What Glue is Best for Rhinestones on Fabric?

Applying rhinestones to fabric is a fun and creative way to make eye-catching designs, whether it’s for performance costumes, bridal wear, fashion or textile projects. We get asked one question more than almost any other: which glue should I actually use on fabric, and does it really matter? The answer is yes, it matters a lot. Choosing the right glue is the difference between crystals that stay put through wear and washing, and crystals that ping off after a couple of wears.

In this guide we will walk you through the best fabric glue for rhinestones, give you our honest take on the two leading adhesives, and show you exactly how to apply your crystals for a professional, long lasting finish. We will also cover which glue to use if you are sticking crystals to other surfaces like glass, metal or shoes, so you are covered whatever your project. Whether you call it gluing rhinestones or bedazzling, you will know exactly what to buy by the end.

One quick note, we use rhinestones and crystals to mean the same thing throughout, though technically crystal refers to stones made from glass. Now, let's get sticky!

Why the Right Glue Matters

The simplest rule for choosing a rhinestone glue, or the best glue for rhinestones on denim, is this: match the glue to the surface and the use, not to the brand of crystal. A Zodiac flatback and a Preciosa flatback stick in exactly the same way, what changes is what sits underneath them.

There are three things to think about before you pick up a bottle:

• The surface:Fabric needs a glue that stays flexible and bends with the material. Hard, non porous surfaces like glass, metal or plastic usually need a stronger, more industrial bond.

• Washing and wear: Will the item be washed, worn under stress, or exposed to water? Performance wear and anything that gets handled a lot needs a tougher, more water resistant glue.

• Flexibility: A bond that has to move with the body, like on dancewear, needs to stay flexible once dry. A rigid glue will crack and let go.

Most of this guide focuses on fabric, since that is what most people are embellishing, but we have included the other main surfaces further down too.

Best Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric

For most fabric projects, Gem-Tac is the glue we recommend. It is a water based adhesive made specifically for bonding crystals to fabric, it dries clear and flexible, and a little goes a long way. It is easy to apply with a syringe and forgiving for beginners, which is why it is our go to for clothing, dancewear and general craft. For heavier stones, tricky fabrics or anything that needs to be waterproof, E6000 Plus is the stronger choice.

Both are brilliant, so the best pick comes down to your fabric and what the finished piece needs to do. Here is our honest breakdown of each.

E6000 Plus

Gem-Tac

You can find both of these, along with syringes, tips and glue kits, in our full adhesives collection.

Best Glue for Stretch and Performance Wear

Leotards, swimsuits and dancewear move constantly with the body, so they need a glue that stretches without cracking. E6000 Plus is the reliable choice here because it stays flexible once cured and holds firm through all that movement. The key is to let it cure completely flat before the garment is worn or stretched, so the bond sets properly first.

If you are working on high stretch performance wear regularly, it is worth stretching the fabric gently as you glue, so the crystals sit correctly when the fabric is worn rather than flat on the table.

Washable Garments

Rhinestoned fabric will always last longest with a bit of care, but some glues cope with washing better than others. Gem-Tac withstands hand washing well, but E6000 Plus is the tougher, waterproof option for items that face more moisture. Whichever you choose, always hand wash only, skip the fabric conditioner, and never wash an item until the glue has fully cured. Fabric conditioners in particular can work their way under crystals and weaken the bond over time.

Fabric needs this flexibility because it bends, folds and stretches in a way that hard surfaces never do. A rigid, brittle glue might grip well at first, but every fold puts stress on the bond until the crystals start to lift. That is why a flexible fabric glue beats a super strong rigid one for anything you wear.

Best Glue for Rhinestones on Other Surfaces

Fabric is what most people are embellishing, but you might want to add crystals to a glass tumbler, a metal hair clip or a pair of shoes. If so, here is a quick rundown of the best glue for each. The same principles apply: match the glue to the surface, and give it time to cure.

Glass, Metal and Hard Plastic

For hard, non porous surfaces like glass, metal and plastic, E6000 Plus is the strongest all rounder. It gives an industrial strength, waterproof bond and dries completely clear, which matters on see through surfaces like glass. Heavier stones on hard surfaces need this kind of strength because there is no give in the surface to help hold them, so the glue is doing all the work.

For tumblers, water bottles and anything that gets washed regularly, a two component resin glue is the better choice, because it creates a permanent, fully waterproof bond that will not soften in water. Resin glues come as two parts, a resin and a hardener, that you mix together before applying, so always wear gloves and follow the pack instructions.

If you would rather avoid the stronger glue on plastic, Gem-Tac also works and is a gentler, low odour alternative that still dries clear and stays flexible.

Shoes

For shoes, E6000 Plus is the most widely recommended glue. Similar to fabric, footwear flexes with every step and often faces rain and general wear, so you need a bond that is flexible, waterproof and genuinely tough. For rubber soled trainers, which flex even more, a two component resin gives the strongest, most water resistant bond of all. Whichever you use, allow the full cure time before wearing them, since crystals on shoes face more stress than almost any other project.

