M&J Project Center

How To Apply Flatback Rhinestones

Glue-On

1. Use a Q-tip to dab a small amount of glue, proportionate to the rhinestone size you are using, to the surface of where you want to apply the rhinestone.
2. With a set of tweezers, gently place rhinestone onto glue, ensuring there is just enough glue to surround the edge of the rhinestone.
3. Let dry completely for several hours.

Be careful not to use too much glue, which can result in a messy finish. Gem-Tac glue is specially made for applying rhinestones to many types of fabrics.

Clamp-On with Settings

Tiffany Settings (exposed metal prongs affixed to the rhinestone face)

This method holds the rhinestones securely onto the fabric, and the exposed metal prongs provide a jewel setting look. U sing Tiffany settings and a Brisk-Set Rhinestone Setter, you can clamp these set rhinestones onto fabric without glue or heat. Standard brisk setters can accommodate SS20 (4.8mm), SS30 (6.5mm), SS34 (7.3mm), and SS40 (8.7mm) size rhinestones. Use Long Leg settings for thick tougher materials like leather,denim, velvet, and corduroy, and Regular Leg settings for thinner fabrics. ( Note: Do not use brisk-setters with delicate fabrics (silk, satin, chiffon), as the settings will rip, tear, and damage fabric.)

1. Mark your design on the reverse side of fabric.
2. Slide appropriate size Tiffany setting onto Brisk-Setter pin, prongs facing down. Twist slightly.
3. Place rhinestone face down into center of Brisk-Setter cup.
4. Position fabric face down over cup and position pin over your mark.
5. Then clamp the Brisk-Setter firmly shut, ensuring fabric stays in place.

Rim Settings (circular metal casing around the rhinestone face)

In addition to the flatback rhinestones and Brisk-Setter, you will need the Rim-Set Adaptor (which can also be used for affixing Nailheads if desired). Note: you must have the appropriate size Rim-Set Adaptor for each rhinestone size you are using.

1. Fasten Rim-Set Adaptor to the Brisk Setter.
2. Mark your design on the reverse side of fabric.
3. Place rhinestone in same-size Rim setting, with rhinestone face pointed down and Rim Setting prongs pointed up.
4. Place together in adaptor well on the base of the Brisk-Setter, with prongs facing up.
5. Position fabric face down over adaptor well at your mark.
6. Then slowly clamp the Brisk-Setter firmly shut, ensuring fabric stays in place.

How To Apply Hot-Fix Rhinestones

Hot Fixer

The Hot Fixer, used by many professionals, is the fastest and easiest method using heat application.

1. Before heating up the Hot Fixer, select and attach the tip that corresponds to rhinestone size you are using.
2. Heat up the Hot Fixer on attached stand for at least 10 minutes.
3. Place Hot Fix rhinestone in desired position (rhinestone face up and glue back face down) on fabric.
   1. Press Hot Fixer tip on top of rhinestone face (do not press too hard) and wait until heat melts glue and bonds to surface.
   2. Let cool completely.

Iron

Though a typical household iron is more time consuming if attaching multiple rhinestones and is less accurate, it can do the job.

1. Heat iron on lowest setting.
2. Lay fabric face up on a hard surface.
3. Place Hot Fix rhinestone face up in the desired position on top of the fabric.
4. Lay a thin cloth over the rhinestone.
5. Lightly press heated iron on top of the cloth-covered rhinestone.
6. Hold for a 1-minute or until glue on back of rhinestone melts and adheres to fabric.
7. Let cool completely.

How To Apply Sew-on Rhinestones

Swarovski sew-on rhinestones are encased in a setting that will allow a needle and thread through the back. Simply sew on as you would a button.

1. Gently peel off the white plastic backing, taking care that individual rhinestones remain stuck to the clear plastic sheet
2. Place fabric face up on a flat surface
3. Adhere rhinestone decal to fabric, sticky side down
4. Heat up iron to lowest setting
5. Turn fabric over so that it is face down. (You may have to place another piece of ‘waste’ fabric over the fabric that you want rhinestones to stick to, if the original fabric is delicate and might be damaged by excessive heat.)
6. Press iron gently over the rhinestone decal, so that glue melts and affixes rhinestones to fabric.
7. Wait a few seconds before removing iron.
8. Let cool completely.