Hotfix crystals, also known as iron on rhinestones, are easy to use crystal embellishments for decorating clothing, accessories and parchment craft. We’re going to share our top ten ways to use Preciosa hotfix rhinestones and hopefully inspire you to start your own hotfix DIY projects!

For more information on how to apply hotfix crystals using a hotfix wand, read the Preciosa application guide here, or watch our tutorial on Youtube.

1. Customize your clothes

By applying rhinestones to your clothing, you instantly give them a unique look – nobody else will own the same item of clothing as you. Try adding crystals to the collar of a cocktail dress to really make it sparkle. Flared jeans are back on trend, so go back to the 90’s and add some bling to the leg seam of your favourite pair. Or have fun with a leather jacket and heat fix some Jet black rhinestones to the shoulder pads for a steampunk vibe.

2. Bling your dancewear

Are you a dressmaker, costume designer or ballroom & latin dancer? Give yourself some extra shine under the lights by embellishing your dress or waistcoat with Preciosa hotfix crystals. The heat fixing method is ideal for dancewear as it is neat and mess free.

3. Crystallize performance costumes

Similarly, for any performer, crystals are a great addition to the costume or outfit. The sparkle under stage light really captures the audience’s attention. They can be used to enhance costumes for ice skaters, gymnasts, dancers, body builders, music artists and circus performers. See how our hotfix crystals were used to create Sam Ryder’s iconic Jubilee look:

4. Add sparkle to your bridal wear

For many bridal wear designers and couture houses, hotfix crystals are a must have addition to the final piece. Wedding gowns are made of such fine materials that it is important to be neat and clean when applying embellishments, so it is better not to use glue. For wedding veils in particular, we recommend using the Preciosa Transparent or Transmission rhinestones so there is no foil backing to be seen.

5. Make personalized transfers

Transfers are a great way of crystallizing an item of clothing quickly, neatly and in bulk. If you are part of a team and want to have the team name sparkling on your t-shirt, why not make it simple by using a transfer. With Hotfix Transfer Film and Preciosa hotfix rhinestones it is easy to design your own. Or we can do it for you - check out our Bespoke Transfer Service for more details. You can also use them for company/business names, logos, hen party outfits and many other occasions.

6. Jazz up a boring bag

We all own that one plain or boring handbag that is kept at the bottom of our wardrobe, desperate to be taken out. Why not give it a sparkly makeover and a whole new lease of life, like Jane from Crystalled By Jane did:

7. Greetings cards

It’s really easy to make a simple greetings card look luxurious and expensive. Simply add a few hotfix crystals to the main focal point of the card to make it stand out. Or, design your own card with the rhinestones making up the image itself. We have some great hotfix crystal mixes to give you some inspiration.

8. Elevate your textiles

Do you like to embroider, crochet, sew or knit? Make your textile projects stand out from the crowd by using iron on rhinestones to add a touch of subtle sparkle.

9. Make your stationery sparkle

If, like us, you’re obsessed with stationery and also like a bit of bling, try decorating your scrapbooks, diary, wall calendar, photo album or notepad. It will make working in the office a lot prettier!

10. Glam up your interior design projects

Crystallized wall art is becoming a big trend, and with upcycling, crafting and DIY also getting more popular, we think adding some sparkles to your home is a must. The key is to choose an image with a main focal point that can be picked out and elevated.

For more sparkly tips and inspiration, as well as How To guides and expert advice, visit our blog.