Are you looking to add some sparkle to your wardrobe? Whether you're embellishing a pair of denim jeans, customising a plain t-shirt, or simply giving an old outfit a new lease of life, applying rhinestones to clothing is fantastic way to achieve a bespoke look. Rhinestones on fabric can transform any garment, whether it's a small area of embellishment such as a brand logo, or name, or a large statement piece like a fully crystallized bikini, they catch the light beautifully and offer a unique finish.

We're often asked how to attach rhinestones to clothing fabric, and the truth is that there are several ways to do this. The two most popular methods are by gluing or heat fixing them on. First, you need to decide which type of embellishment you need, the most common for customising clothes is the flatback rhinestone. When looking for the best rhinestones for clothing, it's important to choose the right type of rhinestone. The two main options are hotfix and non hotfix rhinestones, each with its own benefits depending on the fabric, design, and application method. Hotfix rhinestones come with a heat-activated adhesive, making them quick and easy to apply, while non hotfix rhinestones require glue or sewing, offering more flexibility for delicate fabrics.

In this blog, we'll explore the differences between these two rhinestone types, helping you decide which is best for your project. Whether you need speed, precision, or durability, we've got the insights to make sure your clothing sparkles just the way you want it to!

What Are Hotfix Rhinestones?

Hotfix rhinestones have the glue already incorporated in to the back of the stone and requires heat to melt the glue, allowing it to be adhered to the material. The main advantage of using hotfix crystals is that you don't need to purchase any additional glue, as it is already the on the stone. You can see if a rhinestone is hotfix or non hotfix by looking at the foil backing – hotfix has a rough and usually darker texture.

Pros:

• Quick and easy to apply – Use a hotfix applicator tool to apply the stones individually, or use a household iron to iron a rhinestone transfer to clothing.
• No need for additional glue – This saves money and means you won't get into a sticky mess when applying the crystals.
• Creates a strong bond with fabric – Using heat to stick rhinestones to fabric creates a stronger and longer lasting bond than fabric/craft glue, and is more likely to withstand washing.

Cons:

• Not suitable for all fabrics – Some fabrics such as delicate synthetics or those with a high level of nylon or acetate don't react well due to the risk of burning.
• More expensive – Hotfix vs glue on crystals are more costly due to the process of adding the glue in the production.
• Can be time consuming – When using larger iron on rhinestones for clothes, the glue takes longer to melt so can be quite time consuming. Also, if your design features more than one size of rhinestone, you will need to wait for the wand to cool down before changing the tip to the other size, then wait for it to heat back up.

How to apply hotfix rhinestones is explained in more detail here.

What Are Non-Hotfix Rhinestones?

Non Hotfix rhinestones can be applied to almost any surface or fabric with Gem Tac or E6000+ glue, making this the most popular application method. If your project is small or just a one off, for example adding crystals to a t-shirt, then non hotfix is the way to go. It is more cost effective, as non hotfix clothing rhinestones are cheaper to buy, plus you don't have to invest in a hotfix applicator tool. Non hotfix rhinestones, also known as glue on rhinestones, are commonly used for upcycling second hand clothing, jazzing up your dancewear, creating bespoke designs on your denim or just a general outfit update.

Pros:

• More versatile — Non hotfix crystals are suitable for almost all fabrics, including delicate or non-heat-resistant materials.
• Can be adjusted for precise placement – Once you've glued your rhinestone, it doesn't dry instantly, so unlike with the hotfix method, you can adjust the positioning. This also means you can remove the rhinestone if you've made a mistake.
• Can be washed – If you have applied the rhinestones using the correct glue, you can hand wash your garment.

Cons:

• Takes longer to apply than hotfix – If you've got a large scale project, multiple garments to crystallise or a deadline to meet, gluing can take longer because you're effectively doing the process twice – applying glue then applying the rhinestone. Whereas with the hotfix method you're just applying the rhinestone.
• Glue application can be messy if not done carefully – You are more likely to get into a sticky mess when using glue, as the bottle can spill or the glue can seep out the edge if you apply too much. To avoid this, try using a precision applicator.

Comparing Hotfix vs Non-Hotfix Rhinestones

Feature	Hotfix Rhinestones	Non-Hotfix Rhinestones
Application Method	Heat-activated adhesive	Glue, sewing, or metal settings
Best for	Fast, large-scale application	Precision and intricate designs
Fabric Suitability	Works best on heat-resistant fabrics	Suitable for all fabrics
Durability	Strong hold but may not suit delicate materials	More secure, especially when sewn
Ease of Use	Quick and mess-free	Takes more time but offers flexibility

How to Choose the Right Rhinestones for Your Clothing

• Consider your fabric type—can it handle heat? Only certain types of fabric are heat resistant, check the label to see if your fabric contains a high percentage of nylon or acetate which can easily burn/melt. Only use the hotfix method if you are confident it is safe.
• Think about the design complexity—are you applying small, intricate rhinestones that may require several application attempts? Or will you be needing lots of different sized rhinestones? If so, you may want to consider the non hotfix and gluing method.
• Decide on your application preference—do you prefer speed or precision? Using the hotfix method is quick and easy but there's not much room for error. Whereas attaching rhinestones to clothing with glue allows you to adjust the positioning before the glue dries.
• Think about your budget – purchasing hotfix crystals and a hotfix applicator wand is more costly than going down the non hotfix route.

Final Thoughts

Both hotfix and non hotfix rhinestones offer fantastic ways to customise clothing, each with their own benefits. If you need a quick and efficient method for applying rhinestones to durable fabrics, hotfix is the ideal choice. However, if you're working with delicate materials or require more precision in your design, non hotfix rhinestones provide greater flexibility and control. No matter which option suits your project best, Crystal Parade has an extensive range of high quality rhinestones to help you achieve the perfect embellishment, within a budget that suits you. Choose from high end Preciosa crystals, affordable but excellent quality Zodiac crystals or budget friendly Luna rhinestones. Whether you're a designer, dressmaker, or craft enthusiast, we've got everything you need to bring your vision to life!