Alignment and Placement Issues

One of the biggest issues in sequin embroidery is misaligned sequins. When spacing is off, the design loses its clean, symmetrical look, causing uneven reflections and gaps in the pattern.

This can happen due to incorrect machine settings, fabric shifting, or poorly digitized paths that don’t match sequin size or spacing.

At Mahi Digitizing, we carefully calculate sequin placement, size, and orientation to ensure consistent alignment from start to finish.

Our digitized files are tested for specific sequin machines to eliminate missteps in positioning and ensure a flawless sparkle every time.

We also guide clients on stabilizers and hooping techniques to keep fabric steady during the stitching process.

Sequin Breakage or Loss

Broken or missing sequins are frustrating and costly, often caused by poor thread tension, high-speed stitching, or cheap sequin materials.

Sharp needles or excessive friction can crack the plastic base of a sequin, especially on thinner garments.

We solve this by optimizing needle drop points and adjusting stitch angles to avoid direct hits on sequin centers.

Additionally, we advise clients on using high-quality sequins that withstand machine stress and look vibrant through wear and wash.

Backing material also plays a role—strong stabilizers prevent puckering and unnecessary tension on the sequin line.

Machine Compatibility Challenges

Not all embroidery machines are designed to handle sequins. Some require add-ons or attachments, while others lack the right needle system or stitch sequence control.

If the digitized file is not tailored to your specific hardware, the machine may skip stitches, jam, or misplace sequins entirely.

At Mahi Digitizing, we ask for your machine brand, sequin type, and diameter before preparing your file to ensure maximum compatibility.

We support formats for Tajima, Barudan, SWF, and other major models that offer sequin functionality and know how to customize files accordingly.

Our team stays updated on machine firmware and capabilities to make sure the file runs efficiently with minimal errors.

Design Limitations with Sequin Embroidery

Sequins are stunning, but they come with design limitations. Intricate details, small text, and high-density patterns don’t translate well with sequins.

Too many overlapping or tightly packed sequins can cause tangles, skipped stitches, or dull shine due to poor light reflection.

Our solution is to simplify sequin designs and incorporate them strategically—either for outlines, accents, or as fill for larger shapes.

We often blend sequin embroidery with traditional threadwork to preserve fine details while still adding a touch of glam.

During consultation, we help you decide which parts of your artwork are suitable for sequins and which should use satin or fill stitches.

Thread Breaks and Needle Jams

• Excessive machine speed causes missed or bent stitches.
• Improper needle size increases breakage risk through sequins.
• Inadequate tension settings damage both thread and sequins.
• Cheap thread frays quickly under friction and strain.
• Poor digitizing ignores ideal stitch paths and causes erratic movements.

Our digitizers create clean, efficient paths with optimized entry and exit points to reduce wear and tear on both machine and materials.

We also recommend polyester threads for durability and recommend needle sizes suitable for your fabric and sequin type.

Tips to Achieve the Best Sequin Results

Sequin embroidery can be glamorous and durable when approached the right way. Follow these expert tips for success:

• Use quality sequins with reinforced centers.
• Choose a proper stabilizer based on fabric stretch.
• Keep machine speed moderate for better control.
• Use sharp needles that match sequin material and thickness.
• Work with experienced digitizers who specialize in sequin formatting.

At Mahi Digitizing, we fine-tune every design to your project needs—whether for fashion, dancewear, accessories, or promotional items.

Partner with Mahi Digitizing for Flawless Sequin Work

Sequin embroidery demands more than sparkle—it requires expertise, precision, and machine-smart design. That’s where we come in.

At Mahi Digitizing, we help fashion brands, embroidery shops, and apparel makers deliver stunning sequin details with minimal complications.

Whether you’re working on bridalwear, streetwear, or custom caps, our team ensures each sequin sparkles exactly where it should.

Request a quote or get in touch to start your next sequin embroidery project with confidence.