Rhinestones are the perfect way to add sparkle and personality to your wardrobe. But before you start your DIY project, it’s essential to know the best ways to adhere rhinestones to denim if you want them to stay put.

Plan Your Design in Advance

Before doing anything else, take a moment to plan out your design. Whether you’re going for a subtle scattering of sparkle or a bold statement piece such a patch or rhinestone pattern, sketch out your vision on paper. This will help you visualize the placement of each rhinestone and ensure a cohesive look once you attach them to your denim.

Transferring your Design to the Denim

Once you have an idea on design, now is time to transfer the design from paper to your denim piece.  Fabric pencils or pens with washable ink are a great place to start.  Straight pins or painters tape can work for curved or straight lines.  Hot fix transfer paper and hot fix rhinestones can be used too. Try heat transfer appliques or cut vinyl applied and then rhinestoned is a simple way to make a statement.  Don’t forget about the option of trimmings such as fringe or by the yard ribbons or flowers.  A simple scatter of rhinestones and/or flat back pearls is a beautiful look that does not require prior design or transfer.  You really can’t go wrong when adding sparkle to denim- it will all be beautiful and unique to your personality.

Choose a Strong Glue

Make sure you use a strong adhesive for applying the rhinestones. You’ll want a fast-drying glue that won’t leave behind any residue or discoloration on your denim. Gem-Tac and E6000 are both dependable options.

And remember, a little goes a long way. Use a syringe to deposit small dots of glue on your denim, and then position the rhinestones on top. The glue should seep out slightly from the edges of the rhinestones—this forms a seal that keeps your crystals firmly in place. Looking for a great deal on all the tools you'll need? Check out our competitively-priced starter kits!

Be Patient and Let the Glue Dry

We know you’ll be excited to show off your newly bedazzled denim, but remember to be patient! After applying each rhinestone, resist the urge to touch or move them until the glue has completely dried. This may take several hours or even overnight, depending on the type of glue you’re using.

Whether you’re bedazzling your jeans for a girls’ night out or adding some sparkle to your everyday style, these tips for adhering rhinestones to denim will help you achieve the perfect blinged-out look.

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