For my daughter’s wedding dress, we’re using a chiffon with a sequins design for the outer, fashion fabric. Can anybody recommend an efficient way to remove the sequins in the seams allowance before sewing? They appear to be held on by some kind of chain stitch. I’ve tried using a seam ripper and embroidery scissors, but both are very tedious and I’m constantly afraid I’m going to pull the fabric.
I plan to stay stitch before sewing French seams in the skirt and trimming and using Fray Check on the curved seams in the bodice. Thanks!
Replies
there's no way around some tasks. i prefer a #11 exacto blade; easier to pick the threads quickly. but you still have to pull out the sequins with your nails or tweezers; pliers are more bulky but a re good to crush beads if the sequins are beaded on. this chore is one reason these dresses cost so much.
As the previous writer said, you crush the beads, etc. I may have misunderstood, but it sounded like you were cutting the thread. Try to remove the beads, sequins without doing that or you can unravel more than you want.
usually it's easy to pull off sequins at seam line while leaving enough thread to catch in the seam when you sew it up. you can also replace some sequins after the dress is finished if there are noticable gaps. use Sobo or Gemtac glue if time is a problem.
A sharp pair of kitchen or utility scissors will snip right through the sequin so that it slips off the thread without breaking the thread. In the right mood and the right light (and maybe with the right music, tea, and company) you can remove a lot of sequins pretty quickly this way.
Thanks everyone! I had wondered about using an x-acto. And I love the tea and music idea -- that's how I get my Christmas wrapping done!
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