Your rhinestoned garment is falling apart, the crystals peeling off one by one. Here are 4 common reasons rhinestones fall off and how to fix them.
After hours of toiling at your craft table, you finally finished attaching rhinestones to your garment. You let it dry, then wore it proudly out in the world. For a while, things went swimmingly. But one day, you noticed something that stopped you cold—a loose rhinestone dangling precariously from the fabric.
here are several things that can cause rhinestones to loosen and fall off clothing. If your garment is shedding rhinestones like a molting bird shedding feathers, and you want to know why, here are four common reasons why rhinestones fall off clothes.
4 Common Reasons Why Rhinestones Fall off Clothes: The Fabric Was Dirty
Your fabric needs to be free of debris, such as dirt, dust, and oil, and fully dry before you attempt to attach rhinestones to it. Otherwise, the glue will attach to the thin layer of debris or moisture on your fabric rather than the fabric itself.
4 Common Reasons Why Rhinestones Fall off Clothes: The Fabric Wasn’t Porous
Non-porous fabric is another common reason why rhinestones fall off clothes. To test if your fabric is porous or not, sprinkle a few drops of water on the surface. If the water rolls off, the fabric is non-porous.
This is a common issue with leather garments. You can help the glue adhere to slick, non-porous surfaces such as leather by scoring it with sandpaper before attaching your rhinestones.
You Forgot To Stretch the Fabric
If you want to accessorize a stretchy garment, such as a custom dance costume, you need to stretch the fabric first. If you don’t stretch it, the glue’s bond will break, and the rhinestones will pop off the first time you wear your costume. If possible, apply rhinestones while you or a helper is wearing the garment. If that’s not doable, stuff the inside of the garment with cardboard, wax paper, or clean, balled-up garbage bags to stretch it out.
You Attached the Rhinestones Too Quickly or Too Slowly
If you apply your rhinestones too quickly, air can sneak between the stones and the fabric. When this happens, the glue won’t stick evenly and fully. But if you apply your rhinestones too slowly, the glue will prematurely dry and won’t adhere properly to the fabric.
It’s crucial that you apply your rhinestones while the glue is still wet. When you press it onto the garment, pull your tweezers or applicator tip away slowly, then gently press on the rhinestone to push any trapped air out.
If your rhinestones are falling off your garment, you likely skipped a step during the prep phase or were too hasty or cautious with your application. When you reapply the rhinestones, clean and stretch the fabric beforehand and be precise but swift with your movements.
