How to Decorate Fabric With Rhinestones

Rhinestones are faceted pieces of glass or plastic with a reflective base that causes them to shine and sparkle. Pronged rhinestones are available to affix to fabric, but they require special tools. It is much simpler, as well as less expensive, to decorate fabric with hot-fix rhinestones. You can use rhinestones to decorate almost any fabric, including lamp shades, clothing, shoes and bags. All of the supplies are available at craft stores.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hot-fix rhinestones
• Fabric pencil
• Iron

1. Test your fabric pencil on a hidden spot to make sure it easily brushes off and does not stain the fabric.

2. Draw your desired design on the fabric by marking a dot where you want each rhinestone placed. Brush away any mistakes with your hand or the tool on the end of the fabric pencil.

3. Lay your fabric over an ironing board or on a heat-resistant surface. Place your rhinestones onto the fabric over your pencil marks. Lay down a small section, no larger than 4 inches square, at a time.

4. Heat your iron on low. Carefully press the iron onto the rhinestones to melt the hot fix glue on the back, adhering them to the fabric. This should take only 15 to 20 seconds.

5. Repeat the process until your entire design is complete. Brush away any stray pencil marks.

Tips & Warnings

• There is a heat tool available for affixing hot-fix rhinestones to fabric if you do not wish to use an iron.
• Do not dry clean fabric decorated with rhinestones; the chemicals will weaken the glue.

References

• Information on using hot fix rhinestones.