Stand out on and off the field with a football shirt embellished with Serinity non-hotfix flatback crystals. This guide shows you how to add sparkle to the name, number or badge for a shirt that reflects your style, perfect for sunny game days, casual outings, or as a thoughtful gift for the football fan in your life.
It is an easy, beginner-friendly project with limitless room to personalise. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 1 to 2 hours, plus at least 12 hours to cure
- Crystals used: Serinity flatbacks in Sapphire (SS30, SS20) and Crystal Shimmer (SS16)
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set, or hotfix for a more permanent bond
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 name and number design, so scale them to yours. 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.
- Football shirt (your own)Your base, see note below1
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS30, SapphireMain number, front150
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS20, SapphireNumber, back200
- Serinity Non-Hotfix Flatbacks SS16, Crystal ShimmerOutlining250
- E6000 Glue KitAdhesive with syringe1
- Wax Crystal Picker PenPlacing crystals1
- Magic Sorting TrayOrganising sizes1
Shop this project
Everything you need for this build. Quantities are a guide, so adjust to your design.
From £2.12 Excl. VAT
From £2.47 Excl. VAT
£1.95 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 football shirt
Step 1: Gather your supplies
Tip your flatbacks into the sorting tray so they are easy to reach. Make sure the tip of your wax picker is sharp, which makes lifting each crystal easier, then load your E6000 glue into the syringe. Slip a piece of card inside the shirt so glue cannot soak through to the other side.
Step 2: Map out your design
Before gluing, plan your placement, especially around letters and numbers where neat spacing matters most. Mapping it out first is the key to a smooth, even finish.
Step 3: Place the crystals
Apply the glue a little at a time, using just enough to hold each stone, as too much looks messy. For our shirt we used Sapphire SS30 on the front, Sapphire SS20 on the back, and Crystal Shimmer SS16 to outline. Lift each crystal into place with the wax picker.
Step 4: Inspect and adjust
Once everything is placed, check your work and nudge any crystals into line before the glue sets. It is far easier to adjust now than once it has dried.
Step 5: Leave to cure
Lay the shirt flat and leave it to cure for at least 12 hours so the bond is fully set before you wear it.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a football shirt?
Plan your design over the name, number or badge, then glue flatback crystals on one at a time with a strong fabric-friendly adhesive, lifting each with a wax picker. Outline shapes with smaller crystals, lay the shirt flat, and leave it to cure fully before wearing.
How do you stop glue soaking through the fabric?
Slip a piece of card or a plastic sheet inside the shirt, between the front and back layers, before you start. This stops the glue bleeding through to the other side, and keeps the fabric flat and taut so the crystals sit evenly.
Should I use hotfix or non-hotfix crystals on clothing?
Both work. Non-hotfix flatbacks with a flexible fabric glue, as used here, suit any garment and need no tools. Hotfix crystals, applied with heat, give a more permanent, wash-durable bond on cotton and similar fabrics. Choose by your garment and how often it will be washed.
Can you wash a bedazzled football shirt?
Treat it gently. Hand wash inside out in cool water, avoid soaking, wringing, tumble drying and harsh detergents, and let it air dry flat. Glued crystals last longest with care, so a worn-often shirt may need the odd stone replaced over time.
How many crystals and which sizes do I need?
It depends on your design. We used larger Sapphire SS30 and SS20 for the main number and lettering, with Crystal Shimmer SS16 to outline. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area, and order a little extra to allow for replacements.
Can I change the colours?
Yes, match your team or your own style. We used Sapphire with Crystal Shimmer here. We used our own Austrian-made Serinity flatbacks; you can also use premium Swarovski, Czech-made Preciosa or budget Estella in your chosen shades.
Make it your own
Use your team colours, add your name and number, or sparkle the badge. For more wearable sparkle, see our bedazzled top and crystal embellished boots projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
