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Attaching Crystals to Fabric

desi | Posted in General Sewing Info on

Hi Everyone,

I am hoping that someone can help me with this! How do you attach crystals or rhinestones to tulle fabric? I caught the end of a demonstration of this on America Sews, but I only saw the end of it, so I do not know what tools were used or if there is a special type of glue. Please help!

Des

Replies

  1. kjp | | #1

    check out the site for mj trims.  I think it's http://www.mjtrim.com.  they sell everything imaginable and seemed to have good information on the different ways to apply crystals.  I think there's a glue and also a $20 tool that you can use.   I haven't tried it yet, but I have some stretch fabrics that I'm thinking about embellishing - so let me know how it works out!  karin

    1. desi | | #2

      Thank you Karin, I will definitely check out that site!

      Des

  2. wench34 | | #3

    Okay.....you can use a clear glue called fabri-tac....it dries clear and is flexable....keep in mind any setting a rhinestone will show on the reverse........a pretty effect is to do clusters of crystals as it is easier to do and looks great.....I do it alot on bridal veils and tulle bridal gowns.....

    1. desi | | #4

      Thanks a lot!

      Des

  3. alotofstitches | | #5

    I did that just last year!  http://www.KANDICORP.com makes the KandiKane, the wand used to attach "Hot-Fix", flat back, Swarovski crystals and offers bulk crystals.  I used 2mm size and bought bulk 144 ct. and used nearly all.  the wand comes with adapters for all sizes crystals.  Since mine were so small I had trouble seeing the glue melt and did have to use the pin to push most of mine off the wand.  You do have to be careful on the illusion as I did melt it in one place.  It makes a beautiful veil.  I did find small pkgs. of the crystals for you to see the sizes at Hobby Lobby but it's more economical to purchase bulk and just like pearls you use a lot more than ever you'd dream.  My short veil had only a sprinkling of crystals about 6-8" apart.

    1. desi | | #6

      Thank you Liz. Your information was very helpful. I'm looking forward to trying it!

      Des

    2. SewNancy | | #7

      You used this on a veil you will obviously not wash.  Has anyone used this on something they washed or drycleaned?

      Nancy

      1. roone | | #8

        I've used these on skating dresses made from slinky fabrics. I wash them inside out. When it comes to the dryer I  put them in to tumble out the wrinkles then I hang to dry.

        Edited 6/19/2005 9:11 am ET by roone

      2. susansmith | | #9

        I use the heat fixed crystals on my daughers horse show clothes.  I have attached crystals to ultra suede, lycra, and polyester suiting.  My daughter attached them to chiffon on this year's prom dress.  I wash the garments by hand just in case any crystals fall off...but this has not been a problem so far.  I also discovered that affixed crystals can be removed by reversing the attachment procedure.  There is a small amount of glue that remains; I have found it to be less noticeable on the ultrasuede than the other fabrics. 

        Sue

  4. institches | | #10

    I have been  making my competition gowns for ballroom dance,and crystals are in abundance! Because of that , most sewers in this area do not use hot fix. It takes longer and is a bit more expensive. I use Gem-Tac by Beacon which seems to be the most popular adhesive for costumes. It works well on any type of fabric. Once it has dried for 24 hours it can be washed--though always by hand and gently.

     Also, rather than using tweezers to apply the stones(one by one, of course) I use a q-tip to which I have applied a small blob of beeswax. I think some people call them dop sticks and I have seen them for sale on some of the costume sites, but it is so simple to make one yourself. You can get the wax in a bag at Michaels, AC Moore in candle making.  I just put a small amount of wax in the microwave for a few seconds -enough to make it pliable- and then apply it to the q-tip end. The waxed q-tip, will pick up the stone and gently deposit it on the place you have applied the glue. The glue does not affect the wax so this allows you to continue picking up and dropping the crystals.

    Since this glue dries clear, you could also use it on tulle, using the above method.

    1. roone | | #11

      Hi I am new to this forum and I just read your response to attaching crystals. I make my daughter's skating dresses and putting on gems has been an area requiring more patience than I sometimes have. I am going to try your waxed Q-tip. Thanks Karen

       

      1. institches | | #12

        Good luck Karen. Hope you will find the dob stick useful. It has made a huge difference in how fast I can work.   AMB

         

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