Frequently Asked Questions About Sustainable Sequins

Clear answers about choosing, using and caring for our recycled sequins, Punchinella and spool products.

Choosing the Right Sequins

Use the product title, selected options and these guides together to choose a shape, size and finish that work for your project.

How do I choose the best sequin shape for my project?

Start with the visual effect you want. Circles give classic all-over coverage; squares create a graphic tiled surface; triangles add direction; and oval, teardrop and pointed-oval shapes are especially useful for petal, leaf, feather and scale-like designs. Try a small arrangement on your fabric before committing to the full piece.

Which sequin size should I choose?

Smaller sequins suit detailed motifs, tighter curves and dense texture. Larger sequins cover more area and read more boldly from a distance. The exact dimension is in each product title; a test swatch is the most reliable way to judge scale, coverage and drape.

What is the difference between a centre hole and a side hole?

A centre hole creates an even, anchored look and is a useful choice for regular coverage. A side hole gives the sequin direction, which can create movement in layered, scale-like or fringed designs. Choose the fixing style shown on the selected product variant.

What is the difference between flat and cupped sequins?

Flat sequins sit smoothly against the textile. Cupped sequins add more dimension and reflect light from more angles. Availability varies by product, so use the selected variant and product photography as your guide.

How do I choose a colour and finish online?

Use the colour name, swatch, finish filter and selected variant together. Screen colours can vary, and some finishes are designed to shift with light or viewing angle, so test a small quantity first when you need a close match for an existing material or production run.

Using and Caring for Sequins

Different product formats suit different workflows. Test the selected product with your final textile and construction method before production.

What is the difference between loose sequins and sequins on the spool?

Loose sequins are intended for hand application and creative embellishment. Sequins on the spool are supplied as a continuous punched length for digital embroidery machines with compatible sequin attachments; they are not individually strung loose sequins.

Will spool sequins work with my embroidery machine?

Spool sequins are designed for digital embroidery machines with a compatible sequin attachment. Check the attachment specification, sequin size, feed direction and your machine manual before ordering. Always run a sample using your final fabric, stabiliser and design density.

How should I sew loose sequins?

Use a small, secure stitch through the fixing hole. For some centre-hole designs, a bead can help cover and protect the stitch. The best thread, needle and stitch depend on the sequin size and your fabric, so test on an offcut first.

How should I wash a finished sequin piece?

Gently hand wash finished work when needed. Avoid machine washing, steam and harsh chemicals, and always test your complete construction method before making or cleaning a final garment.

What is Punchinella and how can I use it?

Punchinella is the patterned material left after sequins are punched from film. It is supplied as a connected sheet or length rather than individual sequins, making it useful for textured overlays, trims and experimental surface work. Cut and test a small piece before finishing a full edge or motif.

Materials and Impact

We make it easy to identify the material and product format from the shop filters and product information.

What are recycled PET sequins?

Recycled PET sequins are decorative sequins made using PET film that contains recycled plastic. TSSC offers products made with either 20% recycled PET or 100% recycled PET. The exact material is stated in each product title and option.

What is the difference between 20% and 100% recycled PET?

The percentage describes the recycled content of the PET film. A 20% recycled PET product contains 20% recycled plastic, while a 100% recycled PET product uses fully recycled PET film. Available colours, shapes and finishes can differ, so check the exact product before ordering.

What recycled material is used in each product?

The material is stated in the product title and filters, including 20% recycled plastic and 100% recycled plastic options. Select the exact product and variant you need, as material, shape, colour and finish availability can differ across the range.

Are all shapes, colours and finishes available in both materials?

No. Availability depends on the product. Use the shop filters to narrow by material, shape, hole position, style, size, finish and colour; the visible products and product options show the combinations that can be selected.

What are Seconds?

Seconds are offered as a creative-use option when stock does not fit the usual first-quality range. They are best for projects where variation is welcome, such as samples, experiments, costume, art and one-off work. Read the product information and selected option carefully before ordering.

How are TSSC sequins manufactured?

The recycled PET film is produced in China. TSSC then punches and cuts the sequins in its UK workshop. This is why we describe the sequins as punched and cut in the UK rather than saying the film is made in the UK.

What biobased and biodegradable sequin research has TSSC been involved in?

TSSC has taken part in research and development work on biobased and biodegradable sequins with UK universities and project partners. These materials are in development and are not presented as products currently available to buy. Read the Sustainability page for the project history.

Where can I learn more about your sustainability work?

Visit our Sustainability page for more about our material choices, impact work and development of lower-impact alternatives.

Orders, Quantities and Support

The selected product option is always the source of truth for the item you are adding to cart.

What does the selected weight, quantity or length mean?

Choose the exact option shown on the product card or product page. Piece counts can vary with shape and size, while spool products are selected by length. The option label provides the most accurate guide to what you will receive.

How many sequins are in 5g, 10g, 25g, 50g or 100g?

The number varies because larger shapes weigh more than smaller shapes. Where a piece count is available, it is shown in the weight and quantity option for that product. Use that selected option as the most accurate guide rather than one general count for every sequin.

Why is an option unavailable?

An unavailable add-to-cart button means that the selected product combination is not currently available. Choose another displayed option or contact us if you need help finding a suitable alternative.

Can I request a different quantity or bespoke sequin?

Yes. If you need a quantity, shape, colour or production option that is not shown, please get in touch with your project details. We can help you identify the closest existing product or discuss a bespoke request.

Where can I get help choosing a product?

Send us your project details, including the intended application, fabric, preferred shape, size, colour and quantity. The more context you can share, the easier it is to recommend a suitable option.