Want to add a little sparkle to your winter wardrobe? This guide shows you how to bedazzle a beanie with Preciosa non-hotfix flatback crystals, gluing a neat row of large Crystal AB stones along the crochet edge for a subtle, cosy sparkle.
It is a beginner-friendly make you can finish in under an hour, with just glue and a handful of crystals. Genuine Czech made Preciosa crystals, cut in their brilliant MAXIMA style, throw plenty of light even in a simple row, so a few go a long way. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 45 minutes, plus 12 hours to dry
- Crystals used: Preciosa MAXIMA flatbacks in Crystal AB, SS40
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the fabric
Watch the tutorial
See this project come together. Watch the full make below, then scroll down for the kit list and step-by-step instructions.
What you'll need
Quantities suit a subtle row along the edge, so scale them up if you want fuller coverage. A retail pack of SS40 holds 20 crystals, plenty for a beanie with spares. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and tray are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Beanie (your own), clean and dryYour base1
- Preciosa Flatbacks SS40, Crystal AB (MAXIMA)Edge accents, about 10 used20 (1 retail pack)
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe and tips1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising crystals1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£1.95 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£9.53 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to bedazzle a beanie
Step 1: Sort your crystals and prepare the glue
Place your crystals into a magic sorting tray, then prepare your syringe with E6000 glue so everything is ready before you start.
Step 2: Plan your placement
For this design we placed a crystal on every other crochet oval along the edge of the beanie. If your beanie does not have an even number of ovals, you may prefer to place one on every oval instead, so count them before you begin. We used ten crystals for ours.
Step 3: Apply plenty of glue
Now apply your glue. As the fabric used for most beanies is fairly absorbent, you will want to use more glue than usual. Once it is down, leave it for around 45 seconds and you will see the fabric start to soak it up. If it has drunk in too much, add a little more before placing your crystals, otherwise they will come away easily.
Step 4: Place the crystals on the first side
With glue on one side of the beanie, place your crystals down, pressing firmly so each one is properly secured. Allow the glue about five minutes to set before turning the beanie to work on the other side.
Step 5: Repeat on the other side
Apply your glue and then your crystals to the other side of the beanie in the same way.
Step 6: Leave to dry
Always leave your project for twelve hours to dry fully before touching it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a beanie?
Plan your spacing along the crochet edge, then work one side at a time. Because the knit is absorbent, lay down a generous layer of glue, let it sink in for a moment, then press each flatback crystal firmly into place. Let each side set before turning it, and dry fully before wearing.
How many crystals do you need for a beanie?
Only a handful for a subtle edge, around ten for one crystal on every other oval, so a single pack is plenty. For a crystal on every oval or fuller coverage you will need more. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area before you buy.
What glue works best for crystals on a knitted beanie?
A flexible, washable fabric glue such as E6000. Knitted fabric is absorbent, so use more than usual and let it soak in for a few seconds before placing each crystal, adding more if it drinks the glue in. Its flexible bond moves with the knit so the stones stay put.
Should I use hotfix or non-hotfix crystals on a beanie?
Both work on fabric, but non-hotfix glue-set flatbacks are the easiest here, as they need no heat and let you position each stone along the edge. Hotfix crystals are an option too, though the absorbent, stretchy knit can make an even heat bond trickier.
Will the crystals survive washing?
Hand wash gently and reshape flat to dry once the glue has fully cured. Avoid the washing machine, wringing and tumble drying, as heat, agitation and stretching loosen the bond over time. Spot cleaning around the crystals is kindest of all for a bedazzled beanie.
Can I change the crystal colour?
Yes. Crystal AB gives a bright, rainbow shimmer that suits winter knits, but any shade works. We used genuine Czech made Preciosa crystals here; you can also use premium Swarovski, our own Austrian made Serinity or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Add a crystal to every oval, run a full band around the brim, or pick out a pattern in mixed colours. For more wearable makes, see our crystal cap and football shirt projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
