Rhinestone embellishment is a fun and creative craft that has captured the imagination of designers and DIY enthusiasts alike. It involves the careful placement of rhinestones onto various surfaces to create intricate designs and patterns. Rhinestones, with their unmatched sparkle and versatility, have become a popular choice for adding a touch of glamour to an array of projects. From DIY wedding decor that shimmers with elegance to the glitz of dancewear that catches every light, and the personalized flair of customized clothes, rhinestones offer endless possibilities to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
The purpose of this blog is to guide you through the sparkling world of rhinestone embellishment, helping you steer clear of the common pitfalls and offer practical advice and expert tips.
1. Using the Wrong Application Method
Before starting your embellishment project, it is important to establish which application method you want to use – non hotfix (glue on), hotfix (heat on) or sew on? There are many differences between non hotfix and hotfix application, so do your research beforehand and decide which is right for your project.
Embellishing with the sew on method is generally for larger embellishments such as pearls, beads, buttons and sew on crystals.
2. Using the Wrong Type of Adhesive
If you choose to embellish with non hotfix rhinestones, you need to make sure you are using the correct glue. Generally Gem Tac or E6000+ are the best glues to work with for rhinestone projects, or Crystal Fix if it's for nail art. Gem Tac is ideal for bonding rhinestones to most surfaces, such as paper, card, plastic, metal, wood, glass and many types of fabric. E6000+ is a thicker, stronger glue that is used for adhering to wood, metal, glass, fiberglass, ceramics, and concrete. It also adheres strongly to leather, rubber, vinyl and many plastics. When working with E6000+, allow the glue to get tacky for a few minutes before attaching the rhinestones – this will prevent them from sliding off.
If you apply rhinestones with a glue that is not designed for gems, such as PVA, Pritt Stick or other craft glue, you may risk the stones peeling away or falling off. Read our Guide to Glue for more details.
3. Using an Incorrect Sized Rhinestone
Before starting your project, decide which rhinestones sizes are most suitable, because applying a stone that is too big or too small can ruin the overall design. For instance, if you want to add rhinestone embellishments to a wedding veil, you should use small dainty sizes that won't weigh the delicate fabric down. Bigger sizes will be too heavy and may cause tears/damage to the fabric. On the other hand, using a rhinestone that is too small may result in a very time consuming and expensive project. For example, it would take many hours and a huge number of stones to cover a dance dress with small 2mm rhinestones – go for a bigger size that covers a large surface area, such as 7mm.
4. Not Preparing the Surface Properly
It is so important to keep your work area clean and to prepare the surface you are embellishing properly. If not, you will end up with dust and dirt making its way into your work.
- Make sure you are working on a hard, flat surface.
- Remove any unnecessary clutter from your work space.
- Clean and dry your surface material thoroughly before applying rhinestones – any grease, dust, hair or dirt will stick to the glue.
- If embellishing fabric, make sure it is smooth and flat to keep your pattern consistent. We recommend using a dolly board to help with this, especially when embellishing stretch fabric with rhinestones.
5. Applying Rhinestones Haphazardly
One of the most critical steps in rhinestone embellishment that is often overlooked is the planning phase. Jumping straight into applying rhinestones without a clear design layout can lead to numerous issues, such as asymmetrical patterns, uneven spacing, or even running out of rhinestones before the project is completed.
- Take time to pre-plan the design by sketching it our first or making a template.
- If you're a beginner or are not confident with crystallising, have a practice on a spare piece of paper or fabric first so you get the hang of how to use the embellishment tools.
- When applying rhinestones, whether you are gluing or heating them on, take your time and be patient. The more you do it, the quicker and more confident you will become.
- Pay care and attention to which sizes and colours of rhinestone you are using, and make sure you are happy with the flow and pattern before adhering them to the area.
- Don't use too much glue, only a small amount is required. If the glue seeps out from underneath the rhinestone, then you have used too much.
6. Using Incorrect Tools for Application
There are some great tools available for rhinestone application, from professional pick up tools to cost effective versions. Make sure you are using the correct tool for the job, this will save you time and ensure your project is finished to a higher standard. Rhinestone placement tools, such as the crystal Katana, are essential for precision embellishment, and there are some other handy tools for gluing and storing rhinestones too:
Essential Tools:
- Rhinestone pick up and place tools – Quicker and easier to use than tweezers, pick up your rhinestones speedily and add the straight onto the glue.
- Glue applicators – Squeeze out small amounts of glue to avoid seepage and wastage.
- Rhinestone storage – Keeps your rhinestones organized, safe, neat and clean and provides easy access.
- Rhinestone flipper trays – A great way to keep your rhinestones neat and tidy while working on the project. Separate colours/sizes with individual trays and use them to flip the stones the right way round (shiny side up) for speedy and uncomplicated application.
7. Impatience and Rushing During Hotfix Application
While using a hotfix wand to embellish with hotfix rhinestones, it is essential to familiarise yourself with the tool and how it works first. You must allow enough time for the wand to heat up the glue on the rhinestone before attempting to attach it to the fabric. If you try to apply it too soon, the bond will not be strong enough and will result in the rhinestones falling off. Make sure you can see the glue bubbling on the back of the stone, this indicates it has melted and is ready to attach.
8. Lack of Care and Maintenance
Take care of your rhinestones, tools and glue in the run up to starting your project. Make sure application tools are clean and in good condition, the glue has not dried out, and the rhinestones are scratch and chip free. If they are in their packaging or appropriate storage pots they should be in the same good condition as when they were made, but if they are lying loose in the bottom of a box they may have scratched – not the start you want!
Maintaining Your Rhinestone Projects
Preserving the sparkle of the rhinestones after your project is complete is essential if you want to keep the design looking as fresh as the day you created it.
- Maintain sparkle by gently wiping the rhinestones with a damp cloth to remove any dust or grease.
- If a crystallized garment needs washing, don't use fabric conditioner and hand wash using lukewarm water only.
- Ensure your rhinestone embellished items are kept out of direct sunlight to avoid colour fading.
Conclusion
In this comprehensive guide, we've journeyed through the sparkling world of rhinestone embellishment, discussing the common mistakes to avoid for achieving the best results. From selecting the appropriate application method and glue, to choosing the right rhinestone sizes and preparing surfaces properly, we've covered essential steps to ensure your rhinestone projects shine. We've emphasized the importance of careful planning, correct tool usage, and patience, especially when working with hotfix applications.