Rhinestone templates make bedazzling a breeze, but they can be intimidating to use. No worries, we’ll walk you through the different kinds of templates, how to use them, and tips for becoming a template pro.
Table of Contents
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Why Rhinestone Templates Are a Game-Changer for Crafters
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Understanding the Different Types of Templates
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How to Use a Rhinestone Template Like a Pro
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Top Design Trends: What to Bling with Pre-Made Patterns
Why Rhinestone Templates Are a Game-Changer for Crafters
For all the perfectionists out there, templates are heaven-sent. They help you avoid uneven spacing and messy designs, so every project looks professionally done. They also simplify projects to the point that you can create large batches of the same item without any differences. And instead of spending hours upon hours carefully placing stones one at a time, you can finish projects in mere minutes.
Understanding the Different Types of Templates
Get familiar with common rhinestone template options.
Digital SVG/PLT Files
Digital templates for rhinestones can be used in a few ways. The first and most basic way is to print the template, cut it out with scissors or an Exacto knife, and use it as a guide as you place the rhinestones one by one. But crafters who are more tech-savvy can use these in Cricut or Silhouette to create rhinestone templates. These machines can be used to create flock templates, stencils, and magnetic templates.
Flock Templates
These templates are made of a thick, velvety material called flock. The thick material features cutouts where your stones will be placed. Lay the template flat and scatter several rhinestones on top. Then, use a rhinestone brush to gently move them into the holes. Then, dot adhesive on the stones and lay your surface over the template to secure the stones.
Magnetic Templates
Magnetic rhinestone templates work similarly to the flock templates, but you place the template against a silver tray so it stays in place. It’s an easy-to-use option and is sturdier than the flock templates. As we said, you can use these again and again.
Hotfix Transfers
Hotfix transfers are essentially rhinestone decals that can be applied to a variety of surfaces. They usually come on plastic or paper films that you place over your project’s surface. Using a heat tool such as an iron, press on the template and activate the glue, then peel away the plastic layer. These are one-time use items, whereas magnetic templates and flock templates are reusable.
Choosing the Right Stone Size for Your Template
The size options for rhinestones are extensive, but most pre-made templates accommodate SS10 rhinestones. SS10 is a small, versatile size that’s commonly used for bedazzling apparel, shoes, and accessories. They’re large enough to be visible on small and big items, and durable enough for flexible fabrics.
You must match your stone size perfectly to your template. We don’t want to rain on your parade, but even using SS9 or SS12 for an SS10 template can result in an imperfect design. The wrong size combination can cause crystals to flip over during the process or get stuck in the template, leaving you with messy or incomplete rhinestone designs.
How to Use a Rhinestone Template Like a Pro
You have the right supplies, now here’s how to use them like an expert.
The Brushing Technique
This is actually super fun! We highly recommend using stencils that involve brushing, like magnetic or flock ones, because it’s very satisfying. Using a rhinestone brush, sponge, or a similarly soft tool, you sweep the rhinestones over the template and perform circular motions to settle them all into the designated holes. If any of the rhinestones are upside down, use a wax pencil, tweezers, or rhinestone picker to remove them and flip them the other way.
Securing with Transfer Tape
Using transfer tape is a brilliant way to move your designs from your template to your craft project without messing up the design. We love utilizing transfer tape for stencils, especially. Once you arrange your rhinestone (sparkly side up) on a template, press the transfer tape over the design. Do this in one fell swoop, so all the stones stay in the right spots. Apply gentle but firm pressure to ensure each stone sticks to the tape. Then lift the tape, flip it over, add small dots of glue, and secure the stones to your craft surface. The tape will seamlessly tear away when you’re ready.
Applying with Heat
If you’re using hotfix stones, you can arrange the stones in the template directly onto the craft surface. Once they’re in place, use an iron or heat press to activate the glue and secure the gems. Once they’re set, you can remove the template. You can also use hotfix tape, which gives you the best of both transfer tape and hotfix stones. Use the same technique as transfer tape with flatback stones, but apply the heat before tearing the tape away.
Top Design Trends: What to Bling with Pre-Made Patterns
Not sure what to do with your rhinestone templates? From bags and clothing to tech products and home decor, the possibilities never end. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
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Spirit & Sports: Show support for teams and players with clothes that have player numbers, team names, team slogans, area codes, and game-ready designs.
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Celebration Styles: Create fun accessories and shirts for birthdays, bachelorette parties, graduations, weddings, and more, like a crown that says "Fabulous" or a tank top that says, "Drama Queen.”
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Motivational Designs: The right design can uplift you, like a T-shirt that says “Stay Positive” or a planter that says "Rooted in Love.”
Make Template-Perfect Crafts
Whether you use flock, magnetic, paper, or hotfix templates, you’ll have the power and precision to complete gorgeous projects that make you look like an absolute pro. Shop Planet Rhinestone’s collection of rhinestone templates and transfers, or have fun making your own!
FAQs
Find answers to common questions about rhinestone templates below.
Can I reuse a rhinestone template?
Flock and magnetic templates can be reused multiple times.
Do I need a special machine to use these?
No. You can buy pre-made templates or make your own with scissors. You only need a special machine if you want to create your own templates with Cricut or Silhouette.
What if my stones keep landing upside down?
Try to brush the stones around more gently. If it’s still happening, use tweezers or a wax pencil to manually flip the upside-down stones.