Sequin Fabric Sewing Inspiration and Tips

Sequin fabrics. They look so shiny and pretty wrapped around the bolts in the fabric store. They call to you, oh the pretty things you can sew from me! But sewing with sequin fabric is a lot different than sewing on regular fabric. The same shiny sequins that make the fabric so pretty can also complicate sewing on it. But don’t let that stop you. You just need to be prepared so your sequin sewing project will turn out how you like.

If you’ve never sewed on sequin fabric before, check out this post from Melly Sews. She gives 12 tips for working with sequin fabric. In addition to the 12 tips, she tells about the main types of sequin fabric, the tools and sewing machine settings to use, and ways to finish it

And once you’ve got a plan for handling the sequin fabric, you can pick out the perfect project to make from it!

Melly Sews has a great tutorial showing how to make a lovely sequin skirt that’s pictured at the top of the post. It’s perfect for holiday parties or just going out. You can dress it up or down to suit the occasion. Her tutorial is a video so you can watch along and see how to make one for yourself! It’s a simple pattern that uses only straight cuts and straight seams.

Ruffled blog shows how you can sew a simple mermaid style skirt. The lines of the skirt are simple which makes that sequin fabric the star of this skirt. It’s perfect for any dressy party or formal occasion, and no one will believe that you made it yourself.

With this tutorial from Sweet Verbena, you can sew a gorgeous sequined clutch. It has a fold over top and a zipper closure, and is covered with sparkly sequin fabric. It’ll be your go-to bag for any special occasion so you can easily carry your phone and other essentials with you.

This fidget pillow by Swoodson Says is made from reverse sequin fabric. When you run your fingers against the grain of the sequins, they reverse and show another color or pattern on the back side of the sequins. You can even draw simple designs or letters in the sequins. How fun is that!

[photo credit: Melly Sews]

Next Pattern:

A few months ago, I wrote ” That Time a Thrift Store Employee Yelled at Me – And Changed How I See Thrift Flips Forever”

My inbox was flooded with messages from all of you, some agreeing, some furious, and many sharing your own thrifting wake-up calls. Today, I want to revisit the debate with your voices front and center.

The Incident That Started It All

If you missed the original article, here’s the gist: I was browsing my local thrift store for vintage linens (my weakness) when an employee called me out for being a “TikTok flipper.” She wasn’t wrong—I had repurposed thrifted finds before—but her frustration hit hard: “These used to be $ $20.$ because of people like you.”

Ouch.

I left that day with my fabric and a guilty conscience. But after hearing from hundreds of you, I realized this isn’t just about me—it’s a big, messy issue with valid points on both sides.

What You Told Me: The For & Against Thrift Flipping Debate

“Thrift Flipping is Gentrification – Period.”

From readers who sided with the thrift store employee:

“I work at a Salvation Army, and it’s INFURIATING to watch resellers clear out our plus-size section just to chop it up for ‘aesthetic’ crop tops. Those clothes were someone’s only affordable option.” – M., Ohio

“My mom raised three kids on thrift store clothes. Now? She can’t even afford to shop there. The ‘sustainable’ crowd priced out the people who actually need these stores.” – Anonymous

“If you want to upcycle, go to the ‘damaged’ bin. Leave the wearable stuff for people who can’t afford to be picky.” – R., Texas

“But Thrift Flipping Is Sustainable – Don’t Shame Creativity!”

From readers who pushed back:

“I’ve been flipping thrifted clothes for 15 years—long before TikTok. Thrift stores have always had resellers. Blame corporations, not crafters.” – L., Portland

“I’m a college student. Thrift flipping lets me afford ‘new’ clothes. Should I feel guilty for not being poor enough to ‘deserve’ thrift stores?” – Anonymous

“The real issue is overproduction. Fast fashion dumps 100B garments a year, but we’re fighting over who ‘deserves’ a $5 shirt?” – K., UK

And then there were the nuanced takes:

“I stopped flipping name-brand or plus-size items after reading your article. But I’ll still upcycle stained tablecloths or torn sheets—stuff nobody else would buy.” – J., Michigan

“Thrift stores themselves are the problem. They’re corporations now. My local shop is owned by a millionaire who jacks up prices, then blames ‘flippers’ for the backlash.” – Anonymous

Where Do We Go From Here?

After reading your messages, here’s where I’ve landed:

Blame the system, not the stitchers. Thrift stores are becoming corporations. Fast fashion is the root issue. But that doesn’t mean we’re powerless.
Be mindful. Ask: Is this item still usable as-is? Could someone else need it more? If yes, maybe leave it.
Get loud about the real villains. Petition thrift stores to cap prices. Boycott brands like Shein. Support actual charity shops.

Your Turn

This isn’t a black-and-white issue, and I’m not here to lecture. But after hearing from you, I’m convinced: we can thrift flip ethically—if we’re willing to adapt.

So tell me: Have you changed how you thrift since this debate started? Drop your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep this conversation going.