When it comes to rhinestones, sparkle isn't everything. If you're looking for something a little softer and more glowy, try jelly rhinestones. What are jelly rhinestones? Learn what makes these trendy stones stand out from traditional rhinestones and how to use them in your next DIY project. Table of Contents What Makes Jelly Rhinestones Different? What Do Jelly Rhinestones Look Like? What Are Jelly Rhinestones Used For? How Do Jelly Rhinestones Compare to Glass, Crystal, and Acrylic? How Do You Apply Jelly Rhinestones? Where Can You Buy Jelly Rhinestones? What Makes Jelly Rhinestones Different? If you enjoy crafting, you've probably seen crystal and glass rhinestones. These classic stones are highly reflective and often have mirrored backs. They add a brilliant sparkle to DIY projects. On the other hand, jelly rhinestones are typically made by pouring resin into silicone molds. This gives them a softer, semi-translucent finish that makes them look like candy gumdrops. Resin rhinestones diffuse light instead of reflecting it straight back, creating a gentle glow. The look is ideal for projects where you want a soft glimmer. For example, you might bedazzle your work water bottle with jelly rhinestones to give it pops of color without distracting your colleagues. By contrast, glass and crystal rhinestones have a sharper sparkle that suits eye-catching projects. If you want everyone to look at your glittering dance costume, for instance, glass rhinestones are a great choice. That doesn't mean jelly stones can't shine, though. Some of these rhinestones have an aurora borealis (AB) coating that gives them an iridescent shimmer. For instance, a red rhinestone with an AB coating may also reflect shades of pink and blue when the light hits it. What Do Jelly Rhinestones Look Like? Jelly rhinestones stand out for their AB (aurora borealis) top coating, which gives them an iridescent, color-shifting shimmer rather than the flat sparkle of traditional crystal. This coating is what gives jelly stones their fun, candy-like colors such as soft pastels like baby blue and mint green, or bold saturated tones like cherry red and orange. Jelly stones also tend to be lightweight and inexpensive compared to traditional crystal rhinestones, making them an easy, low-commitment way to experiment with color and playful nail art. Some resin stones come in frosted finishes as well. This coating gives the surface a subtly cloudy or matte effect, softening the shimmer even more. Consider this option if you want to experiment with color without adding a lot of bling. What Are Jelly Rhinestones Used For? As rhinestones resurge in popularity, people are bringing back the '90s vibe with jelly stones. Here are a few ways you can use them to add a subtle sparkle to your life. Nail Art While sparkly nails look pretty, sometimes you want something that feels simpler and more elegant. With jelly rhinestones, you get fun colors that aren't too flashy. These rhinestones come in a variety of sizes. For nail art, look for ones ranging from SS5 to SS12 (approximately 1.7 to 3.2 mm). These smaller stones are big enough to create fun patterns without weighing down your hands. Another perk is the huge assortment of jelly tones, which can complement any nail palette. If you prefer neutral hues, try rose gold or an earthy brown. For a bold look, play with jewel tones or even a bright neon. Jelly rhinestones are also easy to place on your fingernails and toenails. Apply a small dot of glue to the back of each stone and carefully place it on the nail with a wax pencil or tweezers. Then cure it with a UV light to harden the glue. DIY Crafts and Apparel Many jelly rhinestones are available as flatback glue-ons, which means they're applied with a strong fabric or craft adhesive rather than heat. Since jelly stones are made of resin, they can't be hot-fixed, the heat from an iron or hotfix wand would melt them. Once properly glued, these stones can withstand gentle handwashing, which makes them a great option for clothing and shoes. For instance, make a bold statement by bedazzling a jacket with large jelly rhinestones. If you're feeling nostalgic, channel your inner Lisa Frank by bedazzling a tote bag with rainbow jelly rhinestones. Embedding rhinestones in resin is another fun project. Use jelly rhinestones to add glowing bursts of color to your creations. For example, you could embed the stones in resin earrings or Christmas ornaments. Jelly rhinestones are also an easy way to add playful sparkle to event décor. Jazz up your next party by bedazzling the centerpieces or table accents. And don't forget to create colorful props for silly photos. Face and Body Art Jelly rhinestones don't have to be permanent. Some have self-adhesive backings that are designed to temporarily stick to your skin and are easy to peel off. Use these rhinestones for fashionable face and body art. If you're headed to a Renaissance fair, place colorful stones along your