Adding rhinestones to clothing can add sparkle and glamour to any outfit. However, it can be frustrating when they start falling off after just a few wears. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to keep your rhinestones in place and looking fabulous. Here are some tips to help you keep your rhinestones from falling off your clothing.
Tips for Keeping Your Rhinestones from Falling Off
Choose the Right Fabric
When it comes to rhinestones, not all fabrics are created equal. Some fabrics are more prone to shedding rhinestones than others. If you want your rhinestones to stay put, it’s important to choose the right fabric for your project.
Best Fabrics for Rhinestones:
- Cotton
- Denim
- Polyester
- Rayon
- Spandex
Worst Fabrics for Rhinestones:
- Silk
- Satin
- Taffeta
- Velvet
Wash Clothing Inside Out
One of the most common reasons rhinestones fall off clothing is because of friction during washing. To minimize the risk of losing rhinestones, always wash your clothing inside out. This will help protect the rhinestones from rubbing against other clothes or the washing machine drum.
Hand Wash or Use Delicate Cycle
To further protect your rhinestones during washing, consider hand washing your clothing or using the delicate cycle on your washing machine. This will help minimize the amount of agitation your clothing experiences during washing, which can lead to rhinestone loss.
Avoid Fabric Softener
Fabric softener is great for making your clothes feel soft and smell good, but it’s not so great for rhinestones. Fabric softener can cause rhinestones to loosen and fall off over time. To keep your rhinestones in place, avoid using fabric softener when washing your clothing.
Use a Mild Detergent
When washing clothing with rhinestones, it’s important to use a mild detergent. Harsh detergents can cause rhinestones to fall off over time. Look for a detergent that’s labeled as “gentle” or “delicate” to help protect your rhinestones during washing.
Air Dry Clothing
The heat from a dryer can cause rhinestones to loosen and fall off clothing. To keep your rhinestones in place, always air dry your clothing with rhinestones. Hang your clothing up or lay it flat to dry, and avoid using a dryer altogether.
Store Clothing CarefullyProper storage is key to keeping your rhinestones in place. When storing clothing with rhinestones, be sure to fold it carefully and avoid hanging it up. Hanging clothing can cause rhinestones to rub against each other and fall off over time.
Use Glue or Adhesive
If you’re really worried about your rhinestones falling off, you can always use glue or adhesive to help keep them in place. There are a variety of glues and adhesives on the market that are specifically designed for rhinestones.
Just be sure to read the instructions carefully and test the glue on a small area of your clothing before applying it to the entire garment.
Check Rhinestones Regularly
Finally, it’s important to check your rhinestones regularly to make sure they’re still securely attached to your clothing. If you notice any loose rhinestones, be sure to reattach them as soon as possible to prevent further loss.
DIY Rhinestones Application
1. Clean the Surface
Before attaching rhinestones, it is important to clean the surface of the clothing. This will ensure that there is no dust or dirt that could prevent the rhinestones from sticking properly.
2. Use the Right Adhesive
Choosing the right adhesive is crucial when it comes to keeping rhinestones in place. Make sure to use a strong adhesive that is suitable for the type of fabric you are working with.
3. Let the Adhesive Dry Completely
After applying the adhesive, make sure to let it dry completely before attaching the rhinestones. This will ensure that the rhinestones stick properly and don’t fall off easily.
4. Apply Heat
If you are using a hot-fix adhesive, make sure to apply heat to activate the glue. Use an iron or a heat press to apply heat to the rhinestones and ensure that they stick properly.
5. Avoid Washing Too Often
Washing clothing with rhinestones too often can cause them to fall off. Try to avoid washing these items too frequently, and when you do wash them, make sure to turn them inside out and use a gentle cycle.
6. Store Clothing Properly
When storing clothing with rhinestones, make sure to hang them up or lay them flat. Avoid folding them, as this can cause the rhinestones to fall off or become misshapen.
7. Repair Loose Rhinestones Immediately
If you notice a rhinestone has become loose or fallen off, make sure to repair it immediately. Waiting too long can cause more rhinestones to fall off, and it can also be more difficult to reattach them.
8. Use a Sealant
Using a sealant can help to protect the rhinestones and prevent them from falling off. Apply a thin layer of sealant over the rhinestones and let it dry completely before wearing.
9. Avoid Stretching the Fabric
Stretching the fabric can cause the rhinestones to become misshapen or fall off. Avoid wearing clothing with rhinestones that is too tight or stretching the fabric excessively.
10. Consider Professional Application
If you want to ensure that your rhinestones stay in place, consider having them professionally applied. A professional can use the right adhesive and technique to ensure that your rhinestones stay in place for a long time.
FAQ
1. Can I wash clothing with rhinestones?
Yes, but make sure to turn the clothing inside out and use a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the rhinestones.
2. How do I repair loose rhinestones?
Apply a small amount of adhesive to the back of the rhinestone and press it back into place. Let it dry completely before wearing.
3. Can I use regular glue to attach rhinestones?
No, regular glue is not strong enough to hold rhinestones in place. Make sure to use a strong adhesive that is suitable for the type of fabric you are working with.
4. How do I store clothing with rhinestones?
Hang them up or lay them flat to avoid folding, which can cause the rhinestones to fall off or become misshapen.
5. How often should I wash clothing with rhinestones?
Try to avoid washing these items too frequently, and when you do wash them, make sure to turn them inside out and use a gentle cycle.
6. Can I use a hair dryer to apply heat to rhinestones?
No, using a hair dryer is not recommended. Use an iron or a heat press to apply heat to the rhinestones and ensure that they stick properly.
7. How long does it take for the adhesive to dry?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to overnight for the adhesive to dry completely. Make sure to check the instructions on the adhesive you are using for specific drying times.
8. Can I remove rhinestones from clothing?
Yes, but it can be difficult to do so without damaging the fabric. Consider having a professional remove the rhinestones if you no longer want them on your clothing.