Customising a pair of denim shorts with crystal cup chain is the ultimate festival craft, turning a high-street pair into a one-off you will actually want to wear all summer. This guide shows you how to embellish denim shorts with crystals using Preciosa cup chain in silver, glued and then stitched along the pocket edges so the sparkle survives the dancing, the crowds and the wash.
Cup chain is a flexible string of crystals in a metal setting, which makes it perfect for following the curve of a pocket. Gluing first holds the line exactly where you want it, and sewing over the top makes it festival proof. The same method works on jacket cuffs, collars and hems, so once you have the knack you can sparkle up any denim. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner, glue then a simple running stitch
- Time: A couple of hours, plus glue drying time
- Crystals used: Preciosa silver cup chain, baguette SS7x3 for the pocket edge and round SS12 for the fringe
- Technique: Glued and stitched cup chain along the pockets
What you'll need
Quantities suit a two-pocket design like ours, so scale to your shorts. Add the cup chain and thread to your cart from the cards below. The needles, cutters and glue are reusable across every project, so browse the full range of tools and accessories to build your kit.
- Your own denim shorts, clean and dryYour base1
- Preciosa Cup Chain Baguette, Silver SS7x3Pocket edge trim50cm
- Preciosa Cup Chain Round, Silver SS12The crystal fringe2m
- E6000 Plus Glue KitBonding the cup chain1
- Grey Sewing ThreadStitching the chain down1
- Beading Needles Size 12Fine needle for the chain links1
- Thread CutterTrimming thread1
- Side CuttersCutting the cup chain1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£9.53 Excl. VAT
£4.99 Excl. VAT
£3.58 Excl. VAT
£9.20 Excl. VAT
£15.33 Excl. VAT
£1.76 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to embellish denim shorts with crystals
Step 1: Cut the round cup chain fringe
Fold the SS12 round cup chain in half and snip it at the halfway point with the side cutters, then repeat until each strand is the length you want for the crystal fringe that will hang along the pocket edge.
Step 2: Cut the baguette cup chain
Measure the edge of the pocket opening and cut the baguette cup chain to match. If the length lands on the middle of a crystal, cut slightly short, since the chain stretches a little as the crystals flex on their links.
Step 3: Plan the spacing
Before any glue, lay all the strands out on the denim to plan an even spread. Place a strand at each end first, then one at the halfway point, then keep filling the gaps halfway between the strands already down until you run out. Adjust until it looks balanced.
Step 4: Glue the cup chain down
Glue the cup chain in place with E6000 Plus, following your planned layout, and leave it to dry. You will know it is fully set when the glue turns clear, and once cured the bond is waterproof.
Step 5: Sew everything down
Once the glue is dry, condition your thread with a thread conditioner or a little beeswax if you have some, then use the size 12 beading needle to stitch over the links of each strand. Sewing as well as gluing is what makes the customisation truly hardwearing and festival proof.
Step 6: Repeat on the other pocket
Work through steps 3 to 5 again on the second pocket, matching the spacing and strand lengths so the two sides mirror each other for a symmetrical, flattering finish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you put crystals on denim shorts?
Put crystals on denim shorts using crystal cup chain: a flexible string of stones in a metal setting. Plan the spacing, glue each strand down with a flexible adhesive, let it dry, then stitch over the links. Gluing positions it and sewing makes it durable enough for festivals and washing.
What is crystal cup chain?
Crystal cup chain, also called rhinestone chain, is a row of crystals held in linked metal cups to form a flexible sparkling strand. It bends easily around curves like pockets and hems, and can be glued, sewn by hand or machine, which makes it a favourite for embellishing clothing.
Do you glue or sew cup chain on clothes?
Do both for clothing you will wear hard. Glue holds each strand exactly in position and gives an instant bond, but stitching over the links is what survives movement, washing and a full festival day. Glue alone can peel on fabric that flexes and stretches, like denim around a pocket.
Will the crystals survive a festival and washing?
Yes, once glued and sewn. E6000 Plus dries waterproof, and the stitching keeps the chain anchored through dancing and crowds. Wash the shorts inside out on a cool, gentle cycle, or hand wash, and avoid tumble drying so the heat does not weaken the glue over time.
How do you space cup chain evenly on a pocket?
Place a strand at each end of the pocket first, then one in the exact middle, then keep adding strands halfway between the ones already down. Halving the gaps each time spreads the fringe evenly without measuring, and you can nudge individual strands before the glue goes on.
Can I change the colours or use cup chain elsewhere?
Yes. Genuine Czech-made Preciosa cup chain comes in many crystal colours and metal finishes, so you can match any palette. The same glue-and-sew method works on jacket cuffs, collars, hems and bags, so once you have the technique you can sparkle up your whole festival wardrobe.
Make it your own
Cup chain is just the start. Edge the hems, run a stripe down the side seam, or outline a back pocket with a single bold line. For more festival sparkle, see how to bedazzle a pair of festival boots or a bedazzled top, or explore the full Craft Studio.
