Rhinestones can be applied several ways. There are a variety of heat setting tools available to choose from as well. Manufacturers might opt to use a heat press machine, which allows them to control the heat setting with the use of a temperature gauge. Avid crafters, might select from a variety of hand-held heat setting tools, which will make embellishing with rhinestones or crystals much easier. For the beginner, a home iron and some extra time will also do the trick.
Rhinestones: Motifs and Application
When selecting a rhinestone motif for application, measure the fabric area where you would like to set your design. This will help you determine what size and type of design you want to apply and will give you a rough idea of many rhinestones you will need. Your design can incorporate one color or multiple color rhinestones. It is best to roughly sketch the pattern, cut it out and lay it onto the fabric area. It will make the rest of the process much easier and will give you the opportunity to make adjustments to your design before setting the rhinestones. Keep in mind when selecting your pattern that rhinestones are available in a variety of sizes and colors
You might opt to purchase premade rhinestone motifs. When purchasing premade motifs, make sure it has a protective white backing, a clear heat transfer film and, for intricate designs, a nonstick sheet might come along with your purchase. Without these sheets, you will not be able to proceed with application.
A nonstick sheet comes in a variety of sizes in accordance to the size of your application. Normally for mini-motifs, the nonstick sheet is attached to the instruction sheet. If it is not available, purchase one. This protective sheet acts as a cover over the heat transfer film. It will help avoid any fabric discoloration if the heat temperature is too high. The transfer film is extremely hot when heat is applied and the nonstick sheet will act as a protective sheet as well.
The motif protective backing usually is white in color and is separate from the nonstick sheet. It will protect any loose rhinestones, and the motif will remain intact during the placement process. If the premade motif selected comes in sheet form, it is best to cut away excess backing as close as possible to the design. This will help you when handling the motif and placing on the selected fabric area. Remove the protective backing once you have placed the motif.
Always leave the rhinestones set on the clear heat transfer film. This film has a preset invisible adhesive agent and is tacky to the touch. During the rhinestone application process, the adhesive side is always facing the fabric.
When designing your own motif, it is important to remember that the pattern designed must be printed on its reverse side. Make sure the graphic design software being used features this application. The reversed printout will be placed underneath the clear heat transfer film with the adhesive side facing you. Rhinestones will be dropped into your design individually. It is best to cut away any excess heat transfer film to make the process easier. You can place a small piece of removable tape or heat transfer tape to hold the film and printout in place. It is important to remove the tape before starting the heat setting process to avoid any damage to the heat setting tools or fabric area. Each rhinestone dropped into the design will have the flat backing surface facing you and the faceted surface facing the adhesive side. The rhinestone's flat surface has the adhesive preset and is only activated when applied with heat.
Selection: Heat Press Machines vs. Rhinestone Setting Tools
Once the rhinestone design has been selected, it is important to select the right heat setting tools. Manufacturers can opt to use industrial heat press machines, but there are also a variety of low-cost presses that provide professional results for the at home user. It is important to note these machines have different heat plate dimensions, are very heavy and require specific electrical capacity.
When beginning the rhinestone application process with a heat press machine, remember that the temperature must not exceed 250 degrees. A nonstick sheet will aid in not having the heat transfer film melt or adhere to the fabric if the temperature surpasses the recommended degrees. Normally these machines include a timer and have their own recommended heat setting times per project application. The swing away arm will allow you to properly place your design and fabric. Once the arm clamps down, be aware of the time and temperature.
Once the appropriate set time is complete, allow the heat transfer film to completely cool. The rhinestones will not properly set if the heat transfer film is removed before the cooling period. Gently remove the film from one corner only and make sure the rhinestones are set in place. If one stone adheres to the heat transfer film or appears loose, repeat the process and keep taking note of the time and temperature.
There are also a variety of hand-held heat setting tools. When purchasing a hand-held heat setting tool, it is very important to know if the heat setting tool is adjustable to hold several rhinestone sizes or is only made for one particular size rhinestone. You also might consider working with crystals incorporated with your rhinestone design, and some hand-held heat setting tools offer this option.
Heat setting tools aid you to manually pick up each stone individually and heat the preset rhinestone adhesive surface. Once you are satisfied with the rhinestone placement, use the stone release button to drop your rhinestone. The tool releases the rhinestone and adheres to the fabric.You also will be able to apply the rhinestones without the use of a nonstick sheet or heat transfer film. The tool allows you to set the stones directly onto the fabric area selected. Usually the tool inserts the rhinestone with the faceted side facing the tool. The flat surface will be facing the fabric for easy application. It is important to read instructions because each tool has different application features.
Application: At Home Rhinestone Setting
The beginner might opt to use his home iron to learn the rhinestone setting application process. You will be able to purchase premade motifs or design your own pattern. It is important to note that when using your iron, a nonstick sheet is highly recommended to avoid damage. When purchasing premade motifs, read the instructions for recommended iron settings. Usually the iron setting is placed on high.
Remove the protective backing and place the motif with the heat transfer film adhesive side facing fabric. Once the iron is at its appropriate setting and temperature, place the nonstick sheet to cover the heat transfer film. Gently iron and hold it for a few seconds. Do not leave the iron unattended. The film becomes very hot once the adhesive is activated. Allow it to completely cool before checking the rhinestone application. Remove the film from one corner gently and make sure that the rhinestones are adhered properly. If the stones are visibly loose or remain on the heat transfer film, reset film and nonstick sheet and repeat the process.
Rhinestones add color, design and excitement to your garments. Select the application process and heat setting tools that are right for you.
