How to Put Rhinestones on T-shirts

Adding rhinestones to a shirt is a simple process and depends only on the type of fabric and the type of rhinestone you are trying to combine. Learning methods for applying rhinestones to your T-shirt will allow the final result of your garment to be the best quality possible.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Rhinestone applicator gun
• Hot glue
• Sewing kit
• Velcro
• Iron

1. Make sure your T-shirt is washed, ironed and ready to be decorated. Place the shirt on a clean, flat surface with good lighting. Have all the rhinestone materials ready and a design for the application in mind before you start, because some methods are permanent or can damage the fabric if removed and repeated.

2. Using an rhinestone gun, or a "Bedazzler," apply the rhinestones to your shirt in the desired pattern. Follow the instructions on the gun carefully, and avoid catching and snagging the fabric. After the clasps on the rhinestone have gone through the fabric (with the jewel on the visible side) the other side should be smooth and ready to wear. Check the clasps to be sure they are folded in and will not harm the wearer.

3. Apply loose rhinestones with hot glue. This allows a very quick application and experimentation with many shapes and sizes of flat rhinestones. Use enough glue to make the stone stick without allowing it to show from beneath the rhinestone.

4. For rhinestone buttons or sew-on jewels, use a needle and thread. The thread should match the color of the T-shirt rather than the jewel. One or two simple stitches should be enough to hold smaller rhinestones in place, but if the stone is oversized, you may need extra stitching.

5. Use Velcro for a less permanent application; this works well for children's costumes where you wish to have fun with a T-shirt but not make a lasting change. Apply a small piece of Velcro to the back on the jewel (without allowing the Velcro to show around the edges) and a matching piece on the shirt. If you find the adhesive is not strong enough, put one light stitch through the T-shirt and the side of Velcro you have attached. Carefully remove this stitch later when you no longer want rhinestones on your garment.

Resources

• Bedazzler
• JoAnn Fabrics and Crafts

[crcrystal]

on 7/1/2009 The BeJeweler is the tool that applies rhinestones. It picks up the rhinestone, melts the hot fix glue on the back and lets you place it exactly where you want it. Works with all Swarovski hot fix crystals. Creative Crystal manufactures the BeJeweler. You can find ideas, etc info at creativecrystal.com