American Flag Template - Free Printable Rhinestone Design

The celebration of America’s independence on July 4th holds the promise of cookouts, picnics, and fireworks. For a festive look, many homeowners like to drape red, white, and blue bunting across their porches. You can show your pride for your country by wearing a bedazzled shirt you DIY using our American flag template. 

How to Use Our American Flag Template

History credits Betsy Ross with the design of the original American Flag. However, it wasn’t until 1912 that the specific layout was determined by law. While the law dictates proper usage of the flag, you can use an image of it on clothing.

Creating a glittering rhinestone embellished tee shirt is a wonderful way to show off your patriotic spirit. Our American flag template makes it easy for you to bedazzle a shirt with rhinestones. We offer 2 different templates that you can download for free. Both show the placement and rhinestone color needed to create a patriotic bedazzled tee shirt. Furthermore, you can use any rhinestone size.

Before beginning your bling project, prewash and dry your shirt. Usually, manufacturers apply chemicals to clothing that can affect the absorbency of the rhinestone glue. Choose a work spot offering a flat surface to lay your shirt. 

Hotfix Vs. Glue on Rhinestones

While there are several different ways to attach rhinestones to fabric, hotfix or glue on works best with this project. If you choose flatback rhinestones, you’ll need to punch holes in the template where indicated. You can do this with a Cricut machine or a hole punch set. Then, lay the template on your shirt and mark the placement of rhinestones using chalk or a water-soluble sewing marker.

To glue rhinestones, place a drop of glue slightly smaller than the rhinestone on one of the marks. When you gently press the rhinestone into the glue drop, some of the glue should ooze from the sides. This creates a seal which helps prevent the rhinestone from peeling off. Continue gluing in this manner until your design is complete.

Typically, craft stores carry several different adhesives. The best glues for bedazzling dry clear and are washable. Our favorite rhinestone glue for fabrics is Gem-Tac for its ease of use.

Alternatively, you can also use hotfix rhinestones and transfer paper to make an iron on transfer. Simply lay a piece of wax paper over the template. Then, place the hotfix crystals on the wax paper facet side up in the spaces indicated. Peel apart your transfer paper and place the clear sticky part over your iron on rhinestones. Gently press down on the transfer paper to make sure the bedazzling crystals stick to the clear part. 

Once you’ve created the rhinestone transfer, you’re ready to adhere the design to your shirt. You can use a heat press or non-steam iron to activate the glue. Furthermore, heat activated crystals are great for clothing that gets a lot of wear and wash. Plus, it’s less time-consuming to apply the crystals.

Choosing Your Rhinestone Brand

Today, you’ll find a seemingly unlimited number of suppliers when searching rhinestones for clothes. Companies like Temu, AliExpress, and Amazon have realized the potential of selling bedazzling crystals and carry stock. However, not all rhinestone manufacturers use the same material or processes to create their products. Thus, some crystals may not have the quality or sparkle you want.

Typically, rhinestone manufacturers may use one of 3 different materials:

1. Plastic

Sometimes, you may see these rhinestones types labeled as acrylic, jelly, or resin. Made from synthetic and natural materials, manufacturers inject or compress their compounds into molds. Although the least expensive option, these rhinestones also have the least sparkle.

2. Glass

For thousands of years, craftsmen melted sand to produce glass. Early artisans found many different uses for glass including beads for jewelry. Later on, manufacturers added other ingredients like soda ash and lime to add strength and durability. With new properties, artisans could cut facets.  Today, glass rhinestones are a popular in-between choice for their price and sparkle.

3. Crystal

Crystal is a type of glass created with the addition of lead, barium, zinc, or potassium oxide. It’s denser, stronger, and clearer than simple glass. This allows manufacturers to cut more facets into the stone. Although it’s the most expensive type of rhinestone, it also produces the greatest amount of sparkle.
 
In addition to material, rhinestones also have a different number of facets and arrangements. Facets interact with light acting as a mirror and reflecting it to the viewer. Ultimately, their angle and alignment will affect the rhinestone’s sparkle. For even light distribution, facets must be symmetrical and uniform.

Rhinestones Etc. currently offers 2 high-quality brands, Preciosa and PriceLess. Both are high-quality crystal rhinestones. Moreover, we provide same-day shipping when you order before 2 PM. Browse our online store to find the perfect rhinestone color for your project.