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Watch the video: “How to Stitch Sequins into Fabric/Garments (Two Easy Methods)” by Motunrayo the Dressmaker
Sparkle that stays put—yes, please. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, Motunrayo demonstrates two clear, reliable ways to stitch sequins onto fabric by hand: an overlapping line for uninterrupted shimmer, and a seed bead–secured method that keeps each sequin from flipping.
Whether you’re outlining a neckline, tracing a cuff curve, or adding a gleam to a hem, these techniques are simple, repeatable, and easy to master with a little practice.
What you’ll learn
- How to draw and follow a visible outline so your sequins land exactly where you want them
- Method 1: Overlapping sequins for a smooth, continuous shimmer
- Method 2: One sequin + one seed bead for added security
- How to secure your thread, manage tension, and check for flat, even placement
Introduction to Sequin Embellishment Why Add Sequins to Your Garments? Sequins are a fast way to add dimension and light to a garment or accessory. In the video, the sequins are gold and stitched along a drawn curve—perfect for edges, flourishes, and simple motifs that catch the light as you move. The exact fabric type isn’t specified, but the approach shown works well on many woven and stable knit fabrics.
Tools and Materials You'll Need The setup shown in the tutorial is intentionally simple and beginner-friendly: fabric, gold sequins, matching thread, a needle, and scissors. The teaching focuses on technique rather than gear, so you can get started right away without special equipment.
To keep stitches discreet, choose thread that blends with your sequins; the video uses matching thread to make the shimmery line look seamless. embroidery magnetic hoop
Pro tip Draw before you stitch. The creator emphasizes starting with a clear, visible outline. A simple chalked curve keeps your sequin line smooth and consistent, and it removes the guesswork as you move along the design.
Method 1: The Overlapping Sequin Stitch Step-by-Step Guide - Secure your thread: Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric and anchor your starting point with a small knot or backstitch. This prevents unraveling once you start adding sequins.
- Add the first sequin: Thread the needle through the sequin’s center and lay it flat on the line.
- Anchor beside the edge: Insert the needle back into the fabric right next to the sequin’s edge to hold it in place.
- Overlap the next sequin: Bring the needle up slightly ahead of the previous sequin along your outline, add another sequin, and secure it in the same way so it slightly overlaps the one before it. Repeat to build a continuous, shimmering line.
Tips for a Smooth Finish
- Keep each sequin flat: Work with gentle, even tension so the sequins sit flush without tilting.
- Mind the overlap: Consistent, slight overlap avoids gaps and produces a clean, ribbon-like look.
- Follow your outline: Stay on the chalked line to maintain shape and spacing through curves.
Quick check Pause every few sequins to see if your spacing is consistent and the thread is invisible. In the video, the overlapping line builds quickly and reads as a smooth, reflective curve.
Watch out
- Loose start knot? If your initial knot isn’t secure, sequins can loosen. Re-tie or backstitch firmly before continuing.
- Gaps or uneven overlap? Adjust the new sequin before tightening the thread. Once you snug it down, it’s harder to shift without removing stitches.
Method 2: Securing Sequins with Seed Beads When to Use This Method This second approach adds a tiny seed bead on top of each sequin, acting like a built-in stopper. It’s especially useful when you want each sequin to stay put with less wobble or flipping—handy for edges that get bumped (like cuffs) and for patterns that won’t be covered by additional beadwork. The video uses size 2 seed beads.
Detailed Instructions
- Start as before: Bring your needle up from the back of the fabric at the beginning of your outline.
- Thread one sequin, then one seed bead: Slide both down to the fabric.
- Stitch back through the sequin only: Pass the needle down through the center of the sequin (skip the bead) and then into the fabric, right next to where the thread emerged.
- Snug to secure: Pull gently to seat the bead against the sequin; the bead stops the thread from pulling through, holding the sequin firm.
- Repeat the sequence: One sequin + one seed bead, then back through the sequin only, moving along your outline.
Quick check Each finished unit should look like a sequin with a tiny bead centered on top. The bead should sit neatly and not slip under tension. Continue until your entire line is complete.
Watch out
- Avoid stitching through the bead on the return pass; aim for the sequin’s center only. Going through the bead can jam the thread path and loosen your hold.
- Keep tension consistent so the sequin sits snug beneath the bead without dimpling the fabric.
Pro tip If a sequin sits higher than its neighbors, ease the thread a touch and flatten the sequin with your fingertip before moving on. The tutorial shows that steady, light tension produces a neat, uniform finish. Once you complete the outline, you’ll have a polished curve with each sequin individually secured.
Comparing the Two Methods Aesthetic Differences
- Overlapping line (Method 1): Produces a smooth, continuous shimmer—great for sleek outlines and shapes where you want the sequins to read as a single reflective ribbon.