What Glue to Avoid on Rhinestones

Some glues do more harm than good, and the big one to avoid is super glue. Super glue (cyanoacrylate) should never be used on rhinestones. As it cures, the fumes can cloud and frost the surface of the crystal, permanently dulling the sparkle that makes rhinestones worth using in the first place. Worse, super glue can eat through the foil backing on foiled flatbacks, ruining the mirror finish that gives them their shine. It can also damage AB and other special effect coatings.

Gorilla style polyurethane glues are best avoided too, for similar reasons. They foam and expand as they cure, which pushes crystals out of place and leaves a messy finish that is very hard to tidy up.

People often ask how to make rhinestones stick permanently, expecting the answer to be the strongest possible glue. It is not. Permanence comes from three things working together: the right glue for your surface, proper surface preparation, and letting the bond cure fully before you use the item. Get those three right and the correct crafting glue will hold beautifully. Reach for super glue and you will likely ruin the crystals instead.

How to Glue Rhinestones Step by Step

People often ask which is the best method for attaching crystals to fabric – hot fix vs glue on crystals? The honest answer is that there are pros and cons to both of the hotfix (iron on) and non hotfix (glue on) methods.

Good preparation is the single most important part of gluing rhinestones. Most crystals that fall off do so because the surface was not cleaned properly, not because of the glue. So before you start, get your surface ready.

The best way to apply glue neatly is with a syringe applicator, which lets you squeeze out tiny, precise amounts with no waste and no mess. Pair it with a pick up tool, like the Crystal Katana, to place each stone accurately.

1. Prep the surface
   Wipe it down with rubbing alcohol to remove any oil, dust or residue, then let it dry. Make sure the fabric is clean, lint free and lying flat.

2. Fill the syringe
   Squeeze some glue into the syringe, about halfway, and screw on the tip.

3. Apply small dots of glue
   Squeeze out tiny dots wherever you want a crystal. Keep each dot smaller than the stone, so the glue does not seep out around the edges.

4. Place each crystal
Use your pick up tool to lift each rhinestone and set it onto the glue dot, flat side down. Nudge it into position with the other end of the tool if you need to.5. Leave it to cure flat
Let the project dry completely on a flat surface before moving, wearing or washing it.

Cure times vary by glue, Gem-Tac is dry to the touch within about an hour, but typically needs a full 24 hours to fully cure. Stronger industrial glues like E6000 Plus and two component resins are tacky within 10-20 minutes but need up to 72 hours to reach full strength. Always check the guidance on your specific product and give it the time it needs, because rushing the cure is the quickest way to lose crystals. 

Tips for a professional, long lasting finish

A few small habits make a big difference to how your finished piece looks and how long it lasts:

• Always test a small, hidden area first to make sure the glue works with your material.

• Use glue on (non hotfix) rhinestones for gluing, rather than iron on (hotfix) stones. You can glue hotfix stones, but they cost more, so it is an expensive way to work.

• Use a pick up tool rather than tweezers for placing crystals. It is far more precise and much less fiddly.

• Keep the fabric flat and steady while you work. Many dressmakers use a dolly board to hold everything in place.

• Avoid washing a finished item for at least 48 hours, and always hand wash only without fabric conditioner.

• Store the item away from direct sunlight while the glue dries, to prevent any yellowing or movement.

Choosing the best glue for rhinestones really comes down to two questions: what are you sticking them to, and how will the item be used? For most fabric and clothing, Gem-Tac is a brilliant, easy to use starting point. For heavier stones, hard surfaces, shoes and anything that needs a waterproof, flexible bond, E6000 Plus is the dependable workhorse. And whatever you do, keep the super glue well away from your crystals.

Get the glue right, prep your surface properly, and give it time to cure, and your rhinestones will stay sparkling for years.

Ready to get sticking? Shop Gem-Tac for your next fabric project, and our friendly team is always happy to help if you need a hand choosing the right glue.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best glue for rhinestones on fabric?

For most fabric projects, Gem-Tac is the best choice. It dries clear and flexible, bonds almost all fabric types, and is easy to apply with a syringe. For heavier stones, stretchy performance wear or anything that needs to be waterproof, E6000 Plus is the stronger option.

Can you wash clothes with rhinestones glued on?

Yes, with care. Wait until the glue has fully cured, usually at least 48 hours, then hand wash only. Avoid the washing machine and never use fabric conditioner, as it can work under the crystals and weaken the bond over time. Both Gem-Tac and E6000 Plus hold up well to gentle hand washing.

How do you make rhinestones stick permanently?

Permanence comes from three things working together: the right glue for your surface, proper preparation, and a full cure. Clean the surface with rubbing alcohol first, use a flexible fabric glue like Gem-Tac or E6000 Plus, apply small neat dots, and let it cure completely flat before wearing or washing. The strongest glue is not the answer, the right method is.

Can you use super glue or gorilla glue for rhinestones?

No. Super glue fumes can cloud and frost the surface of the crystal and eat through the foil backing, ruining the sparkle. It also damages AB and special effect coatings. Gorilla style glues foam and expand as they cure, pushing crystals out of place. Stick to a proper crystal glue like Gem-Tac or E6000 Plus.

How long does rhinestone glue take to dry on fabric?

Gem-Tac is typically ready in around 24 hours. E6000 Plus can need up to 72 hours to reach full strength. Always leave the item to cure flat and avoid washing it for at least 48 hours after gluing. Check your specific product for exact timings.