Thread: Pros & Cons of Hotfix Gems

I have been wondering why hotfix chrystals aren't used on costumes. Talk about the bedazzler on another thread got me thinking of the subject. I received a used costume awhile ago and the gems were hotfixed. Other than the fact that they didn't use real chrystals, I don't mind the look. I use my hotfix gems for blinging regular clothing with good success but there doesn't seem to be much use of them in BD costumes. Why not?

No idea, but I love them to sparkle up a cossie. I used them on several costumes to add more bling and it was fast and they didn't came off so why not?

double post

hot fix doesn't have anything to do with the type of stones. Hot fix is an application term only. You can buy all qualities of crystal or glass stones that have the hot fix glue all ready to go on the back of the stone.

Cons: takes forever. At least 8 seconds per stone and the wand heats up to molten levels. Even getting near it will burn you. I'd say stay at least 1" away AT ALL TIMES. Won't adhere well to all surfaces. Can damage and burn/melt certain fabrics. Contrary to popular belief they can fall off.

Pros: Cleaner looking than hand gluing. Less mess and won't cause cancer like some rhinestone glues.


Me I glue by hand. I wear gloves and a mask. I go faster and have gained some serious control and talent for this over time.

Originally Posted by eshtabellydance

Cons: takes forever. At least 8 seconds per stone and the wand heats up to molten levels. Even getting near it will burn you. I'd say stay at least 1" away AT ALL TIMES. Won't adhere well to all surfaces. Can damage and burn/melt certain fabrics. Contrary to popular belief they can fall off.

Hmm. When I did the dress with hotfix crystals, I'm sure it did not take me 8 seconds per stone, because a count of "1-one-thousand, 2-one-thousand" was all it took to heat up the glue. But I bet I was using smaller stones than you use -- I'm sure bigger stones take longer to heat.

And, yes, they can fall off. Also you can do dumb things like I did like wedge a crystal into the hot wand. .w.: But put me near a tube of glue and it's a guaranteed mess, so....

I have a hotfix wand but have never used it. I'm a klutz and it scares me!
Eshta, your glued stones always seem neatly applied and rock-solid to me. What's your favorite glue?

I like playing with my hotfix crystals. I've put them on clothes, cloth covered notebooks/notepads, mirrors and other stuff.

I've found that I like placing the crystal down on the surface and then using the flathead top to melt the glue. This way, I don't have to worry about the crystals getting stuck in the wand. Quick and easy and mess-free :)

I have used quite a few on a costume with good success. The costume was stretch velvet (which would be a touch risky for melting) and the stones have stayed on great. It was a PIA to adhere them. I did a flame design by setting the stones for the outline one at a time and then placing large groups and heat setting them with one of those mini irons used for quilting. That REALLY sped things up. I think so long as you go by the rule of testing on scrap fabric first you'd be fine. Also, I keep a straight pin handy while I'm using the kandy kane wand in case the stone gets a little stuck. I got the mid grade crystals because the seller I spoke with felt that Swarovski were over faceted for the size I was working with. The other thing that can make these a plus is to use the sticky transfer paper. It's slightly transparent so you can print a design out from your computer (or draw it by hand) and then place this stuff on top, sticky side up. You arrange your crystals sparkly side down on the lines and when done, place the sticky paper with rhinestones on your garment. You have to use a press cloth when you iron it but then you can set a ton of stones all at once and have intricate/precisely placed designs.

Originally Posted by Zana

I have a hotfix wand but have never used it. I'm a klutz and it scares me!
Eshta, your glued stones always seem neatly applied and rock-solid to me. What's your favorite glue?

e6000 is the best.
I don't like putting the wand down on top of the stone. Sometimes you'll get a fabric melt ring around the stone.
Bottom line is it's a cheap technique and you should try it to decide if you like it.

Originally Posted by RioDancerCO

I have used quite a few on a costume with good success. The costume was stretch velvet (which would be a touch risky for melting) and the stones have stayed on great. It was a PIA to adhere them. I did a flame design by setting the stones for the outline one at a time and then placing large groups and heat setting them with one of those mini irons used for quilting. That REALLY sped things up. I think so long as you go by the rule of testing on scrap fabric first you'd be fine. Also, I keep a straight pin handy while I'm using the kandy kane wand in case the stone gets a little stuck. I got the mid grade crystals because the seller I spoke with felt that Swarovski were over faceted for the size I was working with. The other thing that can make these a plus is to use the sticky transfer paper. It's slightly transparent so you can print a design out from your computer (or draw it by hand) and then place this stuff on top, sticky side up. You arrange your crystals sparkly side down on the lines and when done, place the sticky paper with rhinestones on your garment. You have to use a press cloth when you iron it but then you can set a ton of stones all at once and have intricate/precisely placed designs.

That belt is GAWGEOUS!

When I am using them on regular clothing, I have used the wand but prefer to just use my iron. I have found this works well, especially when covering larger areas. So it looks like a costume done with hotfix as opposed to sewn-on or tiffany-set stones would not subject me to the BD .p::? Would it make the costume less valuable for resale?