks . . . any suggestions on what would make the best bra base?

I prefer Nymo beading thread (super strong & built to last). I am Native American and use it for my traditional clothez & regalia. I would not trust anything else to anything sacred to me. I do, also, strengthen w/beeswax. I have tried, "Thread Heaven"; & I am not impressed. Nymo comez in Many thicknessez and Colorz and iz Very strong. hthz.

I was taught beading by local Native skin sewers and have to agree, Nymo is the BEST! Super strong and you don't *have* to wax it to get it to run smooth.

Anyway- I put on a couple seed beads, then the coin, then a couple seed beads to get a nice loop. The seed beads help the coin lay the way I want them to, but also help buffer the edges of the coin which could eventually saw through the thread, so fewer lost coins in the long run.