As an adult, you may think that the days of having your heart set on a plastic tiara and dressing up in frilly lace are long gone, but that doesn’t have to be the case.
There’s a new custom-made trend sweeping the country, and it’s all about bedazzling anything and everything in rhinestone-studded fashions! It’s all about bringing some sparkle, color, and charm into your life.
So, how do you bedazzle a shirt? There are three methods for bedazzling a shirt: the glue-on method, hot-fixing, and sewing. There are also rhinestones in metal settings that puncture the fabric. Each method has its pros and cons and requires different types of rhinestones.
If you want to participate in the newest trend, continue reading for tips and tricks on how to dazzle up your wardrobe with rhinestones.
Types Of Rhinestones For Bedazzling
There are many, many types of rhinestones out there, each with a different look and method of application. When it comes to rhinestones, it’s important to consider the look you are going for and how you are going to apply them.
Let’s take a look at some popular options for bedazzling below and the pros and cons of each option.
Glue-On
The simplest method to add rhinestones to fabric is by using glue. If you need a kit for glue-on rhinestones, we suggest taking a look at this comprehensive set). However, this method is also the least durable one since the rhinestones can easily come off with just a little bit of wear and tear, even in the washing machine.
With permanent fabric glue, you’ll also risk the glue yellowing over time and affecting the overall look of your design. However, if you want to do a sweet craft project with your kids, this is also the most child-friendly option since there’s no heat or sewing involved.
For this option, it’s best to use fabric glue since hot glue can cause the rhinestones to become discolored and damage the backing of the stones. If you’ve chosen this method, we have another helpful article to check out for the Best Rhinestone Glues.
Hot-Fixing
Some rhinestones are made with heat-sensitive glue that melts into the fibers of the garment to form a permanent bond. This method is best used on items that can be washed and subjected to gentle wear.
You can buy hot-fix rhinestones (like this set of 12 colors from Amazon) in an already formed design, which you can attach using an iron. You can also buy loose hot-fix rhinestones that you can attach to your fabric using a bejeweler (like this easy-to-use one from Amazon), which uses heat to activate the glue. We will mention each method below.
Sewing
Although it’s a more time-consuming process, sewing rhinestones to fabric is also a more durable alternative to using glue. This requires using sew-on rhinestones (check out this awesome set on Amazon).
Another advantage of this method is that the rhinestones can be reused for multiple projects; this method is the most suitable if you have a couture design and want to attach expensive crystals to it, hand-sewing would be the best way to enhance the design and the crystals.
Metal Settings
You can also purchase rhinestones with metal settings at the back that are designed to puncture the fabric, then folded over to hold onto the fabric to secure it in place.
This option takes a bit more effort than glue-on, but it requires less effort than the sew-on option. It can also provide a very strong and durable bond that will stay permanently on the fabric. Metal settings are most often seen when attaching metal pieces to leather clothing or bags.
However, this option is quite picky when it comes to the kind of fabric that it will work with. Since the metal will puncture the fabric, it will work best with thick, durable fabric. Light, woven fabric can be permanently damaged when you use this option.
Now that you know about the different rhinestone options let’s take a look at how to attach each type to your clothing!
How To Attach Glue-On Rhinestones
Glue-on rhinestones are one of the easiest stone appliqués to use when decorating apparel. They are easy to apply and do not require the use of heat, which can cause damage to sensitive fabrics. The application process is also non-toxic, making glue-on rhinestones a safe choice for any project involving children.
Glue-on rhinestones can be applied to most types of fabric, including cotton, polyester, nylon, silk, and leather. They come in many sizes and colors, so they can be used to create a wide variety of designs.
Smaller stones can be stitched in rows to create delicate borders, while larger stones may be used as centerpieces for eye-catching appliqué designs. Large stones may also be used alone to create designs that incorporate negative space into the decoration.
Glue-on rhinestones are easier to apply than other types of stone applications. However, because they are glued-on, they are not very durable and can peel off easily, especially in the wash. That’s why it’s always recommended to limit washing when it comes to caring for a garment with glued-on rhinestones.
You will need:
- Flatback rhinestones in various colors and sizes
- Washable fabric glue
- Washable fabric marker
- Tweezers
Step 1:
Using your fabric marker, draw or trace your design on your fabric. There’s not really a lot of room the make mistakes, so this step will help you create your design before making it permanent.
