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
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 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.
- Shorts (your own), clean and dryYour base1 pair
- Preciosa Cup Chain, Chaton SS12 CrystalFringe drops, 30 pieces of 20 crystals~2 metres
- Preciosa Baguette Cup Chain, CrystalPocket top band, 2 pieces of 12 baguettes~1 metre
- E6000 Plus Glue KitAdhesive with syringe and tips1
- Side CuttersCutting cup chain to length1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
£9.53 ex VAT
£4.99 ex VAT
£3.58 ex VAT
£9.20 ex VAT
£15.33 ex VAT
£1.76 ex VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to embellish denim shorts with cup chain
Step 1: Measure and cut your cup chain
To begin, prepare your glue, then measure your pockets and cut the cup chain to length. Your measurements will depend on your pocket size, but for our shorts we used two pieces of baguette cup chain, each twelve baguettes long, one for each pocket. We then cut thirty pieces of chaton cup chain, each twenty crystals long, for the hanging drops.
Step 2: Glue the baguette band along the pocket
Using your syringe, lay a line of glue along the top edge of one pocket. The fabric will soak up some of the glue, so apply a generous amount. Press one piece of baguette cup chain onto the glue and leave it to dry for a few minutes.
Step 3: Add the hanging drops
Place a dot of glue just beneath the baguette band and press the top crystal of one chaton piece onto it so the rest hangs freely, gluing only that top crystal. Repeat fourteen more times along the length of the band, spacing the drops evenly, so you have fifteen drops across the pocket.
Step 4: Repeat on the second pocket and dry
Repeat steps two and three on the other pocket. Once both are done, adjust any pieces that need it, then leave the glue to dry fully for twelve hours. Well done, you now have the sparkliest shorts around, ready for the sunny months.
Frequently asked questions
How do you make crystal fringe shorts?
Glue a strip of baguette cup chain along the top of each pocket, then glue short lengths of chaton cup chain beneath it, fixing only the top stone of each so the rest hangs free like a fringe. Space the drops evenly, repeat on both pockets, and leave to dry fully.
How do you attach cup chain to fabric?
With a strong, flexible glue such as E6000. Lay a line of glue along the fabric, and because fabric is absorbent, use a generous amount so it grips the metal cups. Press the cup chain in firmly and leave it to set, and for hanging drops glue only the top stone.
How much cup chain do I need for a pair of shorts?
It depends on your pocket size and how many drops you want. Our design used around two metres of chaton cup chain for thirty drops, plus a short length of baguette chain for the two pocket bands. Measure your pockets and add a little extra for cutting.
What is cup chain?
Cup chain is a length of crystals, each set in its own metal cup and linked together into a flexible chain. It gives a continuous line of sparkle you can cut to length and glue or sew on, which makes it ideal for edging, banding and fringing.
Will the fringe survive washing?
Spot clean rather than machine washing. The cup chain is glued and the drops hang loose, so soaking, spinning and tumbling will stress the bond and tangle the fringe. Wipe gently around the crystals and let the shorts air dry to keep everything in place.
Can I change the cup chain colour?
Yes. Clear crystal in a gold or silver setting is classic, but Preciosa cup chain comes in many shades and finishes to match your shorts. We used genuine Czech made Preciosa cup chain here, and Swarovski cup chain is a premium alternative if you prefer.
Make it your own
Run the fringe along the hem, add drops to a denim jacket, or mix baguette and chaton colours. For more summer makes, see our beach bag and cow print boots projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
