How to Bedazzle a Dance Costume That Gets Attention

Get Ready for Competition - Rhinestones for Dance Costumes

Participating in a dance competition offers numerous valuable opportunities and learning experiences. Yet, lessons and entry fees can add up, leaving little left over for a sparkling new dress. Instead, buy an inexpensive plain dance dress and add bedazzling jewels. You can find a huge inventory of crystal rhinestones for dance costumes at Rhinestones Etc.
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The Best Type of Rhinestones For Dance Costumes

​Once you've decided on a dance dress, it’s time to choose your dance rhinestones. The most common shape is round with a variety of options on brands, types, colors, and sizes. Primarily, you’ll find manufacturers of plastic, glass, and crystal rhinestones.

Typically, crystal gems offer the greatest amount of sparkle followed by glass, resin, and acrylic. In addition, the number of facets and their arrangement will affect the play of light. Generally, manufacturers create crystal gems with a range of 10 to 15 facets.
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Flatbacks Vs. Hotfix

Next, you’ll need to choose between hotfix or glue on rhinestones. Hotfix jewels have glue on the backside of the rhinestone. To adhere heat gems, you need to activate the glue using a hotfix applicator, iron, or heat press. Alternatively, glue on rhinestones require an adhesive to attach them.

Next, you’ll need to choose your color. Often, many people select either crystal or crystal AB because it can be difficult to pick just the right hue. Crystal is a clear rhinestone, while the AB is clear with a rainbow coating. The rainbow coating can pick up the color of the underlying fabric, making it a favorite among dancers. Yet, choosing your crystal color is a personal preference with no wrong answers. Some people like a pop of color with a contrasting hue. While others like the color to blend in with the fabric color.

Finally, you’ll have to select a size.  Faux gem manufacturers use a unique measurement known as stone size, ranging from very tiny 5ss to large 48ss. Usually, 16ss, 20ss, and 30ss are popular sizes of rhinestones for dance costumes. You can choose a single size or mix sizes for added dimension.

Creating Your Rhinestone Design

If this is your first time creating a bling project, it can be intimidating. However, many times the dance dress will have seams, cutouts, or straps that could use more visibility. Additionally, you can use any lines or shapes in the costume to dictate your crystal design.

Another idea is to scatter or distribute rhinestones in a random pattern. Scatter designs work well when you have a large space to fill. You can get even more creative by using different shades of color for an ombre effect. For specific curves or shapes, you can make a template.

Often, it’s helpful to lay the dress flat, arranging rhinestones to help create your design. When you’re ready to adhere the flatback crystals to the dance costume, begin with your key element. Lay out your pattern, aligning your center and working outwards. Often, a ruler or tape measure can help keep your bedazzling jewels evenly spaced. 

Where to Buy Rhinestones for Dance Costumes

Rhinestones Etc. has been selling high-quality rhinestones since 2011. With super fast processing times and excellent customer service, we want to be your source for  bedazzling gems.

Plus, we give extra discounts for bulk rhinestone orders. Browse our collection of crystalline products to find your perfect size and color.