Step 2:
Dab a tiny bit of glue on the area where you want the rhinestone to be, make sure there’s enough glue to cover the entire base of the stone, extending just a little bit beyond the stone’s edge when you press it down. This way, the stone will be secured.
Step 3:
Use tweezers to pick up the stone and press it on the area where you just dabbed the glue.
Repeat steps 2 and 3 until your design is complete. Make sure to allow the glue to dry completely, which will take about 24 hours before using your garment.
For a visual tutorial, check out this one from Classic Royalty Designs by Anita Rivers on YouTube below!
How To Attach Hot-Fix Rhinestones Using A Bejeweler
If you are an avid bedazzler, then using a bejeweler is a highly effective way to attach hot-fix rhinestones.
A bejeweler comes with various heated tips that can work to pick up rhinestones in various sizes while at the same time activating the glue so that the rhinestones can easily attach to your fabric. It’s super convenient mess-free, and the result will be highly durable too!
The biggest disadvantage of hot-fix rhinestone is that you need to have a bejeweler which is quite an investment. If you’re just working on one or two projects, there’s really no reason to invest in this big set.
Another disadvantage of hot fix rhinestone is that it requires working with a hot tool, so you won’t be able to work with heat-sensitive fabrics. Some synthetic fabrics will melt under high heat, so using a hot tool to attach your rhinestone is really out of the question.
You’ll need:
- Hot-fix rhinestones in various sizes and colors
- A bejeweler and the tips that fit with your rhinestones
- A washable fabric marker
Step 1:
Similar to the above, you should draw or trace your design on the fabric before attaching the rhinestones.
Step 2:
Attach the bejeweler tip that fits the rhinestone that you want to use and allow the machine to heat up.
Step 3:
Then, you can use the tip to pick up the rhinestone and heat up the glue and press it on your fabric. You’ll find that the rhinestone will adhere easily to the fabric.
Repeat this step until you have attached all the rhinestones for your design, switching tips when needed.
You should wait for at least 24 hours for the hot flix glue to dry completely before wearing your newly bedazzled design!
How To Attach Bedazzle A Shirt Using An Iron
Ironing on rhinestones is the fastest and easiest way to get a vibrant and elegant look! There are also various types of iron-on appliqués that are designed to work seamlessly with different fabrics, so you can always find the design that you like.
Similar to using a bejeweler, this method requires the use of heat to activate the glue on the rhinestones, so if you have a fabric that is sensitive to heat, you won’t be able to use this method to attach the rhinestones.
You will need:
- Rhinestone applique in the design that you like
- An iron
- A towel
- Your shirt
Step 1:
Pre-shrink your shirt. This is important if you have a new shirt that you want to bedazzle since some fabrics – like cotton – will shrink after the first wash, which can affect how the design will look later on.
After washing, you can lay down your shirt on a flat surface to prepare for the applique.
Step 2:
Place your applique on the area where you want it to be. Once you are happy with the placement, you can remove the backing and stick the applique (sticky side down) flat on the fabric.
Step 3:
Turn on your iron to medium heat, and make sure to use a dry setting.
Place a towel over the entire thing (the fabric and the applique) and press the iron over the area for 30 seconds. The heat will activate the glue on the applique, which will allow the rhinestones to attach to your fabric.
Step 4:
Flip the fabric over to the other side, place the towel over it, and press it down with the iron again for 30 minutes. In this step, we’re just making sure that the heat has the opportunity to reach all the areas in the applique to allow it to stick to the fabric.
Step 5:
Let the entire thing cool down, then gently remove the plastic from the applique. You can go very slowly in this step so that you don’t accidentally remove any rhinestones on the design.
If you accidentally pick up any rhinestones, you can place the plastic down again and repeat steps 3 & 4 until all the rhinestones are allowed to adhere to the fabric.
After peeling off the plastic, your design should be able to stay securely on your fabric without any issues, and you can enjoy your newly bedazzled shirt!
For a visual tutorial, check out this one from Ivory Black Design on YouTube Below:
How To Sew On Rhinestones
Sewing on your rhinestone is the most secure method to bedazzle your shirt, and it is the most time-consuming.
