Paillettes and Sequins – What’s the Difference?

Something small and flat to stitch onto needlepoint – that’s what I need.

You’d think this would be easy, but it can be confusing because there are different types as well as two different terms used for them.

“Paillette” is usually a dressmaker’s term referring to small, flat, round disks with a hole in the middle sewn onto garments. In fact dictionary.com calls them sequins. In needlework Kreinik uses this term to refer to their real metal disks made from real silver or gold.

Recently they had an outstanding blog post about using them. Much of the advice also works for sequins. In the picture you can see them on an piece.

Outside of needlepoint a sequin usually is cupped, like the picture above, instead of flat. These can be sewn on, but if you group them, they will not be as flat.

In needlepoint you will also find flat sequins, such as the ones I used on this package. These came from The Collection. Sundance Designs also makes flat sequins. Made from mylar or plastic and sometimes other shapes or decorated, the round ones could also be called paillettes.

Confused yet?

Just remember these things:

• Flat is easier to attach than cupped.
• Real metal comes from Kreinik and will be thicker and heavier.
• Cupped sequins can be used in needlework.