The Hot Fix rhinestone technique is relatively new to the crafting world, but is being adopted rapidly as it cuts down on time. Use it to easily adhere stones to clothes, costumes, bags and more, without the mess and tediousness of glues. Hot Fix rhinestones come in a variety of types to match any budget, including crystal, glass and acrylic. A Hot Fix Applicator is generally the biggest expense since the stones can be bought in bulk and at wholesale prices. But there are alternative setting options that can cut costs as well, such as using a household iron. Jazz up old treasures and plain items with ease, using a few simple tricks.
Testing
Before setting any designs, always test on desired fabric to ensure the Hot Fix rhinestones adhere properly. Test on a scrap of fabric or on the inside of your to-be-stoned item. Lay out stones in the desired pattern on fabric, adjusting size to fit material space. For the less artistically inclined, rhinestone templates can be downloaded online, and some sites even offer tutorials to making your own guides, using programs you already have on your computer. Marking the design with a tailor's pencil or chalk will make following the pattern and maintaining spacing easiest. By using a tailor's marking tool, any marks not hidden by a stone will just wash away.
Hot Fix Applicator
Hot Fix stones can be applied with a regular household iron or a Hot Fix Applicator, but the processes differ. A support surface should be used in either case, placed underneath the fabric you'll be stoning, to block Hot Fix glue from penetrating additional layers of fabric. This can be a material such as stiff felt or cardboard, so the surface remains flat and stones adhere evenly. When using a Hot Fix Applicator, it's best to pick up the stone, crystal or acrylic side up, with the applicator tip. The Hot Fix bottom will now be showing; wait for glue to begin to melt and bubble, then adhere with Hot Fix Applicator by pressing the tool with stone attached, glue side down on the desired area of fabric.
Household Iron Application
Household irons should be turned to a "dry" setting and used with a Teflon overlay to melt the Hot Fix glue without overheating the acrylic or crystal of the actual stone. Used as a buffer between the iron and rhinestone pattern; the overlay also helps to keep the stones in place, allowing an entire design to be heated at once. The support surface serves as a buffer between the fabric and your table top surface, ensuring the Hot Fix stone is applied flat and evenly. Tweezers aid with placing stones in intricate and tight-spaced designs for this ironing method.
Care
Items that have Hot Fix rhinestones added to them can be cleaned in the washing machine, as long as the abric can. Delicate cycles, cool water and low dryer temps are best for your Hot Fix items so you don't reheat or alter the glue. Turning the item inside out before washing also keeps the stones from scratching or catching on any other items in the wash.
