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How to Rhinestone a Skating Costume for Competition
Posted by Rhinestones Unlimited on Nov 2nd 2023
DESIGN GUIDE
How to Rhinestone a Skating Costume
Techniques, tools, and tips for turning a competition costume into a standout on the ice.
To rhinestone a skating costume, choose flatback stones in two to three sizes, pick an attachment method suited to the fabric, and layer the design in stages: bold placement first, then graduated density for movement, then texture in any sheer or lace panels. The right combination of stones and technique is what separates a costume that reads as an afterthought from one that holds the audience's eye through every spin and jump.
QUICK REFERENCE
| Recommended sizes | 2 to 3 different sizes per costume for visual dimension; 20ss and 30ss are the most popular |
| Attachment methods | Hotfix, sew-on, and glue-on |
| Featured collections | MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa®, LUX European Crystal®, Starcut Crystal™, PriceLess Crystal |
| Best for | Competition dresses, ice dance costumes, team apparel |
01
Why does a custom skating costume matter?
Figure skating goes beyond executing clean twirls, jumps, and spins. It's also about capturing the audience and judges with presence. A custom skating costume lets a skater's individuality and fashion sense come through on the ice, and it can raise a performer's confidence along with the performance itself.
02
How do you choose rhinestones for a skating costume?
Flatback rhinestones are the standard choice for skating costumes. They catch the light and create an eye-catching effect on the ice, and they're straightforward to apply across a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Rhinestones Unlimited stocks several collections built for competition wear, including MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa®, LUX European Crystal®, Starcut Crystal™, and PriceLess Crystal.
For dimension, use two to three different sizes rather than one uniform size throughout. 20ss and 30ss are the most popular sizes for costume work, with 12ss and 16ss common for finer detail and 40ss reserved for bold statement placement.
03
What rhinestone techniques create the most impact?
Three techniques cover most of what a skating costume needs: pattern-based placement, graduated density, and texture. Each solves a different design problem, and most costumes end up using at least two of the three.
| TECHNIQUE | EFFECT | BEST USED FOR |
|---|---|---|
| Enticing embellishments | Pattern-based sparkle, from a subtle touch to full coverage | Bold focal points, trims and banding |
| Sensational sweeps | Graduated density creates the illusion of movement | Sleeves, skirts, and other dynamic elements |
| Tantalizing textures | Adds depth on sheer or lace sections | Layered fabric, mesh panels, textured details |
Enticing Embellishments
Experiment with colors, sizes, and shapes to create patterns on a costume. A subtle touch or a fully covered outfit both work; the choice depends on the program's tone. For a bigger impact, RU's trims and banding line adds concentrated sparkle fast, and the shattered mirror embellishments are a striking option for turning judges' heads.
Sensational Sweeps
Varying the density and size of rhinestones across a costume gives the illusion of movement. This technique keeps a costume alive under stage lighting, since the eye reads the graduated sparkle as motion even when the skater is still. Layering in appliques adds even more sense of movement to a sweep design.
Tantalizing Textures
Adding rhinestones to sheer or lace sections creates visual impact and an added layer of depth. Mixing shapes and sizes within a single textured panel adds further dimension without needing more stones overall.
04
What tools and prep do you need before you start?
A successful transformation comes down to a handful of essentials:
- Use high-quality rhinestones for a more durable, longer-lasting finish
- Use the right tools, such as tweezers and adhesive, for precise, secure placement
- Plan the design in advance so the process stays smooth and the result stays intentional
- Consult a professional designer or costume-maker for advice, or stop by the RU showroom for hands-on help
A costume that reflects a skater's personality, ambition, and style, built with the right stones, technique, and planning, is what turns a routine into a performance the judges remember.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the best rhinestones for skating costumes?
Flatback rhinestones are the standard for skating costumes because they lie smooth against fabric and are easy to glue, sew, or hotfix in place. Rhinestones Unlimited's MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa®, LUX European Crystal®, Starcut Crystal™, and PriceLess Crystal collections are all built for competition-grade wear.
How many rhinestones do I need for a skating costume?
The amount depends on the coverage and design, and it varies widely from a light accent to full coverage. Rhinestones Unlimited's Estimating Guide walks through the math for a given garment and coverage level.
What tools do I need to apply rhinestones to a costume?
At minimum: tweezers for placement and an adhesive suited to the attachment method (hotfix applicator and heat source for hotfix stones, fabric glue for glue-on stones, or a beading needle and thread for sew-on stones). Planning the design before starting keeps application fast and precise.
Can I add rhinestones to sheer or lace fabric?
Yes. Sheer and lace sections take rhinestones well and add a textured, layered look. Mixing shapes and sizes within the same panel builds depth without requiring heavier coverage.
Where can I buy rhinestones for figure skating costumes?
Rhinestones Unlimited carries a full range of flatback rhinestones, trims, and appliques built for competition skating wear, with same-day shipping on in-stock items. Shop the skating collection here.
SHOP THIS POST
Shop Rhinestones for Figure Skating →
The Ultimate Guide to Using Flatback Rhinestones on Clothing →