How To Hot Fix Rhinestones

1. The Household Iron

If this is all you have then it will be a good start............. I still use an iron if placing a clutch of stones together.

Place the stones where you want them then gently place the hot iron on top and press for around 10 seconds. Try and distribute the pressure over the stones evenly.

The length of time depends very much on the size of the stone. Trial and error and practise will make you more confident. As an example when fixing an ss16 a count to around 20 seconds should do it.

Run your hand over the fixed stones (once they have cooled a bit!!) and see if any ping off. If they feel loose repeat with the iron.

After fixing turn the material/garment inside out and slowly iron the back of the garment ironing the bottom of the stones.

2. A Soldering Iron

Next thing to find is the soldering iron. Maybe if you don't have one, without meaning to be sexist, the partner or father may have one buried in the garage! Its a pretty standard part of a tool kit.

You can pick one up for under £14.

You need a small tip. Place the stones where you want them, just touch the tops of the stones with the soldering iron for as many seconds as is needed depending on the size of the stone. You will see and feel the glue on the back of the stone melt.

This is my preferred method for the more difficult part of a garment such as the lumpy bits around the seams or a more intricate pattern. Fixing the stones individually gives more control over where the stone goes without accidentally moving it. Also it gives a better fix simply as you have more control.

3. The Kandi Kane

Now that you are truly addicted, the thing to have is a

The Kandi Professional

It is a purpose made Hot Fix Applicator. It has exchangeable tips of various sizes to fit the different size stones. It has two sizes of flat tips if you prefer working with those or if you are hot fixing nailheads etc....

It works very similarly to the soldering iron, but has more convenient tips that are shaped to pick up the stones. Whilst they are in the tip, the heat from the Kandi melts the glue....and then just pop it onto the garment. The are different sized tips for the different sized stones.

4. Transfer Tape

Tranfer Tape or Mylar Tape is especially made to transfer stones to a garment. Its ideal for creating motifs or script.

Further intructions for its use can be found with the other links