Rhinestones on Skating Dresses

Learn How to Use Rhinestones on Figure Skating Dresses

​Have you checked the price of figure skating dresses that are embellished with crystals? Bargain prices can range up to the $300 range. If you shop around, you can find a plain skating dress for about $75. It's easy to learn how to use rhinestones on figure skating dresses. 

​That is a big difference when you are paying for skates, lessons, testing, and competitions. Do you want your skater to dazzle on the ice? Buy the cheaper figure skating dress, glue on bedazzling gems, and save yourself a pocketful of money. Even factoring in the cost of faux jewels, you will not come close to paying $300.

​How to glue rhinestones to Figure Skating Dresses

Interested in learning more, but don’t know where to start? First, learn the basics of finding quality rhinestones. Once you’ve decided on the brand, you’ll need to choose the color and size.

If you are new to bedazzling, you may want to stick with either Crystal or Crystal AB. Both are popular colors that will enhance any dress. Crystal is a clear rhinestone, and Crystal AB is the clear rhinestone with an iridescent coating on it.

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The size you choose is also a matter of preference and dependent on the type of design. Generally, most skating dresses are embellished with the larger size stones, 20ss and 30ss. How many you need depends again on the design and the size. Helpful tips on size are discussed here on this rhinestone sizing blog.

Next, pick out your rhinestone adhesive. Both E6000 and Gem Tac are widely used. I prefer Gem Tac for the ease of application. Whatever adhesive you choose, make sure it is suitable for gluing rhinestones to fabric, permanent, washable, and dries clear. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. A pair of tweezers or wax tipped tool is essential for picking up crystals and pressing into the glue.

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Prewash the figure skating dress before beginning to glue. Additionally, if the material is thin, you may want to put a piece of wax paper between layers. When gluing rhinestones, use a drop of glue slightly smaller than the flatback gem. Some of the glue should seep out from the edges when you press the crystal into the glue drop. This is very important as it creates a seal to keep the jewels from peeling off. Allow the garment to dry flat for 24 hours.
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After you start gluing rhinestones, you will see how easy it is! As you get more confident, you can experiment with different designs and colors. With practice, you’ll be good enough to design those fancy skating dresses you see during the Winter Olympic Games.

Looking for high quality bedazzling gems? Rhinestones Etc. has an extensive inventory of flatback crystal jewels. Explore our inventory when you need to use rhinestones on figure skating dresses.