How to Make a Bedazzled Dress

Embellish a dress with the BeDazzler.

The BeDazzler is a hand-held crafting machine that closely resembles a stapler. It can add sparkle and flash to a newly purchased dress or embellish one that has been hanging in your closet for years. Complement a neckline with a touch of sparkle, or create a one-of-a-kind dress design that will have people commenting on your fashion flair.

Things You'll Need

• BeDazzler machine
• Rhinestones
• Prongs
• Flat or rounded metal studs
• Dress
• Pliers
• Lap desk or other strong surface
• Dressmakers chalk or white pencil
• Pattern

Instructions

1. Separate studs or rhinestones by color and size before starting your project. Prewash the dress to prevent shrinkage and pulling when you are BeDazzling it.

2. Decide what design you want to BeDazzle onto your dress. If necessary, make a design template. Use dressmaker’s chalk or washable white pencil to sketch your design on the dress. Lay out rhinestones or studs on your chalk marks to ensure you like the overall look and color selection.

3. To BeDazzle with metal studs, lift the arm of the BeDazzler and snugly place a stud inside the hollow end of the arm. The pointed spikes of the stud should point downward, and the flat or rounded side should be inside the hole. Carefully place the fabric you want to embellish on the base of the BeDazzler, over the metal plate. Position the fabric so when you press down on the BeDazzler arm, the stud will be properly positioned over the area you desire.

4. Firmly press down on the BeDazzler. Work on a hard surface to provide the necessary resistance. The stud’s prongs will go through the cloth, and the metal plate on the other side will flatten the spikes to hold the stud in place. Ensure that prongs are firmly secured through the fabric. If necessary, remove the stud or prongs with pliers and redo with new ones.

5. To BeDazzle with rhinestones, first turn the dress inside out. Place the stone face side down in the well of the BeDazzler. Lay the fabric reverse-side up, on top of the stone. Place the metal prong setting into the plunger end of the BeDazzler.

6. Firmly press down on the BeDazzler. Check to ensure proper placement of rhinestones after every setting. Reverse the entire design if BeDazzling with rhinestones to prevent letters and designs from facing the wrong direction when turning the dress right-side out.

Tips & Warnings

• To remove a stud, turn the material over. Use a small pair of pliers to pull the spikes back down, then grasp the top of the stud and pull until it comes loose.

• Thinner materials such as cotton, Lycra, silk and blends are easier than tweeds or leathers to BeDazzle as the short prongs can attach more securely.

• Start BeDazzling any design or words from the middle of the dress. Work outward so you can symmetrically adjust the spacing if necessary.

References

• Pop Gurls: The Attic
• The BeDazzler