In Surat's thriving ethnic fashion market, manual hand-application of sequins (sitara) and smocking elastic gathering is too slow to meet volume demand. Integrating automated sequin dispensing heads and electronic smocking devices onto multi-head embroidery and multi-needle chainstitch machines delivers fast, repeatable results.
1. Automated Sequin Feeding Attachments
An automated sequin device feeds spooled sequin tape (available in 3mm, 5mm, 7mm, or reversible flip sequins) directly beneath the embroidery needle.
- Feeding Mechanism: A pneumatic or stepper-motor actuated tape claw advances the sequin strip by exactly one hole interval per stitch.
- Chopper Blade: A precision micro-shearing blade cuts the holding bridge cleanly without burring the plastic edge.
- Needle Synchronization: The needle must penetrate the center hole of the sequin and secure it with lockstitches before the tape retracts.
2. Multi-Needle Smocking Devices
Electronic smocking devices attach to multi-needle chainstitch machines (such as 12-needle or 33-needle units) to create intricate elasticated shirring and geometric smocking patterns across garment bodices, sleeves, and baby frocks.
- Cam-driven guide bars shift colored decorative top threads sideways between needles, forming diamond, wave, and honeycomb patterns.
- Elastic bobbin thread pulls the fabric into uniform elasticated puckers upon exiting the machine bed.
Maintenance & Care
- Chopper Blade Sharpness: Dull chopper blades bend sequins rather than cutting them, resulting in machine feed jams. Sharpen or replace cutter knives every 500 operating hours.
- Anti-Static Cleaning: Plastic sequin dust carries static charges. Clean optical sensors with alcohol swabs daily to ensure accurate tape tracking.