Note that although this method works well for delicate fabrics that can’t do well with heat, your fabric should still be able to support the rhinestones. If the fabric is too flimsy, it won’t be able to support the weight of the stones.
You will need:
- Sew-on rhinestones (they have holes on the sides or in the back to insert threads)
- Your fabric
- Needle and Matching threads
- Washable fabric markers
Step 1:
One of the most important steps in sewing on rhinestones is knowing where they’re going to be placed. Doing this will help prevent errors when you try to sew.
You can draw your design directly on the fabric or draw on paper and trace the design on your fabric to transfer it.
Step 2:
Place the stones on the design and adjust it to achieve the effect that you like. In this step, it might be helpful to take a photo of the placement, so you’ll have a reference to look back to when you are sewing.
Step 3:
With your needle and thread, you can sew the rhinestones on your fabric similar to how you would sew your buttons, making sure to secure the knot in the back after you are finished with each one.
If you have a woven fabric, it might look more aesthetically pleasing to secure the thread through just one or two threads from the woven fabric underneath. The result will be an ‘invisible’ attachment that won’t damage the fabric.
If you have one rhinestone right after another, you can sew them continuously without cutting the thread. After sewing on all the rhinestones, you should be able to enjoy your bedazzled piece without worrying that any stones will come off!
For a visual tutorial, check out this one from MadeBy Chyna on YouTube.
How To Attach Rhinestones With Metal Settings
This final method is similar to sewing on rhinestones, except that the rhinestones will be secured on your fabric using metal’ legs’ instead of threads.
This method works best for thick fabrics such as leather or felt, which are pretty difficult to sew and can be fidgety when you use glue. You’ll also want the fabric to be relatively thick to be able to support the weight of the rhinestones as well as the metal settings.
For thicker leather, you may need a chisel to punch holes in the fabric before you can insert the metal settings.
You will need:
- Your rhinestones with metal settings
- Your fabric
- Leather chisel (optional)
- Pliers
- Washable fabric marker
Step 1:
Draw or transfer your design on your fabric using a washable fabric marker.
Here, you can place the rhinestones in place and see how the design looks. If you need to punch holes in the fabric before inserting the metal settings, you will need to mark where the legs need to be so that you can punch the holes accordingly.
Step 2:
Optional: Punch holes in your fabric where the metal legs will need to fit through.
Attach the rhinestones by inserting the metal legs through the fabric, and then use the pliers to fold the leg inside on the wrong side of the fabric. Make sure that the metal legs are neatly tugged away in this step, or the metal legs will poke you later.
Repeat this step until you have attached all the rhinestones to your fabric.
How To Care and Maintain Your Finished Item
After going through all this effort, you’ll want to make sure that the rhinestones stay on so that you can enjoy the fruits of your labor. That’s why caring for your finished item properly is absolutely necessary.
If you have a garment with glued-on rhinestones, you should wait for the glue to dry completely before wearing it. For fabric glue, this can take up to 24 hours, but for hot-fix glue, this can be around 10 minutes.
Wearing causes a lot of friction, and if the bond is not secure, the rhinestones can rub off when you wear your garment. In any case, you should wait at least 24 hours before washing your garment.
For washing, it’s always recommended – regardless of the method of attachment – that you hand wash and air dries your bedazzled garment. The heat and friction caused during the washing and drying process can be a lot, and improperly secured rhinestones will easily come off in this process.
It’s also good to turn the garment inside out to minimize the friction on the rhinestone. While hand-washing, make sure not the rub against the rhinestones too much, or they can come off.
When you air-dry your garment, make sure to keep them away from the sunlight. UV rays can yellow the glue used in the rhinestones and can even cause some cheaper rhinestones to become discolored as well.
If you want to use your dryer, make sure to use low heat settings since some plastic rhinestones can also melt off under high heat. You can use a laundry bag to protect your garment by minimizing the friction inside the dryer.
When you store your garment, make sure to hang it inside a plastic bag or fold it inside a Ziploc bag to keep it from rubbing other garments in your closet. This way, the rhinestones can stay secure until the next time your wear your garment.
Up Next: How To Embellish A Dress With Rhinestones
