Sequins are a staple in the crafting world, adding sparkle and glamour to various projects ranging from clothing and accessories to home decor and seasonal decorations.
With a wide range of shapes and finishes, sequins offer endless creative possibilities for crafters and artists.
To learn more on the subject we turned to Bill Mason from Holidays Lane
. Bill has been working with sequins making ornaments & decorative Easter eggs since 2017. He’s an expert in the different types of sequin finishes, so read on to find out about their unique characteristics and uses.
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The most common sequin shape: Slightly cupped
Sequins come in a variety of shapes like circles, squares, and fish scales, plus unique holiday shapes like holly and trees, but the ones that you probably think of when someone says “sequin” is a specific type known as “slightly cupped” sequins.
Slightly cupped sequins have a gentle curve or cup-like shape. Unlike flat sequins, which lay completely flat on a surface, slightly cupped sequins have a subtle concave shape that adds depth and dimension to their appearance.
This curved design allows them to catch and reflect light more effectively, creating a shimmering and sparkling effect. Their curved shape makes them versatile and appealing for adding a touch of glamour and sophistication to many different projects.
Understanding sequin finishes
Sequins come in a wide range of finishes, and each one gives you a different way to add to your projects. Some finishes create a rainbow of colors & reflections, adding dynamic and eye-catching elements, while others are more subtle.
Whether you’re looking to add glamour, depth, or a subtle shimmer to your creations, choosing the right sequin finish can make all the difference in achieving the right effect.
Here are some of the most common sequin finishes:
Satin finish sequins
Satin finish sequins feature a smooth and solid colored surface. These sequins have a soft sheen reminiscent of satin fabric, making them ideal for adding a touch of luxury to formalwear, evening gowns, and accessories like clutches and headbands.
Crafters often use satin finish sequins to embellish bridal wear, prom dresses, and other special occasion garments.
Iridescent finish sequins
Iridescent finish sequins reflect colors that change, shifting hues depending on the angle of light. These sequins have a pretty iridescence that adds depth and dimension. Whether used on costumes, dancewear, or craft projects, iridescent sequins create a striking visual impact.
Opaque iridescent finish sequins feature a solid, opaque color base with a subtle iridescent sheen. Unlike traditional iridescent sequins, which are transparent or translucent, opaque iridescent sequins offer more coverage and opacity.
Metallic finish sequins
Metallic finish sequins have a shiny, reflective surface that mimics the appearance of metal. Available in various metallic hues like gold, silver, and bronze, these sequins lend a glamorous touch to fashion accessories, party decorations, and holiday crafts.
Crafters often use metallic finish sequins in their designs to achieve a bold and statement-making look.
Hologram finish sequins
Hologram finish sequins show off a holographic effect, producing a dazzling rainbow-like shimmer when exposed to light.
These sequins create a futuristic aesthetic, making them a popular choices for costumes, festival attire, and themed party decorations. Crafters looking to add a touch of magic to their projects often turn to hologram finish sequins because they give you multiple color changes in the reflections.
For an article about glitter (and what happens if you eat it) click here.
Glossy finish sequins
Glossy finish sequins have a sleek and shiny surface that reflects light beautifully, creating a polished and refined look.
These sequins add a touch of glamour to accessories, home decor items, and DIY projects. Whether used sparingly as accents or arranged in intricate patterns, glossy finish sequins elevate the visual appeal of any craft project with their radiant shine.
Translucent finish sequins
Translucent finish sequins are semi-transparent, allowing light to pass through them partially.
These sequins create a subtle and ethereal effect, making them ideal for delicate designs or layer on top of each other to give a subtle color variation to a finished project.
To see what happened when I tried to make a sequin Christmas ornament, click here.
Sequins are versatile embellishments that offer endless creative possibilities. From satin and iridescent finishes to metallic and hologram effects, each type of sequin brings its own unique charm and character to craft projects.
To see how Bill uses sequins to create unique, sparkly ornaments and home décor pieces check out the Holidays Lane website HolidaysLane.com, Etsy shop, or the shop on Goimagine.