cheekbones and around your eyes for an elven look. If you're giving your child (or yourself) a butterfly face painting, add a few rhinestones for a fun sparkling effect. For an even more adventurous project, give yourself a temporary rhinestone tattoo. Pick one or two colors, and arrange them in whatever design you like. For example, use white stones to create a spooky ghost for Halloween, or stick a cute flower on your hand for a party. When you're done with the rhinestones, use makeup remover to dissolve the glue. Then gently peel the decorations off your skin. Of course, always read the packaging carefully to make sure that the rhinestones and glue are safe for your skin. You should also avoid placing the decorations in sensitive areas, such as close to your eyes or on your lips. How Do Jelly Rhinestones Compare to Glass, Crystal, and Acrylic? At first glance, many rhinestones look similar: They're sparkly and come in lots of colors. However, the material they're made from affects their properties and how crafters use them. Glass rhinestones are heavier and more brilliant than jelly ones, which means they're often used for projects that call for intense sparkle. With their lightweight design, jelly rhinestones work better for flexible or colorful applications. If you're bedazzling shorts, for instance, jelly stones can move easily with the fabric, while glass might weigh it down. For maximum sparkle, opt for crystal rhinestones. Manufacturers use precision faceting to cut flat surfaces into the stones that reflect more light. They also have sharp angles for dazzling flashes of sparkle. By contrast, jelly rhinestones trade brilliance for a softer, trendier look. They're also more affordable than crystal. Acrylic rhinestones are another popular option. While jelly stones are translucent, acrylic ones are opaque and fully reflective. How Do You Apply Jelly Rhinestones? Depending on your project, there are two main ways to attach jelly rhinestones to other materials. Flatback Application Some jelly rhinestones have smooth, flat backs with a foil backing. You apply these gems with a separate glue or adhesive, such as: E6000: An industrial-strength glue used to bond rhinestones to fabric, glass, metal, and other materials Gem glue: A flexible adhesive that dries clear, making it popular with crafters and nail artists UV resin: A fast-drying adhesive that cures under a UV lamp or in direct sunlight Gluing flatback rhinestones can get messy quickly, especially if you're applying the gems with your fingers. For more control, use a wax pencil or tweezers to place each rhinestone. Hotfix Application Hotfix rhinestones come with a built-in adhesive on the back, but you need to apply heat to activate it. Consider this option if you want to attach a lot of rhinestones at once instead of individually gluing and placing them. Resin is more heat-sensitive than glass. Protect your jelly rhinestones by keeping your heat tool on the lowest setting. That way, you'll only melt the glue, not the stone itself. Of course, what the rest of your project is made out of matters, too. Fabrics like cotton, denim, and canvas typically resist heat well, making them ideal for hotfix application. Where Can You Buy Jelly Rhinestones? Online shopping gives you access to a practically limitless range of rhinestones. When picking out a pack of jelly rhinestones, start by considering the size. Smaller rhinestones (SS5 and SS12) work best for nail art and intricate designs. If you're designing a statement piece, larger stones might fit the bill. Color variety is another key consideration. Planet Rhinestone offers a hundred colors of jelly rhinestones, from sunny citrine to sour patch green. Many have an AB coating for extra sparkle. If you're working on a larger project, look for bulk packs with hundreds or thousands of rhinestones. Over time, this can save money, because the cost per rhinestone is usually lower than buying smaller packs. Check reviews, too. Some customers share photos of their finished projects, so you can see what the rhinestones look like in action. Sweeten Your Next Project With Jelly Rhinestones With their soft glow and fun colors, jelly rhinestones have quickly become a must-have crafting accessory. You can use them to bedazzle clothing, art, your nails, or even your face. Find the perfect color and size of jelly stones for your next project at Planet Rhinestone. FAQs Are jelly rhinestones the same as resin rhinestones? Yes, jelly rhinestones are a type of resin stone, distinguished by their semi-translucent, candy-like appearance. Can jelly rhinestones be used with a hotfix applicator? Yes, but use a lower heat setting than you would for glass stones, as resin is more sensitive to high temperatures. Are jelly rhinestones good for beginners? Yes, they're lightweight, easy to handle, widely available in bulk packs, and work with standard craft glues, making them a great starting point for rhinestone projects.

