6 Best Sequins For Embellishing Knitwear To Try
Elevate your handmade garments with our top 6 picks for the best sequins for embellishing knitwear. Read our guide and start adding sparkle to your designs today!
Adding a touch of shimmer to knitwear transforms a simple stockinette sweater into a sophisticated statement piece. While many commercial yarns come pre-sequined, choosing to add your own embellishments offers unparalleled control over color, placement, and density. Success lies in balancing the weight of the sequin with the structural integrity of the yarn. Mastering these materials ensures that the final garment remains wearable, flexible, and free of unnecessary bulk.
Pre-Strung Sequin Thread: Best for Knitting In
Pre-strung sequin thread consists of tiny, lightweight sequins already threaded onto a fine, matching filament. This format allows the sequins to be carried along with the working yarn, effectively “knitting them in” as stitches are formed. It is the most seamless method for creating an all-over, subtle sparkle without the tedious labor of post-knitting application.
Because the sequins are pre-distributed, the distribution remains uniform throughout the fabric. This avoids the common issue of clumping or irregular spacing often seen with hand-sewn embellishments. It works beautifully with fingering or lace-weight yarns, provided the yarn is not so fuzzy that it obscures the shine.
- Tradeoff: The sequins are fixed in place, meaning there is no opportunity to adjust the density once the stitch is cast.
- Best Practice: Choose a matching or neutral thread color to ensure the filament disappears into the yarn structure.
Cousin DIY Flat Sequins: Top Choice for Sewing
Cousin DIY flat sequins are the industry standard for surface embellishment due to their consistency and ease of handling. These sequins lie completely flush against the fabric, making them ideal for garments intended for layering under coats or jackets. Because they lack a raised edge, they are far less likely to snag on jewelry or other knitwear.
These are particularly effective when creating focal points, such as an embellished collar or cuffs. Because they have a small center hole, they can be secured with a single stitch or a bead, allowing for a clean, professional finish. The flatness ensures that the weight remains distributed across the stitch, preventing the knit fabric from sagging or distorting.
- Tip: Use a sewing thread that matches the base color of the yarn to prevent the attachment point from becoming a focal point.
- Caution: Avoid using these on highly stretchy areas like ribbed hems, as the flat profile may pop off if the fabric is over-stretched.
Darice Cupped Sequins: Best for Added Dimension
Cupped sequins possess a slight concave shape, which captures light from multiple angles and adds significant texture. Unlike flat options, these offer a prismatic effect that gives knitwear a high-end, couture appearance. The cup design also acts as a tiny protective housing for the thread used to attach them, reducing the risk of wear and tear.
These are ideal for heavy-gauge knits where a delicate flat sequin might disappear into the yarn’s texture. The raised profile holds its own against bulkier fibers like wool blends or cotton chains. However, they do add weight to the piece, so consider the drape of the garment before covering large surface areas.
- Strategic Use: Place these in high-light areas of the garment, such as the yoke or sleeves, to maximize their reflective potential.
- Material Note: Cupped sequins can be slightly sharper on the edges than flat ones; ensure the garment is not designed for sensitive skin areas.
Large Center-Hole Paillettes: For Bold Glamour
Paillettes are essentially oversized sequins that make a dramatic, high-fashion impact. Due to their size, they are typically attached at the top hole rather than the center, allowing them to dangle and sway with the wearer’s movement. They function more like fabric charms than traditional sequins.
Using paillettes requires a sturdy base yarn, as the weight of the material can pull at the knitting. They are best suited for evening wear or statement accessories where structural drape is less of a priority than visual impact. When working with paillettes, always consider the stretch of the knitâtoo much movement will cause the paillettes to overlap awkwardly.
- Weight Check: Ensure your base fabric is firm, perhaps by using a slightly smaller needle size, to support the added mass of the paillettes.
- Pro Tip: Use a double strand of sewing thread for added security, as these larger items are prone to catching and pulling.
ArtMinds Sequin Jars: The Best Variety Pack
For knitters who enjoy experimenting with mixed-media design, sequin jars offer a diverse range of shapes, sizes, and finishes in a single package. This is an excellent choice for beginners who aren’t yet sure which style suits their personal aesthetic. Having a variety on hand allows for “auditioning” different sequins against a yarn swatch before committing to the full project.
