A sequin is a flat, usually disk-shaped bead that is stitched into the fabric in various patterns. The term originates from a colloquial Venetian nounzecchino(meaning a Venetian Ducat coin). This later rendered into sequin in French.

History of sequin fabrics

Historically people have used many items as decoration for their clothing. These additions made clothing more durable and attractive. Sequins and paillettes are embellishments that were also widely used. They are extensively used to elevate different fabrics, even today.

They were used widely throughout the history of humankind. There is ample evidence to show that they were used in the Indus Valley civilization as far back as 2500 BC! When King Tut’s (1341 BC- 1323 BC)tomb was discovered in 1922, sequin-like gold disks were found to be sewn into the royal garments! Their use is also documented in ancient China, the Americas, and the African continent.

Uses

In the past, sequins were mostly made up of shiny metal disks. They were widely used on a variety of clothing. They held the cloth intact and elevated the aesthetic appeal of the attire. They also made the clothing withstand the rigors of daily wear and tear.

In the early days, coins were woven into clothes to keep them close to the body and prevent theft.  They also came to be regarded as a status symbol in many cultures. In places like Peru, India, and Egypt, shiny sequin was worn to ward off evil spirits.

There are many ways to stitch sequins on the fabric. When stitched flat, they become immobile and become a part of the fabric and do not fall off easily. If stitched at one point, they dangle and can move, thereby catching more light.

Nowadays a wide range of materials goes into making sequin and sequin fabrics. They are also made in different geometrical shapes and colors, unlike the traditional disk-shaped ones. More often than not, plastic is used to make modern sequins.

Apart from its use insequin fabrics, it is used in a wide range of accessories such as bags, jewelry, shoes, curtains, etc. Modern designers have found creative uses for sequin, and their use has elevated many drab attire.

Sequin vs. Paillette

Sequins are sometimes referred to as paillettes, diamantes orspangles. They differ, though, in some aspects. Paillettes are just like sequins, but flatter and larger. Basically, a large, flat sequin is a paillette. They are usually used in the center of the attire to provide a focal point.

Sequins usually have holes in the center while spangles have holes on the top. Spangles are stitched to the fabric at one point. They dangle loosely and move. This creates a unique effect due to the light being reflected by each spangle. Large shiny spangles were used in billboards before neon lights came into existence.

Sequins have been some of the earliest embellishments to our clothing. They are as popular today as they were in the past. Creative designers have used them to great effect in their masterpieces. Sequins and sequin fabrics have become an indispensable part of the fashionable modern attire and accessories.