When you step under the stage lights, you need a costume that's as dazzling as your dance routine. Glittering rhinestones will catch the light with every leap and pivot, making your carefully rehearsed movements stand out. Here's what you need to know to choose the best rhinestones for dance costumes, from materials to placement. Table of Contents What Are the Best Rhinestones for Dance Costumes? How Do You Choose the Right Rhinestone Size, Color, and Shape? How Can You Maximize Sparkle on Stage? Where Can You Buy Rhinestones for Dance Costumes? What Are the Best Rhinestones for Dance Costumes? Glass rhinestones are often the go-to choice for dancers and costume designers. Their surfaces are highly reflective, making them gleam under stage lighting. Even a few stones will add plenty of sparkle to your costume. Glass is also durable enough to hold up through repeat performances. For larger costume projects, consider hotfix rhinestones. Their backings have a heat-activated glue that bonds to fabric when heated. That means you can apply dozens of crystals at once with a few swipes of an iron or heat wand. That's much faster than gluing on individual stones, especially if you have a major rehearsal in a few days. Hotfix rhinestones are also lighter than glass ones, so you don't have to worry about weighing down the fabric. Flatback rhinestones are another popular option. Instead of applying heat, you glue them directly onto fabric. That makes them the right choice for many DIY projects, especially if your kids want to help design their outfits. They're also a good option for delicate fabrics that might get damaged by heat. If you're on a budget, retailers like Planet Rhinestone offer quality rhinestones at an accessible price point. You can also mix and match materials to save money. For example, you might add large glass rhinestones around the collar of the costume as a focal point, while putting smaller flatback rhinestones on the back.  How Do You Choose the Right Rhinestone Size, Color, and Shape? People often focus on sparkle when picking rhinestones for dance costumes, but that's not all that matters. Consider these key factors.  Size  The size of the stones will affect how your costume looks on stage. Use small stones for intricate designs or to cover a lot of area, such as a skirt. Medium stones work great for eye-catching patterns, like a bedazzled belt.  Save large rhinestones for focal points, such as the waist or neckline. They add pops of brilliance, but too many might distract the audience from your movement.  Color  Does your performance have a theme? Look for colors that match the mood or setting. For example, you might choose soothing blue rhinestones for a tranquil dance, while fiery red stones could make a fast-paced solo feel even more energetic.  For a classic sparkle, you can't go wrong with crystal rhinestones. Their clear surfaces twinkle under bright stage lights, so you get plenty of shine time.  For even more sparkle, look for gems with an Aurora Borealis (AB) finish. This coating adds an extra layer of iridescent shimmer, turning solid colors into shifting rainbows under the lights. A plain blue rhinestone, for instance, may show different shades of blue and purple with an AB finish.  Shape Rhinestones come in many shapes to fit different costume styles. Round rhinestones are a classic choice for stage costumes because you can easily arrange them into different patterns.  For competition costumes, try specialty shapes like flowers and teardrops. They add a little extra flair and can complement your theme. Just don't go overboard, or your costume might feel too busy. It's usually better to mix a few statement shapes with smaller round ones. That way, the audience can pick out the unique details. Mixing and Matching Rhinestones The best costume designs often use several types of rhinestones. Don't be afraid to experiment with different sizes and shapes.  For example, you might place a few large diamond-shaped rhinestones along the edge of a halter neckline, then surround them with smaller round ones. For even more pizzazz, you could decorate the front of the costume with a mixture of large star-shaped and round rhinestones, while smaller crystals go on the skirt.  Mixing and matching rhinestones adds more dimension and sparkle to your costume. It also lets you play with different designs to fit your theme.  This is especially helpful if you're creating multiple costumes for a dance troupe or different routines. Even if they use similar colors, combining different types of rhinestones will make each outfit feel unique.  How Can You Maximize Sparkle on Stage? Your costume is a huge part of your stage presence. These tips will help you choose the right rhinestones to wow your audience before the music even starts.  Consider Stage Lighting The same rhinestone can look drastically different depending on the lighting. A bright spotlight makes crystal and glass rhinestones sparkle, so even tiny crystals stand out.  On the other hand, dim lighting can make any rhinestone's shimmer less noticeable. If the stage isn't brightly lit, consider using larger rhinestones to catch as much available light as possible. You should also avoid dark colors, such as grays and blacks, which may be difficult to spot from out in the audience.  The color of the lighting matters, too. Warm lights make bright colors like red and orange pop. Meanwhile, cool lighting brings out blues, purples, and silvers. If the lighting doesn't match the rhinestone color, it might be harder to see.  