Want to turn a plain shirt into a statement piece? This guide shows you how to bedazzle a shirt with Serinity non-hotfix flatback crystals, gluing rhinestones across the fabric for a dazzling finish you can build up as boldly as you like.
It is an intermediate make that takes a couple of hours, and the method is simple: work in small sections, place your largest crystals first, then fill the gaps. Our own Austrian made Serinity crystals give a bright, consistent sparkle across the whole design, so you can cover as much of the shirt as you like. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Time: 2 to 3 hours, plus 12 hours to dry
- Crystals used: Serinity 2088 flatbacks in your chosen colour, sizes SS7 to SS20
- 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 boldly covered shirt, so scale them to your design and how much you cover. A retail pack holds 50 crystals, and the counts below are the approximate number of stones each size needs, around 1,350 in total. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and trays are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Shirt of your choice (your own), clean and dryYour base1
- Serinity 2088 Flatbacks SS20Main coverage350 (7 retail packs)
- Serinity 2088 Flatbacks SS16Coverage300 (6 retail packs)
- Serinity 2088 Flatbacks SS14Coverage and blending300 (6 retail packs)
- Serinity 2088 Flatbacks SS9Filling gaps200 (4 retail packs)
- Serinity 2088 Flatbacks SS7Fine gaps200 (4 retail packs)
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe and tips1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising sizes5
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £1.88 Excl. VAT
£1.19 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 shirt
Step 1: Sort your crystals by size
Place your crystals into the magic sorting trays by size. Keeping each size in its own tray makes it much easier to keep track of which crystal you are using as you work.
Step 2: Map out your design
If you are newer to embellishing, it helps to map out your crystals before reaching for the glue. Laying the design out dry lets you adjust with ease and work out which crystals go where before anything is fixed down.
Step 3: Glue and place the first section
Working in sections, place a light layer of glue in your first area. Go in with your biggest crystals first to fill the space, then add smaller crystals to fill any gaps left behind. Go back over each area and adjust any crystals before the glue dries.
Step 4: Work across the shirt
Repeat this across every section of the shirt. Take your time and keep to small areas rather than gluing too large a patch at once, which can leave you rushing against the drying time.
Step 5: Leave to dry
Once every section is done, check you are happy with the placement of all your crystals. Then leave the shirt to dry for twelve hours before wearing it. Well done, your embellished shirt is complete.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a shirt with crystals?
Work in small sections: brush a light layer of fabric glue onto the shirt, place your largest flatback crystals first, then fill the gaps with smaller sizes. Adjust each area before the glue sets, cover as much as you like, then leave it to dry fully before wearing.
How many crystals do you need to cover a shirt?
It depends on how much of the shirt you cover and the sizes you use. A boldly covered design like this uses well over a thousand flatbacks across sizes. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area before you buy, then add a few spare.
What glue works best for crystals on fabric?
A flexible, washable fabric glue such as E6000. It stays bendy once cured, so crystals move with the fabric instead of popping off, and it dries clear. Apply it in thin layers and let each section become tacky before placing your crystals.
Should I use hotfix or non-hotfix crystals on a shirt?
Both suit fabric. This project uses non-hotfix flatbacks with glue, which needs no special kit and lets you adjust as you go. Hotfix crystals are an option too, but they need heat from an applicator or iron to set their backing.
Can I wash a bedazzled shirt?
Yes, gently. Once the glue has fully cured, hand wash or use a cool, delicate cycle inside out, and avoid soaking, wringing or tumble drying, as heat and heavy agitation loosen the bond over time. Lay it flat to dry to keep every crystal in place.
Can I change the crystal colours?
Yes. Use any flatback colours you like to match the shirt or an outfit. We used our own Austrian made Serinity crystals here; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech made Preciosa or budget Estella flatbacks in your chosen shades.
Make it your own
Cover the whole shirt or add a subtle scatter, pick out a slogan or motif, or match the colours to a team or outfit. For more clothing makes, see our denim shorts and football shirt projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