While variety packs are convenient, they often contain mixed qualities. Always inspect the sequins for rough edges or factory debris, as these can snag delicate wool fibers. Using a mix of sizes from the same jar can add a sophisticated, organic texture to a knit piece that uniform sequins cannot achieve.
- Decision Framework: Use the jars for practice or small-scale embellishment. For a large, consistent garment, buy bulk packs from a single batch to ensure color matching.
Iridescent Film Sequins: For An Ethereal Shine
Iridescent film sequins create a soft, color-shifting glow that pairs exceptionally well with mohair or silk-blend yarns. These are often lighter than standard plastic sequins, making them perfect for garments that require a light, airy touch. They are less about harsh sparkle and more about subtle, shifting depth.
Because they are made from thin film, they can be more delicate. They are not the best choice for high-friction areas like the underarms or cuffs, where they may eventually dull or crack. Reserve them for upper-body embellishment or decorative motifs where they can float above the fabric.
- Care Warning: Avoid high-heat blocking or aggressive steaming, as the heat can cause the iridescent coating to warp or flake.
How to Choose Sequins for Your Yarn Weight
The relationship between sequin size and yarn weight is the most critical factor in successful embellishment. As a rule, use smaller sequins for fine-gauge yarns and larger, heavier sequins for chunky-weight yarns. If a sequin is too large for the stitch, it will overwhelm the fabric and create a distorted, heavy feel.
If working with a thin, smooth yarn, stick to flat sequins that won’t disrupt the stitch definition. For rustic, heavy wools, you have more freedom to use cupped or dimensional sequins, as the fiber itself is substantial enough to hold the weight. Always swatch first; treat the swatch as a miniature test of both the look and the structural integrity of the fabric.
- The Weight Test: Hold your swatch vertically. If the fabric sags or pulls significantly after attaching a row of sequins, you have chosen a material that is too heavy for the yarn.
Knitting vs. Sewing: How to Attach Sequins
Knitting in sequins involves pre-stringing them onto the yarn before casting on or picking them up as you work. This is highly efficient for all-over coverage but restricts you to the specific spacing of the pre-strung thread. It is best for simple patterns, as navigating complex cables or lace while managing sequins can lead to tension issues.
Sewing sequins after the garment is complete is a slow, meditative process that allows for complete creative freedom. You can cluster them for density, create gradients, or highlight specific motifs like cables or bobbles. While more time-consuming, this method poses less risk to the original knit fabric, as you can easily remove or reposition items.
- Tradeoff: Pre-strung sequins are faster, while sewn-on sequins are more customizable.
Caring for Your Embellished Knit Garments
Embellished knitwear requires a gentler touch than standard woolens. Always hand wash in cool water with a mild wool wash, taking care not to rub the sequined areas against each other. Never wring or twist the garment, as this can snap the threads holding the sequins or crack the sequins themselves.
Storage is equally important. Lay the garment flat, as hanging a heavy, sequined sweater will cause the fabric to stretch out of shape and potentially pop the stitches holding the embellishments. If you must fold it, use acid-free tissue paper between the layers to prevent the sequins from snagging the yarn on the back of the fabric.
- Cleaning Hack: Use a small, soft-bristled brush to gently remove dust or lint from the sequined areas without disturbing the threads.
Tools You Need for Adding Sequins to Knits
To attach sequins successfully, you need more than just a needle and thread. A fine-gauge sewing needle, typically a size 10 or 12, is essential for passing through the small center holes without splitting the yarn. Use a nylon-coated beading thread or a high-quality, bonded polyester sewing thread for maximum durability.
For pre-strung sequins, a small crochet hook is your best friend for pulling the sequin into the correct position on the stitch. Keep a pair of sharp embroidery scissors handy for trimming threads close to the work. Investing in a small, organized tray for your sequins will save you from spending more time picking sequins off the floor than sewing them onto your garment.
- Essential Kit: Needles, matching polyester thread, sharp embroidery scissors, and a partitioned tray for sorting materials.
With the right materials and a methodical approach, sequin embellishment can turn any basic knit into a cherished heirloom. Focus on fiber weight and secure attachment to ensure your work withstands the test of time and wear. Choose your sequins with the same care you choose your yarn, and the results will be nothing short of professional.
