Question 1

What is the difference between cup and flat sequins?

Accepted Answer

Cup sequins (also called faceted) are slightly bowl-shaped, so they angle light and look extra sparkly on costumes, ornaments, and dancewear. Flat sequins sit smooth against the surface and overlap neatly, which makes them better for appliques, scrapbook layers, and anything stored under glass. Most cup and flat sequins have a single center hole for stitching. A pack of a few thousand 6mm sequins usually runs about $4-$10.

Question 2

How do I sew loose sequins so the thread does not show?

Accepted Answer

Bring the needle up through the sequin's center hole, add a small seed bead, then go back down through the same hole — the bead caps the hole and locks the sequin flat with no visible thread. For faster rows, use strung sequins on a strand and couch them down with tiny stitches between each disc. Use a sharp embroidery needle and polyester or beading thread so it resists fraying under tension.

Question 3

What size sequins should I order for my project?

Accepted Answer

Sequins are sized by diameter in millimeters. Choose 3-5mm for nail art, fine embroidery detail, and miniature work; 6-8mm for general sewing, cards, and ornaments; and 10-24mm or large paillettes for statement garments, backdrops, and home decor. Paillettes are oversized sequins (often 20mm and up) with the hole at the edge so they dangle and shimmer. Order about 15-20 percent extra to cover loss and color matching.

Question 4

Which sequins are best for kids' crafts and clothing?

Accepted Answer

For young children, choose larger 8-10mm flat or cup sequins that are harder to swallow, and attach them with washable fabric glue or securely stitched seed beads rather than loose adhesive. Reversible flip-sequin fabric and pre-made sequin appliques are the safest, mess-free option for kids' apparel and backpacks. Look for listings that note non-toxic, PVC or acrylic material. Loose kid-craft sequin mixes typically cost $4-$9 a jar.

Question 5

What finishes do sequins come in?

Accepted Answer

Common finishes are solid metallic (gold, silver), iridescent or AB (an oil-slick rainbow shift), matte, glossy, holographic, and color-shifting two-tone. Iridescent and holographic catch the most light and photograph well for costumes and stage wear; matte and solid colors suit subtle, modern decor and cards. Some sequins are transparent or have a laser/hologram print. Specialty finishes like holographic or hand-dyed cost a little more, but most loose packs still land between $5 and $15.

Question 6

What is sequin trim and when should I use it?

Accepted Answer

Sequin trim is a continuous strand or ribbon of pre-attached sequins you sew or glue along an edge, hem, or seam, which is far faster than placing sequins one at a time. Single-row strands suit necklines and card borders; multi-row mesh sequin banding covers wider areas on costumes and headbands. Sold by the yard or in spools, trim usually runs $5-$18 depending on width and finish. Check whether it stretches before using it on knit fabric.

Sequins: Cup, Flat, Paillettes & Trim

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