What tools do I need to apply hotfix crystals? ▾
To apply hotfix crystals to fabric you need a hotfix applicator wand for individual stone placement, or a heat press for larger-scale or production embellishment. The applicator wand uses a heated metal tip to apply heat and pressure to each stone, activating the pre-applied adhesive on the reverse and bonding it to the fabric. Always set the correct temperature for your fabric type and test on a scrap piece first. A wax pick-up tool or tweezers are also useful for precise placement before applying heat.
What tools do I need to apply non hotfix crystals? ▾
For non hotfix crystal application you need the appropriate adhesive for your surface, a wax pick-up tool or tweezers for precise placement, and optionally a precision glue applicator for controlled adhesive dispensing. For nail art, a wax pick-up tool and nail crystal glue or gel are all that is required. For fabric, choose a flexible fabric-safe adhesive such as Gem-Tac. For hard surfaces, E6000 or a two-part epoxy resin provides a stronger bond.
What is a fly press and when do I need one? ▾
A fly press is a mechanical pressing tool used to apply crystal rivets and rose pins to leather, denim and heavy fabrics. It uses a die set matched to the size of the rivet or rose pin being applied and generates the force required to push the rivet through the material and crimp the back piece securely. A fly press is the professional standard for production-volume rivet application and provides more consistent results than a handheld applicator. If you are applying Swarovski or Preciosa rivets or rose pins, a fly press or handheld applicator with the correct die is required.
What is the best pick-up tool for crystals? ▾
A wax pick-up tool (rhinestone picker or wax pencil) is the most popular and versatile tool for crystal placement across all applications. Its waxy tip provides just enough grip to lift and precisely place even the smallest crystals onto a glued surface, releasing cleanly on contact with the adhesive. It is the preferred tool for nail art, detailed garment embellishment and any application requiring precision placement of SS3 to SS10 sized stones. Tweezers are better suited to medium-sized stones and for final positioning adjustments.
What glue should I use for crystals on fabric? ▾
For non hotfix crystals on fabric, use a flexible fabric-safe crystal adhesive such as Gem-Tac, which dries clear and waterproof and moves with the fabric through washing and wear. For heavier fabrics and performance costumes where a stronger bond is needed, Ninja SuperTite industrial fabric glue provides excellent adhesion. For the most durable long-term attachment on fabric, particularly for performance costumes, hotfix crystals or sew-on crystals are recommended over glue-bonded non hotfix stones.
What thread should I use for beading and jewellery making? ▾
The right thread depends on the design technique and final application. For most beaded jewellery, a professional braided beading wire such as Beadalon or Acculon provides excellent strength and resistance to fraying. For knotted jewellery such as pearl knotting, a silk or nylon fibre thread is the traditional choice. For bead weaving and seed bead projects, Fireline is a popular choice for its strength and resistance to cutting from glass beads. A fine beading needle matched to the hole size of the beads being used is essential for all thread-based techniques.
What pliers do I need for jewellery making? ▾
A basic jewellery making toolkit should include round nose pliers for creating loops and rounded bends in wire, chain nose pliers for sharp bends and gripping, and side cutters for cutting wire cleanly. If you work with memory wire, specialist memory wire cutters are essential as standard side cutters will be damaged by the hardness of the wire. Loop pliers are a useful addition for creating consistently sized loops. All pliers in our range are selected specifically for use with the fine gauges of wire used in jewellery making.
How do I choose the right wire gauge for jewellery making? ▾
Wire gauge refers to the thickness of the wire, with a higher gauge number meaning a thinner wire. For most jewellery making applications, a medium gauge wire (20 to 24 gauge) provides a good balance of strength and workability. Thinner wire (26 to 28 gauge) is used for wrapping, weaving and fine detail work. Thicker wire (18 gauge and below) is used for structural elements such as bangles and ring shanks. Memory wire is available in bracelet, ring and necklace sizes and retains its coil shape without requiring a clasp, but requires specialist memory wire cutters to cut.
