How to Clean Metallic Sequin Fabric
How to Clean Metallic Sequin Fabric
Metallic sequin fabric is a shiny, sparkly fabric used to decorate clothing, costumes, and other textiles.metal sequin fabric It is available in many different colors and sizes, and it can be woven into a variety of fabrics to create clothing, jewelry, shoes, and other accessories. It can also be made into wall hangings, curtains, table runners, and other decorations for homes and events. However, like any decorative fabric, it must be carefully cleaned to keep it looking new. Most sequined materials are not suited for being tossed in the washing machine and need to be dry cleaned instead.
Sequins have been around for a long time.metal sequin fabric Punched metal disks were used to ornament clothes as early as 2500BC, and gold sequins were found in King Tutankhamun's burial garments. During the Renaissance, nobility sewed gold sequins and precious gems to their clothing in intricate patterns as a neon status symbol. Leonardo da Vinci even sketched out a plan for a sequin machine, which would punch sheets of metal into small, thin discs that could be sewn on to clothing. These were referred to as sequins rather than spangles, since they were solid disks (whereas coiled spangles have seams).
Gelatin sequins became the embellishment of choice in the 1920's - their bright twinkling twinkled with every shimmy and shake of a flapper dress.metal sequin fabric But the heavy weight of so many glittering disks didn't make for the most comfortable gowns, and the advent of World War II put a stop to European gelatin production. In the '50s, costumers began experimenting with plastic alternatives to metal. Mylar and acetate sequins were developed as cheaper, lighter, and more easily produced versions of metal. These were the first sequins to morph from elite status symbols into kitschy pop culture icons, worn by all-star entertainment (Elton John, Tina Turner, legions of drag queens) to ordinary celebrations (festivalgoers, Christmas party goers).
Today, the most common type of sequin is the tiny, circular, metal beads that adorn so many dance outfits.metal sequin fabric Depending on the color and size, they can be subtle or striking. These days, sequins are most often used in dresses and jumpsuits. Other sequin fabric types include 3mm sequins glued to a lightweight stretch nylon mesh backing, and scale-shaped transfer sequins on a 4-way stretch metallic spandex knit that's perfect for performance costumes and cosplay.
Regardless of which type of sequin fabric is being used, they all have the same end-of-life problem: They require energy to produce, and are not biodegradable.metal sequin fabric The fossil fuels that are burned to extract and refine petroleum-based thermoplastics wreak havoc on the planet, emitting greenhouse gases, polluting air and water, degrading and destroying habitats, and disrupting wildlife in myriad other ways.