Features of using glue for rhinestones for fabrics

Rhinestones are imitations of precious stones of different sizes, shapes, colors. They are used to decorate clothes, shoes, accessories, interior items, etc. From "fakes" you can put together almost any picture, creating a unique wardrobe item. Special glue is important in the work, without which the work is impossible.

How to choose glue

Stones can be sewn on (with holes for thread) or glued on; the latter are divided into cold-mount crystals (you need to use glue) and hot-melt rhinestones (the lower surface is covered with a dry mixture that melts at high temperatures).

The most common methods used to attach cold-set stones are:

1. Epoxy resin: a universal product that can be used on any surface except glass. However, epoxy often leaves marks and takes several hours to dry completely;
2. Special adhesive mixtures: are distinguished by convenient packaging (often with a sharp tip through which a small amount of the substance is squeezed out), a suitable composition that does not damage fabric and stone, and a good result.

Do not use rhinestone glue on fabric that contains acetone or acetic acid - they will adversely affect the appearance of the product.

It is important to note the hot-melt rhinestones: how to glue them to fabric is described below. To work with them, you will need a heating device.

Glue "Moment-Crystal"

Transparent, easy to apply, dries quickly, sets in a few seconds, but stretches a little, after which it will be impossible to change the position of the rhinestone or remove it without damaging the fabric. When applying a drop, a film forms on its surface: when installing the crystal, it can tear, and the glue will flow out, it can get on the surface nearby.

The disadvantages include an unpleasant smell: if you work at home for a long time, it can cause a headache.

Glue for rhinestones Danscouture (USA)

It is water-based and can be used with any type of fabric except leather and flat-bottomed stones. The substance is non-toxic, does not deform the product, and becomes transparent when dry. It is often used to decorate costumes for dancers, figure skaters, gymnasts, etc.

Swarovski CG 500-35

Epoxy glue from the USA, widely used when working with metal, wood, glass, porcelain and other surfaces, except fabric. When working with fabric, the glue is not recommended, as it leaves stains.

E6000 CRAFT

The substance is also produced in the USA. It is most often used to glue Swarovski crystals, since it does not affect their surface. It has no smell, tolerates any water (both fresh and sea), and can be washed in a machine.

Fericyl Fabric Glue

The glue is produced in India. The base is odorless epoxy resin, which is easy to apply and does not stretch. The substance is white, becomes transparent after drying, thanks to the spout of the bottle, it is quite convenient to apply the glue - this can be done even on a vertical surface.

It hardens in a few seconds, during which you can adjust the position of the stone. The glue dries completely in a day (to speed it up, you can warm up the fabric with a hair dryer), the item can be washed only after a week in cold water.

How to quickly glue rhinestones to fabric

Gluing stones to fabric is not difficult. In general, everything happens in several steps:

1. You need to apply a little glue to the fabric and wait a few seconds for the substance to soak in. There should be enough glue to capture the rhinestone entirely - it should protrude slightly beyond the surface of the stone, "grasp" it.

2. It is better to carefully take the crystal with tweezers, a thin plastic stick with wax on the end or pliers, a toothpick. The stone should be placed in the center of the drop and pressed a little.
3. If desired, you can apply glue to the crystal itself, but this is more difficult and requires a certain amount of skill. It is important to remember that the glue sets quickly: if you place the stone incorrectly, a mark will remain on the surface when you wipe it off.

When working with stretchy clothing (knitwear, nylon or lycra), before applying the glue, the part of the clothing needs to be stretched and held a little. Thin material, such as organza, does not hold stones well at all, and it is also not worth decorating natural or artificial leather.

How to glue rhinestones with an iron

How to glue hot-melt rhinestones to fabric at home? To do this, you will need to use an iron, which will heat up the layer already on the crystal.

There are 2 ways to stick them:

1. If the crystals are arranged in a group and are approximately the same size, you will only need to place them on the fabric and iron them from above through gauze. The temperature of the iron should not be too high (otherwise the surface of the stone can be damaged) or too low (the glue will not melt). It is also worth considering the type of fabric.
2. This option is more complicated. You need to transfer the pattern to paper, smooth out a transparent fabric on top of it. Then set the iron with the heating side up, lay the crystals on it with the sticky side up and turn it on. When the glue melts, use a toothpick or needle to transfer the stones one by one to the fabric, laying out the pattern, and press them lightly for better adhesion.

Installation of self-adhesive rhinestones

Self-adhesive crystals are distinguished by the presence of an adhesive layer on the back surface. They are fixed with a heated iron. How to glue adhesive rhinestones to fabric is described step by step above.

We glue hot-melt rhinestones with an applicator

A rhinestone applicator is also called a heat applicator or soldering iron. It is a small heating device that can be used instead of an iron on delicate fabrics, such as velvet.

The advantages of the applicator include:

1. Small size, compact: you can hold the fabric in your hands and stick the crystals directly without using an iron or table;
2. Ease of use: the device heats up quickly, the set includes several attachments;
3. Neat result: thanks to its shape, the soldering iron heats the rhinestone pointwise, without damaging the fabric around it. It is also easier to glue decor in hard-to-reach places.

You can attach it in 2 ways:

1. Place the pattern on the fabric immediately, heat the soldering iron and apply it to the stones one by one. As they heat up, they will stick immediately;
2. Heat the stones one by one with a thermal applicator and transfer them to the desired location.

Sticking with adhesive tape

This method is used if it is necessary to transfer a large drawing, which is difficult and time-consuming to attach one stone at a time. The process takes place in several steps:

1. Rhinestones are laid out on adhesive tape with the sticky side facing up;
2. The film is transferred to the clothes and then ironed;
3. The film is removed.

This method allows you to save time and effort, but it has a significant disadvantage: the stones are fixed in a large group, some may not stick and come off.

Care of products with rhinestones and crystals

Clothes decorated with rhinestones require more careful and gentle care than ordinary clothes, but there is nothing complicated about it:

1. It is better to wash such items by hand in cool water;

2. It is better to use a liquid product for delicate materials; conditioner is not recommended—it has a negative effect on the properties of the glue;
3. It is not worth soaking the clothes: the constant presence of water will have a negative effect on the connection;
4. You can dry it in any way you like, depending on the fabric you use, but it is better to hang and remove things carefully so that the crystals do not get caught or fall off;
5. When ironing, avoid direct contact between the heated iron and the rhinestones, using a thin cloth.

Clothes decorated with Swarovski crystals or cheaper options look beautiful, but to get a good result, you need to properly glue the rhinestones to the fabric. Depending on the type of stones, you can use one of the glue options, a heated iron or a special soldering iron.