Before you bedazzle your costume, try testing different rhinestones under your performance lighting to compare their sparkliness.  Place Rhinestones Strategically Theoretically, you could cover every inch of your costume with rhinestones. Too many stones may weigh down the fabric and make it harder to move, though. Plus, covering everything in rhinestones could make your design blend into one giant sparkle.  Instead, use rhinestones to highlight movement and call attention to specific areas. If the dance involves a lot of twirling, decorate the flowing skirts and sleeves with bright rhinestones. You could also use the stones to accent necklines or even shoes.  Resist the urge to apply larger crystals to every area of the costume. They naturally draw the eye, so save them for one or two high-impact spots. For instance, you might emphasize your silhouette with a few big rhinestones along the waistline.  Consider the price, too, especially if you're decorating multiple costumes. Large and specialty rhinestones are typically more expensive, so place them in high-visibility areas. That way, you're not spending most of your budget on details that the audience might not see.  Where Can You Buy Rhinestones for Dance Costumes? Plenty of retailers sell rhinestones, but they're not all created equal. Look for brands with a variety of options. For instance, Planet Rhinestone offers glass, hotfix, flatback, and specialty stones.  Consistency is another major consideration if you're designing competition costumes. Choose a retailer with a reputation for selling high-quality and durable stones. A large selection of colors lets you easily match rhinestones for multiple costumes.  You should also consider your project's needs before purchasing. How many rhinestones do you need, and what areas do you want to embellish? Depending on the project, you may need specialty tools or extra glue.  Planet Rhinestone offers a huge assortment of rhinestone appliques and trims for costume projects. DIY designers can also shop for applicator wands and other convenient tools. Dazzle the Crowd at Your Next Performance  The best rhinestones for dance costumes do more than accessorize your outfit. From small hotfix rhinestones to large statement pieces, extra sparkle can improve your stage presence and highlight your movement. Get started by exploring Planet Rhinestone's collections.  FAQs  Are glass rhinestones the best choice for dance costumes? Yes, glass rhinestones are often preferred because they provide exceptional sparkle and durability. Can I use glue-on rhinestones for dance costumes? Yes, flatback rhinestones can be securely attached with the appropriate glue for most costume fabrics. Do larger rhinestones always create more sparkle? No, a mix of sizes often creates a more balanced and eye-catching effect than using only large stones.

Gluing rhinestones to fabric can be trickier than crafting on other surfaces and materials, so it's important to prepare the fabric properly and choose the right application materials. In this guide, we'll cover how to glue rhinestones to fabric, including the best types of rhinestones, the best types of glue, application steps, and extra tips. Learn what you need to start bedazzling all your clothes like a pro! Table of Contents What Type of Rhinestone Are You Working With? What's the Best Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric? How Do You Glue Rhinestones to Fabric Step by Step? What Type of Rhinestone Are You Working With? Before we get into the best glue for rhinestone application, we need to define the different kinds available. You have several rhinestone options. Hotfix Rhinestones Hotfix rhinestones, or heat-set stones, are wonderful for wearables because they create a durable, flexible bond on most fabrics. These stones have heat-activated adhesive built into the back, so you don't need to use a separate glue. You just need a hot fix applicator tool, such as a heat press, wand, or iron. Flatback Rhinestones Flatback rhinestones, which include options like acrylic rhinestones and resin rhinestones, require an adhesive like Gem-Tac or E6000. There is no built-in adhesive on the back, so you won't need any heat tools. The ideal rhinestone depends on the type of project and your application experience or preferences. Some people find separate glue to be messy, but others worry about the damage heat tools can do to fabrics.  Simply put, hot rhinestones are best for wearables, while flatback stones are ideal for sensitive fabrics or general bedazzling projects.  What's the Best Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric? Gluing a few rhinestones to fabric may sound easy, but it's important to use the right materials. Knowing which adhesives to use makes your fabric projects go more smoothly. These are four popular options to consider: Gem-Tac: Gem-Tac is the ultimate glue for bedazzling fabrics and wearables. Unlike other glues, it stays flexible, so it can move with fabrics and withstand gentle washing cycles. It's also an excellent glue for crafting projects involving wood or vinyl and is popular for its non-toxic formula. Apply Gem-Tac to the item with a precision applicator tip to avoid excess glue. E6000: If you're looking for maximum adhesion, the best rhinestone glue for strength and durability is E6000. This industrial-strength adhesive creates incredibly strong bonds. It does offer some flexibility, but not as much as Gem-Tac. Hot Glue Gun: Hot glue guns are one of the easiest ways to adhere rhinestones to surfaces, thanks to the built-in precision applicator tip and heat functions. If you're making decor or bedazzling accessories, you can complete projects quickly, gluing rhinestones at lightning speed. However, the rigid glue is best for hard surfaces and projects that don't need high-level durability.  