How To Use Hotfix Crystals
Everything you need to know about using swarovski crystals twenty years ago an elegant prom dress or skating costume was likely to be adorned with sequins pearls or hand applied beads.
How to use hotfix crystals. Posted by edelweiss patterns on april 28 2012. Application using an iron. You may prefer to place the stone in the spot where you want to attach it and use the flat attachment. Be sure the glue is totally melted on your stone before you stick it to your fabric. General guidelines for using hotfix rhinestones crystals fabrics should be pre washed and free of any chemical finish such as water resistant treatments.
The feed and application of the crystals is either fully or semi automatic. Lay the stone with the adhesive side down on your chosen surface place the applicator gently on the stone and leave it there for about 10 seconds. Place the film sticky side with crystals onto your fabric exactly where you want the design. Applicators are a cost effective way to apply all of our hotfix products onto the carrier material. Create your own or choose one of swarovski s stock designs.
Hotfix crystals can be secured with a stone setting machine using either ultrasonic or heat. Always test the application on a sample swatch or in an inconspicuous area. Swarovski crystal fabric is a fabric like carrier material that consists of tiny little crystals. Most important be patient. When working with stretch fabrics try to slightly pre stretch the fabrics before applying hot fix crystals.
Hotfix crystals would be the easiest choice the tool picks up the hotfix crystal then you simply press it onto the wallpaper and the heat transferred through the tip melts the heat sensitive glue on the hotfix crystals. If the stone becomes stuck in the tool simply take a straight pin and slide it through the sides of the tool tip and release the stone onto your garment or a piece of paper. The hot fix rhinestones are attached to a sticky carrier material that you peel and stick and then apply the heat. The alternative is to use non hotfix and something like gemtac glue which is for paper. Fyi that clear sticky film think scotch tape holds your crystals in place.
Peel off the solid plastic usually white backing and toss.