How to Attach Rhinestones to Fabric

Rhinestones add glitz and glamor

Rhinestones can add a sparkle to any wardrobe. These are the four most common methods of attaching rhinestones to fabric and clothing:

Things You'll Need

• Rhinestones
• Glue or
• Rhinestone tool setter or
• Iron/hot-fix tool or
• Needle and thread

Instructions

1. Attaching rhinestones with glue:
   There are many different types of glue that you can use but I would recommend using a glue that has been specifically formulated for bonding rhinestones to fabric e.g. E6000 and Gem-Tac. Use a Q-tip to dab a small amount of glue to the fabric where you will be placing the rhinestone. Use a tweezers to gently place the rhinestone onto the glued area. Let the glue dry for several hours. Be careful of not using too much glue but make sure that all edges of the rhinestone are covered.

2. 

   Clamping-on rhinestones with mounts:
   You should use mounts when you are attaching rhinestones to garments that will be dry-cleaned or when you are applying larger stones that glue will not support well. Tiffany settings enter from the back of the fabric and crimp over the stone on the front side. Rim settings are placed on the front of the fabric over the stone and crimp on the back of the fabric. You will need a setting tool (rhinestone setter) to use this method. The tool in this image sets both tiffany and rim settings.

3. 

   Attaching hot-fix rhinestones:
   This seems to be the fastest and easiest method using heat application. These rhinestones come with heat sensitive glue on the back. This glue melts into the fabric fibers resulting in a very strong bond. You can use a household iron or a hot-fix setting tool.

   Attaching hot-fix rhinestones using a household iron:
   Heat the iron on the lowest setting and lay the fabric face-up on a hard surface.
   Place the hot-fix rhinestone face-up in the desired position on top of the fabric.
   Lay a thin cloth over the rhinestone.
   Lightly press the iron on top of the cloth-covered rhinestone.
   Hold for a minute or until the glue heats up enough to adhere to the fabric.
   Let cool completely.

   You can buy a hot-fix setting tool. Two of the main producers are BeJeweler and Kandi Kane.

4. Sewing the rhinestones to the fabric:
   Many flat back rhinestones come with holes in them for attaching them by traditional sewing methods. This is a very time-consuming method however you have the option of removing the stones and re-using them.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are going to glue the rhinestones to fabric consider using a syringe with a smaller tip. Using a syringe will give you a smaller more precise dot of glue.

• If there is a possibility that the garment will be dry-cleaned then don't even think about using glue (this does not apply to the glue on hot-fix stones)