Sequin Phrase Sweatshirt DIY

I'm definitely a "glitter gal." Like a magpie to a shiny object, I tend to run towards anything that sparkles. I have a few full sequin dresses for special occasions, but I don't have any sequin adorned pieces that are more for an everyday look. I know, I know, it's a tough job to create sequin sweatshirts for my 9-5, but somebody's got to do it...

Supplies:
-sweatshirt
-sequin trim
-needle and thread
-fabric glue
-marker

Step One: First, choose a cursive handwritten font (I used this one) and print your phrase the size you want it to appear on your sweatshirt.

Step Two: Use scissors or an X-Acto knife to cut out your letters to make a template for your sequins. Place it where you want your phrase to be and use a marker to trace the middle of your phrase.

Step Three: Place some fabric glue on the left side of the marker outline and set your sequin trim on top of the glue (you want the whole phrase to be outlined with one row of sequins when you're done).

Step Four: Once you have one row of sequins completed, use your fabric glue to place another line of glue on the right side of your marker line. Take your sequin trim, make a U-turn at the end of your phrase, and trace your phrase backwards by placing the trim on the glue (you'll want the rows to overlap a bit). When you get back to the beginning, trim your excess and fold your end sequin under the second-to-last sequin (on both the beginning and end of your strand) and glue in place.

Step Five: Once the glue is dry, use a needle and thread to secure your phrase to the sweatshirt by sewing every third or fourth sequin to the actual sweatshirt. This extra step gives the phrase some added durability in the wash.

Note: Depending on your phrase and letters you choose, you may get to a spot where you have to backtrack over the same spot to get to the next letter (like I had to on part of my "O"). Just glue your row on top of itself if you have to backtrack so you don't end up more than two rows wide in that spot.

This project was actually way easier than I thought it would be! I think gluing the trim down before you sew it to the sweatshirt really helps make that part easier. And, since the glue takes a bit to fully dry, you can still make some placement adjustments before the glue sets.

This would be a really cute idea for making matching sweatshirts as well, since it's a pretty quick process (like for a team or bridal party). Of course the phrase that I chose is cat-related. Big surprise. Maybe I'll start a side business of sparkly cat apparel called "Kitty Glitter." (Hold for laughter). THANK YOU, GOODNIGHT! xo. Laura

Credits // Author: Laura Gummerman, Photography: Laura Gummerman and Sarah Rhodes
Photos edited with Piper from the Signature Collection