- Seed bead–secured (Method 2): Adds a tiny bead detail at the center of each sequin and holds each disk firmly. The result looks crisp and slightly more textured.
Durability and Use Cases The creator notes that the seed bead acts as a stopper, helping each sequin stay put. Viewers also responded positively to this approach—one comment specifically highlighted loving the second method. If your embellishment will see more movement (like along cuffs or hems), the seeded method’s added stability may be appealing. For uninterrupted sheen along a neckline or motif outline, the overlapping line shines.
From the comments
- Positive feedback on teaching clarity, with the creator replying appreciatively.
- A viewer favored the second method; the creator also asked the audience which method they’d try first.
General Tips for Sequin Stitching Pattern Drawing Techniques The video returns often to one core habit: draw your outline first. A clear line keeps the rhythm consistent—especially through curves. Re-sketch any faint sections so you’re never guessing mid-stitch. If your chalk line fades as you handle the fabric, re-mark lightly and continue.
Thread Choice and Knotting The demonstration uses matching thread so the line reads as sequins, not stitches. At the start, secure your thread with a small knot or a backstitch; at the end, tie off discretely on the wrong side. Keep tails tidy to avoid catching on sequins as you work. snap hoop monster
Quick check
- Are sequins flat, not tilted?
- Does the spacing look even along your drawn line?
- Is the start knot firm and hidden? A wobbly start can loosen the entire section.
Watch out
- Mismatched thread color can draw the eye to the stitches instead of the sparkle.
- Pulling too hard may pucker delicate fabrics; too loose and the sequins can wobble. Aim for consistent, moderate tension.
From design to execution: putting it together
- Start with small sections: Curves are easier to manage in shorter runs; check alignment every 3–5 sequins.
- Blend techniques: You can outline a motif with the overlapping line, then fill select points with seed-bead-secured singles for extra hold.
- Finishing: Once the line is complete, review from arm’s length. Adjust any outliers before moving on.
A note on tools the video does not cover This tutorial is entirely hand-sewn with a needle, thread, sequins, and optional seed beads—no machines or specialty frames are used or demonstrated. Some readers, however, like to stabilize fabric for marking or plan to complement hand-sewn sequins with machine stitching later. If that’s you, be aware these tools are separate from what’s shown here and are not part of the video’s process: mighty hoops
- Some crafters prefer magnetic or framed systems when they switch to machine work; that’s outside this tutorial’s scope. magnetic frames for embroidery machine
- Others organize fabric for test stitches with general-purpose frames. Again, this is informational only—the video’s sequin methods are purely by hand. embroidery magnetic hoop
- Tool names you might encounter in machine embroidery communities (not demonstrated in the video) include various frame and hoop styles. magnetic embroidery hoops
Troubleshooting at a glance
- Sequins won’t lie flat: Recheck your entry/exit points. For Method 1, bring the needle up slightly ahead of the previous sequin so overlap is consistent. For Method 2, make sure you’re passing back through the sequin only.
- Thread shows: Switch to a closer color match and keep stitches tucked tight to the sequin’s edge.
- Bead slips off-center (Method 2): Pull the thread snug while gently centering the bead with your fingertip before moving to the next sequin.
Case study: A curve that reads clean The video’s curve starts with a sketched line, then builds from one edge to the other with steady overlap (Method 1) and bead-secured singles (Method 2). The result is a polished arc with consistent spacing. Keeping your pace unhurried and checking every few sequins makes all the difference.
From the comments: viewer takeaways
- Clarity earns confidence: Several viewers appreciated the teaching style and pacing, with a thank-you from the creator.
- Method 2 wins converts: One comment called out loving the seed bead method—no surprise, given its tidy finish and extra hold.
Frequently asked (based on the tutorial’s focus)
- What thread should I use? A strong, matching thread keeps the look clean; the tutorial uses thread that blends with the gold sequins.
- Why add a seed bead? It acts as a stopper so each sequin stays secure and resists flipping.
- How do I keep sequins from falling off? Secure your start, keep tension even, and for single sequins or high-contact areas, the seed bead method helps.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Designs Start with a line and a handful of sequins—end with a garment that gleams. The overlapping technique delivers a classic, continuous shimmer; the seed bead method gives you sturdy, crisp points of light. Both rely on the same fundamentals: a clear outline, a secure start, and steady tension. Practice a short curve on scrap fabric, refine your spacing, and you’ll be ready to add confident sparkle to collars, cuffs, hems, and beyond. hoop master
Final look The tutorial closes with a clean, completed curve stitched using the seed bead method—proof that simple, repeatable steps can achieve a luminous finish even if you’re brand-new to beading and embellishment.