Tools of the Trade
DON’T (seriously) DON’T use fabric scissors on sequins. It will ruin them.
DO use the longest stitch length on your machine.
Also, DO use the thinnest and sharpest needle available to you.
Method #1 - The "All Purpose" Method
Use scissors, a seam ripper, or your fingers to separate the sequins along the line where you will be sewing.
Sew and then iron the seam open by using a press cloth and a low heat setting on your iron. This method is great for décor and crafts as it creates a flat and clean seam.
Method #2 - Lining Method
This method is great for apparel, as it adds a layer of protection so the individual sequins don’t feel scratchy.
Pull off any loose sequin and brush all the sequins so they are laying in the same direction. Place your pieces on top of each other with right sides facing.
Use a 1-inch strip of lightweight fabric like tulle or chiffon and place it on the wrong side of the fabric then sew using a half inch seam allowance.
Fold the tulle over and zig zag stitch the tulle to the inside of the seam.
Open the fabric up and hand stitch the seam allowance to one side.
Method #3 - The Removal Method
The last method that you can use with sequin can be used for many applications but mostly when the seam is not fully visible on the finished product or when you will be adding a zipper.
Using a seam ripper, tear out the sequins along the line you will be sewing.
Sew regularly and iron open using a press cloth.