Hotfix Rhinestones

Which hotfix rhinestones should you choose?

All three of our hotfix ranges use the same heat-activated glue on the back. The difference is in the cut, the sparkle and the price.

Preciosa Maxima hotfix

Our premium hotfix range and the one professional costumers reach for. Maxima crystals are cut with 15 facets from SS5 to SS20 and 18 facets on SS30 and above, which is what gives them their depth of sparkle under stage lighting. Made in the Czech Republic, and we're an authorised Preciosa Silver Partner. Shop Preciosa Maxima hotfix

Preciosa Viva12 hotfix

Genuine Preciosa quality with a bright, lively sparkle at a friendlier price than Maxima. The low-melt adhesive on the back makes for a precise application across a wide range of fabrics, including lycra and other stretch materials. Shop Preciosa Viva12 hotfix

Zodiac hotfix

Our own brand, and brilliant value. Zodiac hotfix crystals have a mirror foil backing that throws the light around, with far more sparkle than the price suggests. If you're covering a whole bodice or working to a tight budget, this is where to start. Shop Zodiac hotfix crystals

Looking for Swarovski? Swarovski hotfix flatbacks sit in their own collection, and you can browse the full Swarovski range.

Sizes and pack quantities

Rhinestone sizes use the SS system, short for stone size. The bigger the number, the bigger the stone. Here's how the most common sizes measure up:

SS6 (2mm) and SS8 (2.6mm) - tiny accent stones for nail art and fine detail
SS10 (3mm) and SS12 (3.4mm) - ideal for scatter work and filling in
SS16 (4mm) and SS20 (5mm) - our widest colour range and the usual choice for dancewear and costume
SS30 (6mm) and SS34 (7mm) - statement stones for focal points
SS40 (8.5mm) and SS48 (11mm) - for maximum impact

Most sizes come in a retail pack and a larger wholesale pack, and the counts change with the stone size. Smaller stones come in bigger counts, so SS16 is typically a pack of 100 or 1440, while a large SS48 pack holds far fewer. The exact options show on each product page. Not sure what size you need? Order a sample pack and see them in person before you commit to a big order.

What you'll need to apply them

A hotfix applicator for individual stones, or an iron or heat press for covering larger areas quickly
Baking parchment or a thin cloth to protect the fabric and the stones
Tweezers or a wax picker for placing small stones accurately
A firm, flat surface to press against

If you'd rather glue your stones than heat them, our non hotfix rhinestones need an adhesive instead.

Need a hand choosing? Just drop us a message and our friendly team will talk you through it.

FAQS

What are hotfix rhinestones?

Hotfix rhinestones, sometimes called iron on rhinestones, are flat backed stones with glue already built into the foil backing. Heat melts the glue, so you apply them with a hotfix tool, an iron or a heat press rather than gluing them by hand. That's the difference between hotfix and non hotfix rhinestones.

How do you apply hotfix rhinestones?

You can use a hotfix applicator tool, a household iron or a heat press. An applicator does one stone at a time, which is precise but slow over a large design. An iron or heat press lets you fix a lot of stones in one go. Whichever you use, press firmly, keep the iron still, and turn the steam off. Our guide to embellishing with hotfix crystals walks through the whole process.

How long do hotfix rhinestones take to stick?

Around 10 to 15 seconds of heat for most stones. Small sizes like SS6 and SS8 need a little less, and larger stones from SS40 upwards can take up to 20 seconds. Apply even pressure the whole time and let the piece cool fully before you touch the stones.

Do hotfix rhinestones stay on?

Yes, if applied correctly and given the proper aftercare, hotfix crystals can be fixed permanently.

Do hotfix rhinestones stay on?

Yes. Applied properly and looked after, hotfix crystals stay put permanently. Most stones that come loose either didn't get enough heat, went onto fabric with dust or fluff on it, or have been through a hot wash with fabric conditioner.

Are hotfix or non hotfix rhinestones better?

It depends on the job. Hotfix is quicker, neater and more durable for large areas, and you don't need to buy glue. Non hotfix works better on anything you can't put heat near, like heat-sensitive synthetics, shoes and non fabric surfaces, and it usually costs less per stone. Worth knowing that fine fabrics like organza, net and silk are actually better with hotfix, because fabric glue tends to seep through them.

Can you iron on hotfix rhinestones?

Yes, a standard household iron works well as long as you turn the steam setting off. Lay a sheet of baking parchment over the stones first to protect them, press down firmly without moving the iron, and let everything cool before you check.

Can you wash clothes with hotfix rhinestones?

Yes. Hand wash, or use a cool gentle cycle in the machine. Turn the garment inside out and skip the fabric conditioner, because it works its way under the stones and loosens the glue.

Can you remove hotfix rhinestones?

You can, by carefully lifting the stone away from the fabric with a sharp tool. Be aware it often leaves some glue residue behind, and occasionally the foil backing stays stuck to the fabric.

What can you put hotfix rhinestones on?

Anything that can take the heat and has a smooth surface. Cotton, denim, lycra, polyester, velvet and most dancewear fabrics all work well. Avoid anything that scorches easily, and always test on a scrap or a hidden seam first.