Discuss the different methods of adding some bling to your designs. Rhinestone and rhinestud transfers, templates, equipment, software and supplies are inlcuded in this forum.
Some of my t-shirt designs are going to have a few rhinestones on them. I was wondering if anyone has a great way of applying rhinestones so they don't fall off after washing. If anyone has experience with this I would love to hear from you. Also any ideas on where to purchase rhinestones. God I love this site!!! Thanks to everybody
Some of my t-shirt designs are going to have a few rhinestones on them. I was wondering if anyone has a great way of applying rhinestones so they don't fall off after washing. If anyone has experience with this I would love to hear from you. Also any ideas on where to purchase rhinestones. God I love this site!!! Thanks to everybody
Use hot fix rhinestones / crystals- they have adhesive pre-fixed to the back of the crystal and they only need heat to set to the material. You can apply them with a household iron or use a hot fix wand if you will need to apply each crystal one at a time. Swarovski crystals have the best adhesive for the washing machine. For the hot fix wand- "Kandi's Professional" applicator is pretty good. You can find them on Ebay sometimes or do a google search. Would not buy directly from the Kandi manufacturer- crystals nor the applicator though.
Dena,
I find the Swarovski hot fix crystals are the best. For application you should use a heat press machine with a swing arm. You can regulate the temperature and pressure needed. I draw out my designs and then reverse the pattern. You then lay a transfer sheet over it and apply the crystals. The transfer sheet has the right amount of adhesive to hold the crystals until u press. Turn over the sheet, lay on the item to be heat pressed. Apply the heat and voila! finished. I've not had any problems with crystals falling off. I do heat press twice...first right side out and then turn the item inside out. Works great even on items like denim jackets. Hope this helps u some.
What temperature and pressure level do you use when applying these hot fix with your heat press machine? I am new to the business and don't want to mess this up.
My heat press has a thermometer heat gauge. I set it at 325 degrees and press for 15 seconds....then turn the item inside out and repress another 15 seconds. This would be for 100% cotton pre-shrunk rib knit shirts. I find that higher temps aren't necessary and if you press for more than 15 seconds the press will leave a heat mark on the darker fabrics. For heavier items like denim I press the 15 seconds but longer inside out....15-20 seconds.
...then turn the item inside out and repress another 15 seconds.
This is what I think keeps the rhinestones on larger. The heat can go through the fabric a lot easier than the stone material. Just seems to do a better job sealing the adhesive to the shirt. It does take a little longer to do this extra step, but it is well worth it in my opinion.
Exactly! And of course, always remember when the item is inside out to place a sheet of teflon between the shirt and the heat source so that the glue does not ruin your machine.
thank you for the timely responses, I wasn't expecting that. I have been searching for the best prices on hotfix Swavorski crystals. Does anyone have a vendor in paticular that they have experienced great success for price and quality?
applying rhinestones 
