Sparkling Sequins Embroidery:

Importance and Meaning of Sequins

Sequins are a type of embellishment used to decorate fabrics for fashion and other ornamental purposes. They are essentially glittering disc-like beads that are quite flat and come in a wide range of colors and shapes. The word ‘sequin’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘sikka’ which means coin.

Sequin art was first used in Arabic countries to decorate the veils and headgear of men and women to indicate their wealth and high status. Over time, sequin embroidery traveled to other parts of the world and became extremely popular as a form of decoration for all types of clothes. Today, sequins, also called spangles or diamantes, are used to ornament clothes all around the world.

Initially, this embroidery was done using metallic disc-shaped beads but nowadays plastic is largely used, though it may be covered in metallic paper or gift. Some sequin work is done using discs with more reflective surfaces to create a greater shine and gleam for the fabric.

These patterns can be scattered in a subtle and sparse manner throughout the fabric, or they can be concentrated in a specific area. Alternatively, sequins can also hang from the fabric rather than be attached to it, thus creating a more eye-catching, glittering effect.

In India, sequins work embroidery has become extremely popular with rural artisans as well as high-end fashion designers. These are sometimes used as a substitute for beads when embroidering fabrics. Since they are lighter they can even be woven into the fabric itself.

Many designers also prefer combining sequins and beads into one glittering, multi-colored design, especially for more fancy garments intended for special occasions. Beads and sequins go very well together as they both create a 3-D effect on the fabric and blend harmoniously into one another.

What Are the Types of Sequins?

Sequins are the little stars. The tiny pretty wonders are known to add an appreciable splendor to everything. Found in a multitude of sizes and colors, they never fail to captivate. Sprinkle them on clothing, footwear, bags, or anything of your choice.

There are different types of sequins. They vary according to patterns, shapes, sizes, colors, and materials. These are used on various fabrics ranging from georgette, cotton, chiffon, and silk. Some sequins are stitched while others are glued. When it comes to Indian ethnic wear, sequins remain one of the most coveted embellishments to grace salwar suits, sarees, lehenga cholis, and kurtas.

Flat Sequins:

As the name suggests, these are flat with a top hole. These are available in round or square shape. They do not have any cupping or embossing. Flat sequins are used to add shine to a variety of salwar suits, tops, and other outfits. They are also known as paillettes.

Cupped Sequins:

Cupped sequins feature a flat center with a faucet around the edge. They are concave shaped and designed to give a three-dimensional effect. Cupped sequins are mostly preferred for embellishing Indian outfits and creating a detailed appearance. They are also used for cardmaking, jewelry, and crafts.

Holographic Sequins:

They are known for their metallic finish and they create vibrant and dramatic effects. These sequins are multicolored and have a fun vibe. Available in round or square shape, holographic sequins are mostly used for decorations at events, costume designs, and cosplay outfits. They can be easily glued to any specific material you want.

Metallic Sequins:

Featuring sparkling, metallic textures, metallic sequins are made by compressing a coil of metal. Just like different metals, they are available in various shades of beaming bronze, glittery gold, and shiny silver. Metallic sequins or spangles are popular for their glamorous appeal and opulence. It is mostly used for embroidery and embellishing high-couture outfits, bags, and shoes.

Glitter Sequins:

Laden with glitter all over, glitter sequins are loved for their sparkling and eye-catching effects. They are made from a variety of materials. Glitter sequins are used for embroidery and embellishment. Curtains, accessories, handbags, home decor items, pillow covers, and various outfits are decorated with glitter sequins.

Iridescent Sequins:

These tiny transparent sequins ease you with their play of colors and light. Available in a variety of sizes and shades, iridescent sequins add a touch of grace to anything they are added to. They are available in a flat and cupped shape. Most of these have one hole in it.

Matte Sequins:

As the name suggests, they have a matte finish with a top hole on them. These sequins are available in various colors and shapes. Matte sequins are non-reflective and have an elegant appeal. They are mostly used for vintage-inspired outfits and subtle items. You can find them in a flat or cupped shape.

