How To Make Rhinestone Templates The Cheap And Easy Way

Sometimes when you want a simple answer you find solutions requiring a lot of money. For example, let’s look at how to make rhinestone templates to create bedazzled clothing. Google it and you’ll find instructions using a cutter machine, transfer sheets, backing board, template paper, and computer software. Sounds complicated and expensive.
​
However, you can make templates for under $20. Plus, you can use these templates for glue on rhinestones. You only need a few tools: a metal hollow hole punch set, hammer, and a self-healing paper cutting board. Alternately, you can also use a block of wood instead of the cutting board and save yourself even more money. 
​

Why Use Rhinestone Templates?

Generally, applying rhinestones to clothing occurs in a pattern. You may be creating an object or words using rhinestones. A template helps you to maintain the symmetry and spacing between rhinestone easily.
​
Often, you can find pictures or symbols by searching through embroidery or pattern books. Dover Publishing contains a wide variety of pattern design books. Additionally, we offer several free rhinestone templates that you can download. 
​

Word Templates

Tee shirts with your message emblazoned on them are trendy. Blinged out clothing is both chic and in style. But, have you priced bedazzled clothing? It’s expensive! Yet, you can make your own when easily by using a template.

Word processing programs make creating word templates super easy. Plus, you can choose from a variety of fonts and letter sizes. Moreover, you can print your word on a piece of graph paper to help with the spacing of the rhinestones. 
​

​
Animal and Symbol Templates

Furthermore, you can make more than just word templates. Let’s say you want to add a bird, heart, or dragon to a tee shirt. You can find drawings of many of these objects online for free. Simply search online for free vector line drawings. Additionally, children’s coloring books or stencils are more great sources.
 
Once you’ve got your copy, you simply punch evenly spaced holes in the outline of your image. First, place the copy of the image on your cutting board and position a punch tool. Then, tap the top of the punch tool several times with the hammer. Continue making holes around the perimeter, spacing the holes as needed.

Next, take your template and lay it flat on your shirt. You can use a piece of chalk to mark the position of rhinestones or simply lay rhinestones inside the holes. Remove the template and make any necessary adjustments to the spacing and placement of the rhinestones. Then, you’re ready to  glue them into place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinestones

Often, our customers ask us the same types of questions. We’ve put together our most commonly asked ones.

Which Type Of Rhinestones Should I Use For My Project?
​
For years, many consumers have used Swarovski Rhinestones for their projects. Known for the production of quality embellishments, it was the brand to buy. Unfortunately, several months ago, the company began a restructuring project that would take them out of the retail market.

However, the Preciosa brand has a far longer crystal making tradition than Swarovski. Preciosa draws upon over 470 years of glassmaking tradition from independent artisans. In 1948, these separate factories merged into one company.

Plus, many other lesser-known manufacturers produce crystal, glass, or acrylic rhinestones.  In particular, the Asian markets produce both MC and DMC rhinestones in glass and crystal with different price points. Quality and grading vary among manufacturers, so when in doubt, check online reviews. If possible, try to obtain a sample.
​

What Is The Best Rhinestone Adhesive?
​
Undoubtedly, the most popular method of attaching rhinestones to clothing is with glue. This process for gluing rhinestones to fabric is fairly simply resulting in a stunning result.
Moreover, you can choose from several types of adhesives:

• E6000
• Flexible Stretchable
• Jewel It
• Fabri-Tac
• Gem-Tac
• Jewel Bond

 
All these adhesives are washable and dry clear. However, some are easier to work with than others. While many consumers like E6000, this glue tends to be gloppy. Our preferred glue for adhering rhinestones to fabric is Gem-Tac. 

How Many Rhinestones Will I Need?

Comparatively, the number of rhinestones you need for your project depends upon both the size of the design and rhinestones. Furthermore, manufacturers use a unique type of measurement to designate rhinestone sizes. Generally, a larger number next to the “ss” classification is a bigger rhinestone. Likewise, the smaller the number, the tinier the rhinestone.

Moreover, the spacing will also determine your quantity. Ultimately, you’ll need more rhinestones to cover an area than a straight line or scattered pattern. 
​

Where Can I Buy Quality Rhinestones?

Rhinestones Etc. wants to be your source for bling. Since 2011, we’ve been offering fast processing times, outstanding customer service, and competitive pricing for quality embellishment products. Visit our online store to view our inventory.