| Tajima... Leaders in sequin attachment Then, Now, and in the Future |
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Fashion with sequins has always displayed elegance and style all its own, reminding people of the glamorous side of life. Part of its allure used to be the painstaking way in which sequins had to be applied, each one sewn on by hand. Early on, the engineers at Tajima saw that sequins application could be automated process using an embroidery machine with specialized equipment. In 1986 Tajima pioneered the modern day automatic reel-type sequins attachment device that made it very easy for sequins attachment to be delivered within the embroidery sewing process and also within a digitized design. As advanced as the original process was, it had some limitations compared to today’s sophisticated sequins applications. The device only ran at 600 rpm, the system only allowed the use of flat, round 6.8mm and 5.0mm sequins and it used PVC sequins that were soft for easy processing, but degraded in heat and light. Tajima began to look for a more durable material that could be cut. The material they settled on -PET - was used on many industries due to its long life and resistance to the elements, but the downside was that it was hard to cut with existing means. Tajima immediately solved the problem through the development of its own PET sequins press called the TSQ. The TSQ made the application of high quality sequins a reality and significantly increased the usage of sequins in fashion. |
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 Older sequins device |
Today’s sequin device |
TSQ |
| International demand of sequins is increasing
Today, thanks to Tajima sequins are used throughout the world as a fashion statement on everything from traditional sequined garments such as gowns to new informal use on caps and t-shirts. In Europe, 70% to 80% of embroidery machines use sequins attachments, especially within the high fashion marketplace on small lots. Even though the shimmer associated with small sequins (3.0mm) was popular a few years ago, there recently has been a return to large designs using sequins of 6.8mm to 7.0mm. In Asia - specifically Pakistan - the popularity of sequins has exploded with almost 100% of embroidery machines fitted with the device to keep up with demand. Most of these sequined fashions are either exported to Europe and America or made into a domestic type of dress called SKD that is used as a formal dress for parties and events. Generally the size of sequins used in Pakistan is 5.0mm. |
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 European sequins fashion |
 Pakistani SKD |
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