How to Add Crystals to T-Shirts

Your regular old clothes beginning to bore you? Want to add some razzle-dazzle into your life? Consider adding crystals or rhinestones to your favorite clothing. Whether on a t-shirt, dress, blouse or handbag, adding jewels or crystals is an easy way to dress up a design.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Aileen's Jewel-it Glue
• Flat Back Rhinestones or crystals
• Bedazzler

1. 

   Perhaps the easiest way to add some razzle-dazzle to any shirt or piece of cloth would be the Bedazzler. This handy little machine takes a rhinestone and applies it to fabric through the use of a grommet. The sharp edges of the grommet puncture the shirt and wrap around the crystal, holding it in place.No longer expensive, most Bedazzler's come with a good supply of the rhinestones and grommets so projects can be started right away.

2. 
   Swarovski rhinestones are top of the line.

   Rhinestones or crystals come in many different sizes and shapes. Combining shapes, sizes and even colors can add to your design. In most cases, the rhinestones should be "flat backs", in other words, they are completely flat on the back, while the top is curved and faceted. They can be purchased at most craft stores, departments or even online.

3. 
   Aileen's Jewel-it can be found in most craft stores.

   Another easy way to apply rhinestones to fabric is simply using glue. Aileen's Jewel-it glue is a fabric safe, washable, permanent adhesive designed with this in mind. Apply a small amount of glue to the back of the rhinestone, and set on the fabric. Make sure the fabric is clean, dry and if possible, wrinkle free. Placing a hard object under the cloth helps to keep the glued crystal level until it the glue has dried. Completely set after at least 24 hours, you can wash it with confidence.

4. 
   This crystal palm tree is easily applied to any shirt.

   Premade crystal designs can also be attached easily with fabric glue. These are patches, usually made completely of rhinestones, that you simply apply to the article of your choice. Available in many styles and designs, they can be found in any craft department, store or on-line.

5. Lastly, a much more time-consuming way of attaching crystals to fabric is to actually sew them on. Usually done by hand-stitching, the rhinestones in this case must be in bead form. Attaching them by simple slip stitches can be long, tedious work.

[LColebank]

on 12/9/2008 This is just what I needed to know. I am making some Christmas shirts for my daughter and crystals will add just the right touch. Thanks.