Embellished Velvet Explained: Sequin, Rhinestone, Glitter & Shimmer Velvet

Embellished velvet fabric is velvet that has been decorated with sequins, rhinestones, glitter, beads, embroidery or metallic threads to add sparkle on top of its soft pile. It pairs velvet’s plush texture and deep color with light-catching detail, which makes it a favorite for evening wear, costumes and holiday décor.

This guide explains the four most popular kinds of embellished velvet and how to choose the right one. Every embellished velvet starts with the same pile structure explained in what velvet fabric is and how it’s woven, sewn and cared for, so those basics still apply once sparkle is added.

What Is Embellished Velvet Fabric?

Embellished velvet fabric is any velvet with decoration added to the pile or woven into the cloth. The velvet base is usually polyester or stretch polyester with spandex, which is strong enough to hold the extra weight of sequins, stones or beadwork.

Velvet embellishments fall into two groups:

• Applied embellishments sit on top of the pile: sequins, rhinestones, glitter, beads and embroidery.
• Built-in embellishments are part of the fabric itself, like metallic threads in shimmer velvet or metallic velvet.

The type of embellishment changes the fabric weight, stretch and texture, so it decides how the fabric sews and wears.

Do Sequins and Velvet Go Together?

Yes, sequins and velvet go together very well. Velvet’s matte, light-absorbing pile makes reflective sequins look brighter, while the sequins stop deep-colored velvet from looking flat. That contrast of soft and shiny is why sequin velvet is a staple for party dresses, dance costumes and holiday outfits.

To keep the look balanced, let one element lead. A sequin velvet dress works best with simple accessories, and a plain velvet skirt pairs well with a sequin top.

What Is Sequin Velvet Fabric and How Is It Made?

Sequin velvet fabric is velvet with small sequins stitched across its surface, usually in rows or an all-over pattern. The sequins are usually sewn on by sequin embroidery machines, which stitch each disc to the velvet backing so it stays put through wear and movement.

Sequin velvet is often made on a stretch velvet base, which keeps it comfortable for fitted garments. Sequin on velvet fabric comes in finishes from classic gold and black to iridescent sequins that shift color as you move.

What Makes Rhinestone Velvet Different from Other Velvet Fabrics?

Rhinestone velvet is velvet decorated with faceted stones that sparkle like gems, rather than flat sequins or fine glitter. A rhinestone is traditionally faceted glass made to imitate a diamond, as Encyclopaedia Britannica explains. Today, acrylic stones are common too.

Rhinestones are usually attached with heat-set (hotfix) glue or sewn-on settings. That gives rhinestone velvet a raised, three-dimensional sparkle and more weight than other embellished velvets. It’s popular for bodices, dance and skating costumes, and statement trims.

What Is Glitter Velvet and Where Is It Used?

Glitter velvet is velvet with a fine glitter finish bonded to the pile, creating an all-over sparkle without the raised texture of sequins or stones. It feels close to plain velvet but catches light in tiny flecks.

Many glitter velvets are made on a stretch velvet base. Our champagne glitter velvet, for example, is polyester with 20% spandex and four-way stretch. Like other glittery fabrics, glitter velvet is used for evening dresses, skirts, hair bows, scrunchies, costumes and backdrops.

Expect a little glitter to shed, especially when cutting. Work over a sheet or table you can wipe down.

What Is Shimmer Velvet and What Makes It Unique?

Shimmer velvet gets its sheen from metallic or iridescent threads built into the fabric, not from anything added on top. The result is a soft, even glow rather than sharp sparkle.

Because nothing is glued or stitched on, shimmer velvet keeps velvet’s full drape and stretch. Our red shimmery stretch velvet, for instance, is 90% polyester and 10% spandex with four-way stretch. That makes shimmer velvet the easiest embellished velvet to sew and the most comfortable to wear for long events.

How to Choose the Best Embellished Velvet Fabric for Your Project

Choose embellished velvet by how much sparkle you want and how much the fabric needs to move.

Also check the fabric stretch, weight and care before you buy. Heavier embellishments need sturdier seams and gentler cleaning.

A few handling tips apply to every embellished velvet:

• Order a sample first: Sparkle, color and stretch look different in person than on screen.
• Cut in a single layer: With old scissors, since sequins and glitter dull blades quickly.
• Clear the seam allowance: Snip or pull sequins and stones out of the seam line so your needle doesn’t break.
• Press from the wrong side only: On low heat, to protect the pile and any heat-set stones.

FAQs

Is embellished velvet suitable for everyday clothing?

Light embellishments like shimmer velvet work for everyday pieces such as tops and skirts. Sequin and rhinestone velvets are better saved for special occasions because they’re heavier and need gentler care.

Can embellished velvet fabric be used for evening gowns?

Yes. Sequin velvet and glitter velvet are popular for evening gowns, prom dresses and formal wear. Choose a stretch velvet base for fitted gowns so the dress moves comfortably.

Is embellished velvet difficult to sew?

It takes more care than plain velvet. Remove sequins or stones from the seam allowances, use a zipper or walking foot, and cut in a single layer. Shimmer and glitter velvets are the easiest to sew.

What is the difference between embellished velvet and plain velvet?

Plain velvet relies on its pile for texture and sheen. Embellished velvet adds decoration, such as sequins, rhinestones, glitter or metallic threads, for extra sparkle, weight and visual detail.

Does sequin velvet fabric stretch?

It depends on the base. Sequin velvet made on stretch velvet usually has some stretch, often two-way. The sequins themselves don’t stretch, so it’s less stretchy than plain stretch velvet.

Can rhinestones fall off velvet fabric over time?

Yes, glued rhinestones can loosen with friction, heat or washing. Sewn-on stones last longer. Hand-washing, avoiding high heat and reattaching loose stones quickly will help them stay put.

Is glitter velvet fabric suitable for formal dresses?

Yes. Glitter velvet gives formal dresses an all-over sparkle while keeping velvet’s drape and stretch. It suits gowns, cocktail dresses and bridesmaid looks.

How do you prevent embellishments from damaging velvet?

Turn embellished velvet inside out to wash, press only from the wrong side on low heat, and store garments hanging with space around them. Avoid folding, which can crush the pile and bend sequins.