spangle

Spangle is a small, flat decorative disc used to ornament fabric. Typically metal or plastic, spangles are designed to be attached to textiles through a hole that permits threading, or, in some modern variants, by an adhesive backing for crafts. They are often used on clothing, costumes, and accessories to create a reflective, shimmering surface. In practice, spangles are closely related to sequins, but they are generally described as larger, heavier, and more commonly sewn on.

Spangles come in a range of materials, finishes, and sizes. Common metals include brass and aluminum, while plastic variants offer a wider array of colors and effects. Finishes include polished metallic, iridescent, holographic, and color-coated options. Diameters typically span from a few millimeters to about a centimeter or more, and shapes are usually circular, though other motifs such as stars are also produced.

Production and use: Spangles are manufactured by stamping metal discs or molding plastic shapes, then applying coatings or finishes. They are attached to fabric by threading through the attachment hole and securing on the fabric’s wrong side. Some modern crafts use glue-based spangles, but sewn variants are favored for durability in costumes and heavy textiles. Spangles have historical prominence in stage and dance fashion, notably during the 1920s, and remain common in performance costumes, decorative textiles, and craft projects.