Looking for a unique way to stand out at prom? This guide shows you how to bedazzle a clutch bag with Swarovski non-hotfix flatback crystals, adding glamour and sophistication to your ensemble. With a mix of sizes, colours and shapes, you can transform a plain clutch into a one-of-a-kind statement piece.
It is an easy, beginner-friendly project. Here is everything you need, then the full method.
Project at a glance
- Difficulty: Beginner
- Time: 1 to 2 hours, plus overnight to cure
- Crystals used: Swarovski round flatbacks in Light Rose AB (SS9, SS12), plus pear and raindrop shapes in soft rose tones
- Best crystal type: Non-hotfix flatbacks, glue-set to the bag
What you'll need
Quantities suit a scattered design, so scale to your bag. Add the crystals, glue and tools to your cart from the cards below. The picker and tray in our tools and accessories range are reusable across every project.
- Clutch bag of your choiceYour base, clean and dry1
- Swarovski Non-Hotfix Round Flatbacks SS9, Light Rose ABMain scatter100
- Swarovski Non-Hotfix Round Flatbacks SS12, Light Rose ABLarger accents50
- Swarovski 2303 Pear, Vintage Rose Shimmer 14x9mmFeature shapes16
- Swarovski 2304 Raindrop, Blush Rose 10x2.8mmFeature shapes26
- SuperTite Fusion Tack Glue KitClear, waterproof adhesive1
- 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.
From £2.23 Excl. VAT
From £6.01 Excl. VAT
From £2.41 Excl. VAT
£1.95 Excl. VAT
£5.12 Excl. VAT
£7.99 Excl. VAT
£1.19 Excl. VAT
Not sure how many crystals you need? Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by surface area.
How to bedazzle a clutch bag
Step 1: Prepare your workspace
Work on a large, flat, well-lit surface with your tools in easy reach, and somewhere the bag can be left undisturbed to dry.
Step 2: Prepare the glue
Fill the syringe with enough SuperTite Fusion Tack glue for your project. Remove the plunger, slowly squeeze glue down one side of the tube so air can escape the other end, then carefully reinsert the plunger until it pops into place for an airtight seal.
Step 3: Guard against air bubbles
If there is a pocket of air in the syringe, hold it upright so the glue slides away from the opening, then gently push the plunger until only glue remains. Fit the needle tip to finish.
Step 4: Apply the glue
Squeeze out tiny dots of glue across the bag wherever you want a crystal. Use just a little, as too much squishes up around the crystal and dulls the sparkle. Fabric is absorbent, so you may find you need slightly more glue than expected.
Step 5: Place the crystals
Use the wax picker to place the crystals onto the glue, making the most of the different sizes and combining colours and shapes to suit your outfit. We chose a loose, swirling asymmetrical design inspired by blossom flowers.
Step 6: Leave to dry
Leave the bag to dry overnight. Once cured it is ready to wear, and because the glue dries waterproof, you need not worry about crystals coming loose in bad weather.
Where to buy genuine Swarovski crystals
As an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range of Swarovski flatbacks and fancy shapes, sourced directly from Austria with consistent quality and reliable colour matching, so your clutch sparkles with authentic brilliance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you bedazzle a clutch bag?
Clean the bag, plan your design, then dot glue onto the surface and place flatback crystals on with a wax picker, mixing sizes, colours and shapes for interest. Let it cure fully before use. Combining round stones with fancy shapes like pear and raindrop gives a pretty, custom look.
How do you put crystals on fabric?
Use small dots of glue, one per crystal, rather than a thick layer, so it does not squish up around the stone and dull the sparkle. Fabric is absorbent, so you may need a little more glue than on a hard surface. Test on an inconspicuous spot first if you are unsure.
What glue is best for a fabric clutch bag?
A clear-drying, flexible fabric glue such as SuperTite Fusion Tack, or E6000. Both bond crystals firmly to fabric and dry clear. Apply sparingly in dots and let the bag cure fully, ideally overnight, before handling.
Will the crystals survive rain?
Yes, once fully cured. The glue used here dries waterproof, so a caught-out-in-the-rain moment will not send your crystals flying. Still avoid soaking the bag or machine washing it, and spot clean around the crystals to keep the bond strong.
How do you design with mixed crystal shapes?
Combine round crystals with fancy shapes like pear and raindrop, and vary the sizes. A loose, asymmetrical scatter, such as a swirling blossom or floral design, looks more elegant than a rigid grid and is very forgiving to place.
How many crystals do I need and can I change the colour?
It depends on your bag and design. This used a mix of round, pear and raindrop crystals in soft rose tones. Use our Crystal Calculator to estimate by area. We used premium Swarovski; you can also use Czech-made Preciosa, our own Austrian-made Serinity, or budget Estella.
Make it your own
Match the crystals to your dress, or pick a bolder palette. To complete your prom look, see our prom dress and prom heels projects, or explore the full Craft Studio.
