Thread: Tell me about hot fix stones

I just ordered a few Swarowski hot fix stones and want to see if anybody have some advice to using them. Are they good on dance fabrics like: velvet, lycra, schiffon? How long do they last? Would you use hot fix stones to decorate your costume or is it better to go with sew on?

You have to be careful not to let them get too hot (leaving them on the tool too long)--or the glue won't stick as well (just like with Heat'n'Bond.) I put mine on a smooth satin brocade, and couple peeled off--but they looked awesome. I would suggest keeping a pin or paperclip handy, because one of the problems I had was that the glue on the back of the stone wasn't centered, and when I pulled the tool off, the stone came with it. Hence, I left them on too long. There's an expansion-channel down the side of the bit, so you can just stick your paperclip in there to hold your stone to the fabric while you pull the tool away.

Useless trivia: your nails get soft just like your hair when they get too hot--keep your nails off the metal part, or you're going to have them harden into twisty hag-claws.

Don't know if this will help, but this is the fabric I used--might have something to do with it since I also put one on a canvas workout bag, and it's still holding on.

Thanks for helpful info Clovis.

I have this beautiful velvet that I wanted to put the stones on. Has anybody ever used stones on velvet?

Yes, definitely. This happens to me, too. I've only used hot fix stones on one project (Sherbet costume) and am happy with the result. My fabric was a strange stretch woven fabric on top of crushed velvet and I have had to reattach a couple of stones, but overall they've stayed put.

Originally Posted by clovis

I would suggest keeping a pin or paperclip handy, because one of the problems I had was that the glue on the back of the stone wasn't centered, and when I pulled the tool off, the stone came with it. Hence, I left them on too long. There's an expansion-channel down the side of the bit, so you can just stick your paperclip in there to hold your stone to the fabric while you pull the tool away.