A Quick Guide: How to Apply Rhinestones to Fabric

Adding rhinestones to any type of clothing adds a bedazzling effect. With every movement, the rhinestones send out a shimmer of light. Yet, bedazzled clothing is expensive.  However, once you see how easy it is to apply rhinestones to fabric, you’ll be bedazzling most of your wardrobe.

You can attach rhinestones to many objects:

• Clothing
• Shoes
• Coffee mugs
• Key fobs
• Sunglasses
• Home décor
• And much more

​Rhinestones add sparkle to every object you add them to. However, it can be very intimidating the first time you try to glue rhinestones. Many first-timers are afraid of using too much glue or gluing rhinestones in the wrong position. Once you learn the technique you need to follow, you’ll see how easy it is to bedazzle clothing. 

Choose the Right Rhinestones Glue

The most popular type of rhinestone is the non-hot fix also known as the flatback. To some, this term can be confusing because hotfix and sew-on rhinestones also have a flat back. Yet, manufacturers generally refer to flatback rhinestones as those needing glue or settings to attach them.
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Settings are pieces of metal with prongs to hold the rhinestone onto the fabric. You bend the prongs around the rhinestone to hold it into place. However, using glue is the most popular option for applying rhinestones.

First, you need to select an adhesive. There are many different rhinestone adhesives on the market. Your choice will depend on the object you’re blinging.

For instance, some glues work better on leather or glass. If you’re blinging a coffee mug or sneakers, you may want to use E 6000. This industrial-strength glue is great for a variety of surfaces:

• Fabrics
• Wood
• Glass
• Plastic
• Tile
• Metal
• Ceramic
• Cement
• Rubber
• Vinyl
• Leather

However, this glue tends to be gloppy and hard to apply. Plus, the manufacturer doesn’t recommend using it with acrylic rhinestones.

When applying rhinestones to fabric, you may want to use Gem-Tac. You can use this glue on an assortment of surfaces:

• Fabric
• Wood
• Suede
• Glass
• Vinyl
• Metal

This glue is much easier to use to bedazzle clothing and makes applying rhinestones a snap. It’s our favorite glue to use on fabric. Whichever adhesive you choose, be sure the manufacturer recommends it for use on fabric, it's washable, and dries clear. 

The Technique To Apply Rhinestones to Fabric

While choosing the right glue is important, there is also a technique for permanently attaching rhinestones. An improper gluing technique may cause your rhinestones to fall off, especially when you launder the garment.

When applying rhinestones to fabric, it’s very important to use enough glue. Often, first-timers use too little glue fearing the adhesive will be visible. However, all glues for use with rhinestones dry clear.

To begin with, pre-wash and dry your garment before you start gluing. Lay the garment as flat as possible. Sheer or thin fabrics may require a piece of wax paper between the layers of fabric. This prevents the glue from seeping through and inadvertently gluing layers together.

The drop of glue should be about the size of the rhinestone.  After you press the rhinestone into the glue, the glue should seep out from the edges. This makes a seal that helps keep the rhinestone from peeling off. One of the most common reasons for rhinestones falling off is this one, a lack of glue seal.

After you finish gluing all your rhinestones to your garment, always let dry flat for 24 hours before wearing. While some glues set in 10 minutes, it takes 24 hours for all glues to dry completely. 

 You’ll Need a Tool for Picking Up the Rhinestones

You’ll also need a tool for picking up the rhinestones. Many people use tweezers and these make an adequate tool. However, the glue will build up on the edges requiring frequent wiping. Moreover, be careful not to squeeze the tweezers too tightly or your rhinestone may go flying off.

Another tool is a wax tipped tool. The wax end easily picks up many types of embellishments including rhinestones. When you press the rhinestone into the glue drop, the rhinestone detaches from the tool. There are many variations of this implement from cheap to expensive.

Finding the Best Rhinestones for Your Project

Rhinestones are available in different types. You can buy acrylic, glass, and crystal rhinestones. Generally, you’ll want to use cheaper rhinestones where the quality isn’t are important, like a children’s craft project.  Likewise, you may want to use the more expensive brand-name rhinestones for more important occasions like a wedding. Plus, there are many good quality middle-of-the-road rhinestones.

You can find many quality rhinestone choices at Rhinestones Etc. With fast shipping, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service, we want to be your source for bling supplies.