How to Rhinestone a Dance Costume with LUX European Crystal™

Posted by Rhinestones Unlimited on Oct 29th 2025

If you’re ready to turn a good costume into a showstopper, this step-by-step walks you through the exact process—from clean workstation to final cure—using LUX European Crystal™ for stage-worthy shine.

Watch the Step-By-Step Tutorial

What You’ll Need (Set your station first)

LUX European Crystal™ (mix sizes like ss16/ss20/ss30 for dimension)
Fabric glue (flexible, garment-safe)
Pick-up tool (wax pencil or crystal tool)
Tape measure or ruler
Instructions (garment + glue directions)
Optional: fabric marker for guide dots, paper towel or magic tray for flipping stones

Pro tip: Clear your space, then set stones in shallow trays by size—small to large. Place large stones first and fill in with small stones next. Drama first, then follow with the details!

Spacing Guide (Consistency = designer finish)

Decide density before you start and measure with a ruler or tape:

2 per inch → place dots ½" apart
3 per inch → place dots ⅜" apart
4 per inch → place dots ¼" apart
Stone touching → stones edge-to-edge (no gaps) for a bold, continuous line

Choose one spacing for edges/lines so everything reads clean from the audience.

Step 1: Mark Your Path

Measure your spacing along the neckline, seam, or hem you’re embellishing.
(Optional) Lightly dot with a fabric marker as placement guides.

Pro move: Photograph the costume on a form and sketch your plan. If you’re on a budget, divide stones into small piles per zone (bodice, sleeve, hip) so you don’t over-use in the first section.

Step 2: Apply Glue Like a Pro

Place a small dot of glue on each guide mark—dot, don’t puddle.
Work in short sections (2–3 inches) so the glue stays tacky while you place.

What “right” looks like: a neat dot that will spread just to the stone’s edge when pressed—no ooze.

Step 3: Place the Stones

Flip stones right-side-up (paper towel trick or magic tray).
Pick up with your wax tool.
Gently press each stone onto its glue dot with a light twist.
Repeat in small sections to keep placement accurate and stress-free.

Angie’s tip: For instant dimension, anchor focal points with a larger size (ss30), run your main line with ss20, and fill/taper with ss16.

Step 4: Let It Set, Then Cure

Allow the piece to rest flat.
After 1 hour, you can flip the costume carefully to access another area if needed.
Let glue fully cure before wearing (follow your adhesive’s instructions—overnight is a safe rule).

Quick check: flex the fabric gently; stones should move with the garment, not pop or pull.

Pattern Ideas That Always Work

Edge Highlight: single or double row along a neckline, cutout, or hem.
Dot–Dash: alternate sizes (e.g., ss20 + ss12) for subtle texture.
Scattered Fade: dense cluster at a focal point, tapering outward for movement.

Troubleshooting & Quick Fixes

Glue blobs showing? Use less. You want a tidy dot that seats under the stone.
Stone slid? Nudge back with your tool while glue is tacky; wipe stray glue with a cotton swab.
Uneven spacing? Re-measure every few inches; your eye drifts over time.
Lifting edges after cure? Too little glue. Add a micro-dot at the edge and let it cure fully.

Care & Transport

Store on a hanger or form so stones don’t press into each other.
Spot clean when possible; follow garment and glue care guidelines.
For travel, place tissue between embellished sections.

Companion read for extra tips and variations:
How to Rhinestone a Dance Costume

Shop the Setup

FAQs

How many stones do I need?
Plan by zone and density. Use the spacing chart above and pre-divide stones so each section gets its share.

Which sizes catch the stage light best?
A trio (ss16/ss20/ss30) creates depth that reads from the audience and in photos.

Can I wash the costume?
Follow the garment label and the glue manufacturer. Spot clean when possible and let dry flat.