Flatback
Flat reverse side for gluing (non-hotfix) or heat-setting (hotfix). The most versatile type for most projects.
NEW to Rhinestones
New to rhinestones?
A practical, brand-neutral quick-start: types, materials, sizes, finishes, application methods, care, and common pitfalls — plus how to choose quality for your use-case.
What are rhinestones?
Rhinestones are man-made gems (crystal, glass, resin/acrylic) designed to mimic the look of diamonds and other stones at a lower cost. They’re used on clothing, performance wear, décor, accessories, and crafts.
Good to know: The name traces back to the Rhine River. Modern stones are cut and polished to maximise light return (sparkle).
Types
Chatons
Pointed-back stones designed for settings/cups/claws in jewellery and couture — usually not glued directly to fabric.
Sew-on
Stones with holes for stitching. Useful for high-movement garments and larger statement placements.
Materials
Crystal
Highest brilliance and clarity — and usually the highest price.
Glass
Strong sparkle at a more accessible price; slightly heavier than resin. A great all-round choice.
Resin / Acrylic (incl. Jelly)
Lightweight and budget-friendly with a softer sparkle. Jelly styles flex well — useful on curves (shoes, phone cases).
Quality & consistency (how to choose)
Cut & facets
Sharper, consistent facets reflect more light. For stage/spotlights, better cut matters more than colour alone.
Coating durability
Effects (like AB, metallic, chrome) are coatings. Higher quality coatings resist scratching, washing, and dulling.
Batch consistency
Good suppliers keep size, colour tone, and finish consistent between restocks—critical for reorders and repairs.
Adhesive strength (hotfix)
Hotfix performance depends on adhesive quality and correct heat/pressure/time. Wrong settings can fail even with good stones.
Project durability
If it will be washed, flexed, or exposed to water, choose stronger methods (stitching or high-grade glue) and allow full cure.
Test first
When in doubt, test a small area: adhesion, wash, flex, and visual outcome under the lighting your project will be used in.
Practical rule: Choose based on use-case (wash, flex, water, heat, distance viewing) first — then choose size/finish for the look.
Application methods
Hotfix (flatback with heat-activated glue) Click to expand
Built-in adhesive on the back. Apply with a hotfix applicator, heat press, or iron.
- Pros: Fast for multiples (especially transfers + press); clean finish; strong bond on compatible fabrics.
- Cons: Requires heat (risk on heat-sensitive materials); needs correct temperature/pressure/time.
- Best for: Uniforms, tees, cottons, non-stretch garments, large motifs & production runs.
Tip: Press/iron from the correct side, protect fabric, and do a test stone first. Let it cool before pulling the carrier (for transfers).
Non-hotfix (flatback + separate glue) Click to expand
No adhesive on the back — you choose the right glue for the surface.
- Pros: Works on most surfaces (fabric, leather, plastic, glass, metal, wood); great for precision and mixed materials; often faster than a hotfix wand for one-offs.
- Cons: Slower than press-applied transfers; glue choice and technique matter.
- Best for: Precision designs, curved/rigid items, mixed materials, custom pieces.
Glue basics: Use tiny dots, avoid smearing onto facets, press gently, and allow full cure time before wearing/washing.
Sew-on (stitching) Click to expand
Stones with holes are stitched onto fabric using thread.
- Pros: Extremely secure for movement; great for costumes, dancewear, and heavy-use garments.
- Cons: Slower; placement is more visible (thread/holes); best for larger stones and intentional design.
- Best for: High-movement garments, stage costumes, statement placements.
Sizes (SS → mm)
“SS” = “stone size”. These cover most projects. Other sizes are available on request.
SS6 · ~2.0 mm · Subtle accents, outlines
SS10 · ~2.8–2.9 mm · Fine garment detail
SS16 · ~4.0 mm · Main garment detail
SS20 · ~4.8 mm · Strong visibility on clothing
SS30 · ~6.4 mm · Stage impact, focal points
SS40 · ~8.4 mm · Bold costumes & décor
Stage rule: If the audience is far, go bigger. Mixing sizes (e.g., SS16 + SS20 + SS30) creates depth and reads “sparkly” from distance.
Finishes & colour effects
Note: Most special effects are coatings—treat them gently to reduce scratching and dulling.
Match to project
Clothing (dancewear/performance)
Non-hotfix + strong fabric-safe glue for hold. Sizes SS16 / SS20 for main detail; SS30 / SS40 for distance.
Shoes & accessories
Non-hotfix + strong glue on leather/plastic/metal. Resin/jelly stones can handle curves and flex better.
Décor & glass
Non-hotfix + strong glue for mirror, glass, and metal. Larger sizes (SS30 / SS40) read better at distance.
Nail art
Core ranges often start around SS6. AB finishes are popular. For micro sizes, request a special order.
Quantity (how stones are sold)
Rhinestones are often sold in gross. One gross = 144 stones (12 dozen). This is a standard bulk count used across the industry.
Care
- Clothing: Hand wash inside-out in cool water; mild detergent; no softener; air dry.
- Storage: Keep stones dry and out of direct sunlight; resin can fade with prolonged UV.
- Repairs: Keep spare stones; add a small dot of glue to the original spot, press replacement, allow full cure.
Durability = less waste: A finish that survives washing and wear reduces rework and replacement over time.
Common mistakes
- Choosing stones too small for the viewing distance (go larger for stage) — and forgetting that mixing sizes adds depth.
- Using hotfix on heat-sensitive materials or with wrong temp/pressure/time (scorching risk).
- Expecting resin to match crystal brilliance.
- Using too much glue (dulls sparkle, stiffens fabric) or washing too soon.
- Using water-based/white glue on items that will contact water.
Start here
1) Choose your type
Flatback for most projects. Sew-on for maximum security. Chatons for settings.
2) Choose your method
Hotfix for fabric-only bulk runs. Non-hotfix for mixed surfaces and custom work.
3) Test & commit
Test adhesion and look under your real lighting, then scale up.
FAQs
Hotfix or non-hotfix — which should I choose? Click to expand
If you’re applying to fabric only and need speed on multiples, hotfix transfers + heat press are fast and clean. For mixed surfaces, curves, or custom one-offs, non-hotfix + glue is more versatile (and can be faster than a hotfix wand).
Which sizes work best for stage? Click to expand
SS20 / SS30 / SS40 read best under lights and at distance. Mix sizes (e.g., SS16 + SS20 + SS30) to add depth.
Which glue should I use for water exposure? Click to expand
Use a strong waterproof adhesive suitable for your surface. Avoid water-based/white glue for items that will get wet or be regularly washed.