Thread: hand sew or machine sew sequins?

in what cases is it better to hand sew or machine sew on sequin trims? and for what types too....single sequin trims, 1", wavy, etc

Every one and everything is different. I tend to machine sew when I am making straps, but if it is going on the hem of a skirt, hand, simply because of the need to be able to manipulate the hang of the skirt. This is for single strand. I haven't used any of the other types.

{{{HUGS}}}

I'm too much of a perfectionist and my sewing machine is too wonky to be satisfied by machine sewing single-width, slung sequins--too many extra holes where the needle misses, because the sequins usually aren't perfectly spaced apart. I sew by hand, or walk the machine one step at a time, at which point, it's just as fast to do it by hand. I've heard some people use a wide zigzag stitch that rides across the trim, but my machine can't do a stitch that large.

If it's shaped trim like rickrack sequins, then I'd definitely sew by hand. Sewing rickrack down the center holds it on, but the "waves" tend to ride up and curl. If you sew two parallel tracks down the edges, that creates a lot of topstitching. Matching the seam to the same zigzag pattern is both better for appearance and attachment. None of this is a problem when sewing bands of sequins (you could easily machine sew tracks down the ends to secure it well), but I still don't like the look of all the extra needle pokes from the sewing machine, so, again, I handstitch.

When making a theatrical costume that's going to be seen far away on stage, these sorts of details aren't noticeable so it's not a problem, but if you're working up close to people (e.g., if you take tips in your costume) or you're just finicky about such things, it may be, since non-homemade costumes aren't usually made with pre-joined trim like this. The higher-end imported costumes were traditionally hand sewn, and the newer, mass-produced stuff is made on special machines that attach the sequins one-at-a time directly to the fabric.

I've done both and I prefer the machine. It can take forever to hand sew sequin trim on a circle skirt.