How to Glue Rhinestones Onto Fabric Effectively (Gemstones)
Embellishments can be cool. That is if they are applied correctly to any garment you or your family owns. The right embellishments can really upgrade an old dress or jacket but there is a proper way to add them so you don't make yourself look foolish.
When it comes to rhinestones, they are a very flexible gemstone. You can attach them to just about any fabric you want. The trick to keeping the rhinestones in place is to use the right fabric glue. It has to be a permanent waterproof variety or you may not have a lot of success.
To learn all about attaching rhinestones to fabric just continue to read our article. It contains the information to guide your work so your efforts are not wasted and your results look professional.
Can You Glue Rhinestones to Fabric?
If you are an experienced sewer or craftsperson then you already know that it is not hard to attach rhinestones to fabric. These gemstones can be glued easily to a myriad of fabrics like the materials were all made from the same cloth.
That kind of flexibility and versatility makes attaching rhinestones to older clothes more enjoyable. You can have a worry-free day as you concentrate on where you want them and on which pattern will look the best.
The key is to make sure you read the label on the different glues. Those labels will tell you if the adhesive is permanent or temporary, waterproof or not, and so on. It will also give you the time you have to wait for the glue to dry.
Working with the right fabric glue saves you time and probably money as you do not have to start all over if you make a mistake.
What is the Best Fabric Glue for Rhinestones?
In this section, we are just going to review 5 of the better products you can use to glue rhinestones onto fabric. Getting pointed in the right direction is half your battle. There is no particular order to this list.
1. Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive
This adhesive is a double-edged sword. Not only will it work on rhinestones and other gemstones it is designed to work on a variety of fabrics as well. Its clear drying makes it a perfect adhesive to use. Your gown or coat will not be marred by glue stains or colors.
This is a permanent glue that gets stronger if you use your hairdryer to help it cure. Its benefits include water resistance, no harmful or flammable chemicals inside, and is a multi-purpose glue. Read more and check price >>
2. E6000 231020 Adhesive with Precision Tips
It is the precision tips that are the most important part of this fabric adhesive. Those tips help you be precise and accurate when gluing rhinestones. Another good feature is that this glue is paintable. You can cover up mistakes with a dab of paint on your brush.
One drawback is that this fabric glue may come with an overpowering smell. Other than that, it can withstand dry cleaning and washing machines without losing their bond. That is a major benefit. Read more here >>
3. Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue
This option is also a very effective fabric glue that can stick to different fabrics with ease. Also, it can handle rhinestones and other precious gemstones you want to place on your gown or outfit. It forms a strong bond that seems to handle daily wear and tear quite well.
There are a couple of catches though. First, while it is quick-drying, you should wait 24 hours just in case. Then, second, you should not wash the article of clothing for about 10 days. Other than that, it is a fabric glue worth considering when you want to glue rhinestones to fabric. Check price and read more here >>
4. MOPRETTY Super Sticky Rhinestone Glue
When you are looking for a good fabric glue to hold your rhinestones securely, take a few moments to consider this brand. It contains a super tough glue that holds those gemstones nice and tight. Its secret is that it is a gel.
On top of that this adhesive does not contain any harmful chemicals so you can use it without worry. Along with that, there is no foul odor attached to this product so your nose will not be offended when you use this fabric glue.
Unfortunately, it is not sold on Amazon at this time.
5. E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive
This company makes great fabric glues so it stands to reason they will place another product on this list. Not only is it good for glass and metal, but it also helps secure rhinestones to fabric. Its all-round nature makes it a very valuable fabric glue to have on hand.
Plus, there is a 5-minute window for you to re-position the rhinestone if it goes on crooked, etc., But once the glue dries it is a permanent bond that holds on tight. Just give it 24 to 48 hours to cure completely. Check price and read more here >>
Strong Fabric Glue for Rhinestones
The section above already gives you a list of strong adhesives you can use to attach rhinestones to your favorite jacket, etc., As you can see, those brands can and do make a variety of fabric glues that handle the same chores with the same level of quality.
Here is a list of a few more brands and there may be a couple of duplicates. That is okay as their presence lets you know you may have lots of options within the same brand- Aleene’s Flexible Stretchable or Jewel It, Beacon’s Fabri-Tac or Gem-Tac, Crafter’s Pick Jewel Bond or E6000.
Finding the right fabric glue is essential to the success of attaching rhinestones. The other essential factors include finding the right design and best-looking rhinestones.
Also, those top glues can handle more than one gemstone so do not be afraid to mix and match and really highlight your clothing
How to Glue Rhinestones Onto Fabric
The basic process is the same as it is with any other material or surface. When it comes to rhinestones there are some tricks you should apply so you do not make a mistake.
- Applicator - it is best to use a syringe to apply the glue as those tools will give you precision and accuracy.
- Motion - avoid doing any sudden movements. You need to move slowly and carefully when you do this task.
- Fabric protection - to keep the glue from seeping through the fabric place a piece of cardboard under your work area.
- Application - Apply the glue to the rhinestone first, then use tweezers to place the rhinestone in its intended position.
- Working surface - keep your work area flat. Use a table or workbench and make sure there are no wobbles, dips, or bumps on them.
- Amount of glue - make sure you do not over or under apply glue. Use the right amount to make sure the rhinestone stays put and the glue has a chance to do its job
Best Glue for Sticking Gems to Fabric
We have given you several brand names for you to look at. They are all good to use with rhinestones. They also work well with other gems and hold on to those and the fabric quite well.
The best glue characteristics to have is to make sure the adhesive is waterproof or at least water-resistant. They also should be made to work with gemstones and be permanent glue.
Temporary glues should be avoided at all costs unless you want to pull those gems off and use them on a different costume at a later date.
How to Glue Gemstones to Fabric
For gemstones other than rhinestones you can use the same process described above. The different gemstones have similar qualities so the process doesn't vary that much.
In some situations, you should rough up the surface of those gems with a little sandpaper to make sure the glue has something to grab onto when applied. The good thing is that you do not have to look for a different style of glue to use.
The fabric glues made for rhinestones should work for all gemstones. If you want a complete list of fabric and other glues that will work with rhinestones and other gemstones, just click on this link.
You should be amazed at the amount of selection you actually have.
Some Final Words
Embellishing your clothing with rhinestones or other gems is not that difficult to do. You have lots of fabric glues that will hold your gems in place very securely. Your main concern is to work carefully and make precise moves, not quick ones.
Once you get the process down pat then future applications will be a breeze. Working with rhinestones is easier than working with leather and more enjoyable.