Sequin Fabric:

Covered with colored sequins, it is a sparkling fabric. There are different types of sequin fabric including holographic sequin, velvet sequin, mesh sequin, and matte sequin. This type of fabric is used for creating high-fashion attires, sarees, suits, lehengas, and many other items.

Sequin Trim:

It is a trim covered with colorful sequins. They come in a variety of sequin sizes and colors. Ranging from a single trim to a broadband, it comes in different types. Sequin trim can be glued or sewed onto a fabric of your choice.

Sequin Appliques:

One of the most loved appliques, they are used on bags, cushion covers, pillow covers, curtains, outfits, accessories, purses and many other items. Sequin appliques can add pizzas to anything. You can put sequin appliques on various fabrics like georgette, cotton, etc.

Biodegradable Sequins:

It’s the eco-friendly version of the sequins. They are plastic-free and non-toxic. These are made from plants instead of metals or minerals.

Styling Your Attires With Sequins

Whether it is to decorate a Western garment like a tunic or leggings or for Indian outfits like salwar kameez, saree or lehenga choli, sequins can be used in a variety of ways. Sequin’s work, contrary to popular belief, is not just about flashy and gaudy clothing. It can be used in subtle ways as well to bring out the beauty of the designs on the fabric. Sarees often have sequin beads scattered across the entire fabric, which creates a beautiful shimmer when layered over a thick silk blouse.

With some garments like lehenga cholis or tunics, sequin ribbons are added to zari, resham or cut dana work borders to create an attractively intricate and glitzy look for the garment. It can also be concentrated in one area, where they are embroidered into artistic and eye-catching designs including motifs of peacocks, fruits, flowers, and trees. Simplistic designs like geometric shapes and lines are also created with sequins and are often used to decorate

With some garments like lehenga cholis or tunics, sequin ribbons are added to zari, resham or cut dana work borders to create an attractively intricate and glitzy look for the garment. Sequins can also be concentrated in one area, where they are embroidered into artistic and eye-catching designs including motifs of peacocks, fruits, flowers and trees. Simplistic designs like geometric shapes and lines are also created with sequins and are often used to decorate tunics and kurtas.

They are most often embroidered onto strong fabrics which can handle the weight of these additions; however, as they are lighter and more adaptable than beads, they can also be embroidered onto lightweight fabrics with a fine weave such as net and tissue.

Sequin lace fabric is the most popular and commonly used in fancy clothing mainly because it is the perfect combination of elegance and glamor. The delicacy of the lace beautifully offsets the shine of the sequins, producing the kind of chic effect that sophisticated women across the world prefer. In Indian fashion, lace sequin fabric is most often used to make gorgeous sarees for special occasions. It is frequently layered over other fabrics like satin and silk to add both volume and depth to an outfit.

The delicacy of the lace beautifully offsets the shine of the sequins, producing the kind of chic effect that sophisticated women across the world prefer. In Indian fashion, lace sequin fabric is most often used to make gorgeous sarees for special occasions. It is frequently layered over other fabrics like satin and silk to add both volume and depth to an outfit. This kind of layered look is most often seen on lehenga cholis though it can also be done on Anarkali salwar kameez or even party wear tunics.

It comes in different designs. Women can choose between simple silver or bronze sequins or go for more glittering gold designs. Those with a preference for rainbow shades can opt for multi-hued designs, which are often done on printed fabrics to bring out the beauty of the printed designs.

This embroidery is extremely popular with women across the world as a party wear embellishment. Though it has always been in fashion, the current trend is to use it in a more subtle and restrained manner. In this way, it adds a touch of magic to the outfit but does not overwhelm it completely. The same kind of formula should be followed when accessorizing an outfit decorated with sequin art.

For instance, with a pretty Anarkali made of delicate pink sequin lace, a pearl jewelry set would be a great addition. Too much metal or color will clash with the fabric and make the outfit look gaudy. Sequins also look good with simple crystal earrings and crystal bead bracelets.