How to Sew Sequin Trim (Sewing Sequins by Machine)
Learn how to sew sequin trim by machine with this easy beginner tutorial. Sewing sequins doesn’t have to be slow or frustrating when you use pre-strung sequin trim and your regular sewing machine. In this tutorial, you’ll learn the best stitches, needles, and techniques for attaching sequin trim quickly and neatly.
How to Sew Sequin Trim by Machine (Quick Guide)
Learning how to sew sequin trim is quick and easy when you use the right stitch settings and sew slowly for accuracy.
- Mark where the trim will be placed
- Pin or lightly glue the trim in position
- Insert a sharp size 14–16 needle
- Set a long straight stitch or narrow zig-zag
- Sew slowly through the center or edges
- Replace your needle after sewing
- Trim loose threads and inspect stitching
What is Sequin Trim?
Sequin sewing trim has soft sequins that are designed to be sewn through on your machine. It will, however, dull your machine needles quickly, so replace them after you have finished your project. This tutorial will show you how to sew sequin trim with a straight or zig-zag stitch to get different effects.
To sew sequin trim by machine, pin or glue the trim in place, use a size 14 or 16 universal needle, select a long straight stitch or narrow zig-zag stitch, and sew slowly through the center or edges of the trim for neat results.
How to Sew Sequin Trim by Machine (Step by Step)
You will need:
- Sequin Trim – These come in different sequin sizes and colors. Most sequin trim does not stretch but you can also purchase stretch trim best suited if you are attaching it to leotards or other stretch garments.
- Needles – Strong, sharp, sewing machine needles. Try a size 14 or 16 universal needles
- Thread – Matching thread.
As always, there is more than one method you can use for sewing sequins by machine – sewing on sequins by machine can be done with a straight or zig-zag stitch.
1. Pin the Sequin Trim
Pin or glue the trim in place. Whichever method you use, make sure it does not leave marks on the trim. I generally mark the fabric with the path the trim will follow then place a couple of spots of clear fabric glue at strategic points.
2. Sewing Sequins by Machine
Place the trim under your foot with the raised edges facing you and right side up. This will make it much easier to sew, as the edges won’t get caught as you sew along. Straight stitch through the center of the sequin trim. This will make holes through the sequins, so make sure you are stitching straight!
3. Best Stitch Lengths
When you want to sew sequin trim, use a fairly long stitch length to minimize the perforations through your trim. Try a length of 3.0 and see how it looks. If you are using a small sequin, you may be able to get the stitch to pierce through the center of each sequin, making it almost invisible.
4. Zig-Zag Over Trim
If you have a narrow piece of sequin trim you may be able to zig-zag over it without piercing the trim.
Your stitch width will depend on the width of the sequins. You want the stitches to pierce the fabric on either side of the trim. I quite like the look of this, but you do need to sew very accurately. The added thread can also reduce the shine of the sequins, so just test a little piece of trim first to choose the best method of sewing on sequins by machine.
How to Sew Sequin Trim by Machine FAQa
Yes, most sequin trim can be sewn with a regular sewing machine using a strong universal needle and a longer stitch length.
A straight stitch through the center works best for most trims, while a narrow zig-zag works well for narrow trims.
Use a sharp universal needle in size 14 or 16.
Broken needles are usually caused by sewing too fast, using the wrong needle size, or hitting thick sequin edges.
Yes, hand sewing gives more precision, but machine sewing is much faster for long lengths.
How to Sew Sequin Trim by Machine – Conclusion
If you are really going for a perfect finish for sewing sequin trim by machine, you could use the handwheel to accurately do each stitch. Personally, I think that defeats the purpose of using your machine as it slows you down considerably.
If you need an absolutely perfect-looking stitch, you might be better off going back to hand-stitching individual sequins instead of sewing sequins by machine.
All done – what will you be putting sequins on? Share your ideas below.
More Sewing Sequins
Author - Luisa Clare
Luisa Clare is the founder of Treasurie, a sewing and crochet education platform offering step-by-step tutorials and printable patterns. With over 15 years of experience in dressmaking, pattern design, crochet, and craft education, she specialises in teaching beginners through clear, easy-to-follow lessons. Her tutorials and patterns are used by home sewists and crocheters worldwide to build practical skills and confidence. Learn more about Luisa and Treasurie.