Heat-Activated, Built-In Glue: This glue comes on the back of hotfix rhinestones, so you don't need to buy it separately from the crystals. You just need a heat tool to melt the glue and create the bond. Hotfix stones are excellent for a wide range of projects, including wearables. However, avoid using them on materials or items that could be damaged by heat. Whatever type of adhesion method you go with, you'll find all the rhinestones you need at Planet Rhinestone. We carry a vast selection of hotfix and flatback rhinestones in all shapes, sizes, and colors, as well as specialty glues for your bedazzling projects. How Do You Glue Rhinestones to Fabric Step by Step? To help you execute your rhinestone-studded fabric projects, we've put together this step-by-step guide. Keep this handy when working on your project so you don't miss a step. Step 1: Prep Your Fabric Before you start the fun part, you need to prepare your fabric for bedazzling. It's important to do this even if the item is brand-new. Wash and dry it to remove any oils, residue, extra chemicals, or moisture. Do not use fabric softener!  Once your garment or item is clean and dry, assess it for wrinkles. You want an even surface to ensure strong, complete bonds. If there are any wrinkles or creases, iron them out to create a smooth, taut surface. Step 2: Plan Your Layout Before You Glue Now that your garment is prepped, you can start to plan out your design. Use tape to define your design area and ensure a symmetrical final result. Placement boundaries keep the design right where it should be. If you like, you can use washable fabric markers to lay out your design and where you want the stones to go. We suggest placing rhinestones without any glue first, to make sure the design will look how you envision it. Check for even spacing and assess the overall appearance before bonding any of the rhinestones to the fabric. The best way to handle rhinestones is with a rhinestone pickup tool. This precision tool makes it easy to place rhinestones exactly where you want them, rather than fumbling with your fingers. Step 3: Apply the Glue Working in sections, apply a tiny dot of glue to your designated rhinestone spots using a precision tip. Start with a few rhinestones at a time, so the glue doesn't dry before you position the stones.  Only use a small amount of glue, enough to cover the stone's back without leaving any excess glue around the stone's edges. If too much comes out, you can clean away the drips with a little nail polish remover that contains acetone. If you're using hotfix rhinestones with built-in glue, leave the rhinestones in their designated spots on the fabric and fix them in place by gently but firmly pressing your heat tool onto each stone for 10–15 seconds with even pressure. You should also work in sections for this application method. Step 4: Set and Cure Once all of your rhinestones are bonded to the fabric, you should leave the item alone for 24–72 hours. Make sure you lay it on a flat surface. Do not touch or move the garment during the curing process, as that can cause stones to fall off or move. The longer it cures, the stronger the bonds will be. When the glue has fully cured, you can wash the garment. Turn it inside out and use the gentlest wash cycle. For the first few washes, air-dry the garment to avoid melting the glue in the dryer.  Become a Fabric-Bedazzling Pro Ultimately, knowing how to glue rhinestones to fabric comes down to understanding which adhesives to use and how to handle the material. Only work with clean, dry, flat fabrics, and use fabric glue or hotfix rhinestones for the most durable, flexible results. With these simple tips, you can bedazzle everything from backpacks and sneakers to hoodies and bathing suits. FAQs Can I use a regular hot glue gun to glue rhinestones to fabric?  Yes, a hot glue gun is definitely an option for bedazzling with rhinestones. However, we recommend using it on hard surfaces only. Hot glue is somewhat rigid when it cools, so it's not great for flexible materials like fabric. It's also not always wash-resistant. For flexible materials, use fabric glue for rhinestones, like Gem-Tac. Do hotfix rhinestones require any additional glue? No! That's the beauty of hotfix rhinestones. They have rhinestone glue built into the backside, and all you need to activate the adhesive is a little heat. This allows the rhinestone to bond directly to the material, usually fabric. Will glued rhinestones survive the washing machine? Yes, glued rhinestones can be put in the washing machine if you use the right glue. For fabric, we recommend using Gem-Tac, as it's specifically designed to adhere to fabrics and withstand washing and wearing.  When you wash your rhinestone-studded garments, it's best to turn them inside out and run a gentle cycle. Air-drying is also ideal. Remember to let the Gem-Tac dry and cure fully before wearing, washing, or even moving your project.