Sequins?

[Mermaid Menanna]

I've seen a lot of threads that talk about using sequins to decorate tails and accessories meant to be worn in the water. My question is, how to best attach them and how well do they hold up/long do they last? I am soon to get started on making my first spandex tail and would love to use sequins to hide seams and as scales, but I don't want to be replacing them every time I swim. I've had many sequin pageant dresses over the yrs and they were a pain to maintain because the sequins often fell off or broke.

Thanks in advance for any tips/tricks you all can offer. :)

[Mermaid Jewel]

You're always going to have to repair it. Sequins will always fall off and break, but, for me, I chose the look and beauty of it despite the maintenance. And I've been pleased with it so far, it's a gorgeous effect!

Generally, people have either sewn or glued their sequins on with E6000 glue. Hand-sewing takes a very long time! However you can sew straight through the sequins in a machine, just make sure it's through a wide enough part of it. I'm gluing mine down.

Good luck! :)

[Mermaid Menanna]

Thanks Jewel. I think I'll skip the sequins until maybe my next tail, lol. I don't have enough time for that kind of maintenance nor the money for that kind of upkeep. Maybe when I move up to neoprene and know for sure I'll get to use it enough to make it worthwhile...

[Mermaid Danielle]

I'm hand sewing the sequins on my tail and it is taking forever! They look gorgeous though... I think waiting for neoprene might be a good idea. I'm sewing mine onto spandex, so we'll see how well it holds up...