Rhinestones have been used in the fashion industry for decades to give a fabulous and glittery edge to any look.
Adding rhinestones to different fabrics can add extra impact and attraction to any outfit. Rhinestones bring additional glamour and class to any material, and by glueing stones, diamantes and rhinestones yourself can give your clothes a unique and personalized touch.
When putting rhinestones on fabrics, your adhesive is critical. Most people utilize glue for its easy application, however using poor quality glue can create messy, uneven adhesive and the stones can simply slip off.
That is why it is important that you use the best glue for rhinestones on fabric as they can easily fall off or stick in the wrong place.
Glue is an incredibly fluid and sticky adhesive, and it can be hard to glue on fabric with precision and control. However, it can have powerful effects and hold items in place for long periods of time.
The problem with using glue on fabric is that fabrics tend to stain easily and will need washing and drying. This can loosen the glue’s hold on fabric and it can wash away. Therefore, you need a strong fabric glue that is waterproof and can withstand multiple washes.
Luckily, there are specific glues intended for glueing rhinestones to fabric to save you from this problem. We have compiled the best glues for sticking rhinestones on fabric, that will withstand washing, drying and give an optimal bond.
Glueing is time consuming and tricky, so we have done the work for you. We have created a guide of the best glue for rhinestones on fabric and found the winner, so that you can get back to crafting the most stylish outfits and accessories.
The best glue for attaching rhinestones on fabric is Arleene’s Jewel-it Embellishing Glue.
This glue is the fastest drying and strongest holding glue for rhinestone embellishments. With premium bonding results, you can trust this glue to stand the test of time. Arleene’s quick-drying formula is also non-toxic and odorless for safe use and fast attachment.
With a transparent finish, you will never see this glue on your clothes. For a permanent hold that you can rely on, and unrivalled flexibility, go for the Jewel-It Glue.
Top 7 Best Glues for Rhinestones on Fabric
OUR TOP PICK
For the fastest drying and strongest holding formula, try Aleene's Jewel-It Embellishing Glue. This super strong adhesive was specifically designed for long lasting, premium bond results.
Aleene’s quick drying formula provides a crystal clear transparent finish that is perfect for rhinestone and gem affixation. For a permanent hold that you can rely on, this embellishing glue is the answer.
This glue is completely machine washable whilst permanently bonding jewels to fabric. Never worry about brittle or unsightly finishes, as this glue maintains its flexibility after extensive use.
With a non-toxic formula, and unscented fumes you are sure to use this glue with ease, speed and safety.
Pros
- Quick-dry formula
- Clear finish
- Machine washable
- Non toxic
- Designed specifically for rhinestones and gems
- Permanent fabric glue
- Works on a variety of fabrics including cotton, denim and polyester
Cons
- Long curation period of 7 days
EDITORS CHOICE
For a 100% waterproof adhesive, with a brand that you can rely on, try the Gorilla Glue for fabric.
This glue is specifically formulated to provide fast setting, permanent bonds that stay flexible even after washing.
The crystal clear finish dries transparently on a variety of surfaces, making it a great option for fixing rhinestones to fabrics.
This high strength glue is both washer and dryer safe, but still promises to maintain hard-to-hold embellishments like rhinestones perfectly.
For a permanent bond that will not fall off any time soon, try the Gorilla Fabric Glue.
Pros
- Washer and dryer safe
- Crystal clear finish
- Permanent hold
- Fast setting
- Flexible
- Bonds to cotton, denim, polyester, felt, beads, sequins, rhinestones, ribbons and more
Cons
- Dries quite rough
BEST VALUE
If you are looking for a permanent bond for your rhinestones to your fabric, then look no further. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion is the perfect adhesive for you.
It will not string when you apply it, and dries completely clear.
This glue can be used on a variety of fabrics and with a multitude of embellishments for a great fix. With easy clean up, you will not have to worry about mess or mistakes with this glue.
It is completely machine washable, and you only need a tiny blob of application for long-lasting results.
Even after curing, your fabric will remain just as flexible as before!
Pros
- Machine washable
- Transparent finish
- Does not string
- Can be used on multiple fabrics
- Non toxic
Cons
- Long dry time
RUNNER UP
If you need a premium quality adhesive specifically designed to keep rhinestones and gems secure, then the Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive is the right choice for you.
This adhesive is permanent and perfect for fixing mirror-backed rhinestones without warping or altering.
With no odor, a non-toxic formula and minimal fumes, this glue is relatively safe and easy to use. The Beacon Gem-Tac features a water based, water-proof and washable formula that is fully UV resistant, non-flammable, flexible and shock-resistant.
It never dries hard or brittle and has an easy to use precision cap to help you gain control over your rhinestone fixing.
Pros
- Precision tip
- Non-toxic
- Perfect for mirror backed rhinestones
- Waterproof
- Non-flammable
- Washable
- No odor
Cons
- Must cure for at least 72 hours for best results
- Water-based glue can be tricky to apply
RUNNER UP
For a glue that you can utilize in a variety of your crafting projects, try using the E6000 Fabri-Fuse adhesive.
This glue is formulated with fabric in mind, but can be used on a variety of surfaces such as metal, wood, glass and plastic.
This glue always dries clear, has a low odor and is generally easy to apply. With quick drying properties, you can leave this glue to settle overnight for best results.
Never worry about your rhinestones falling off in the wash with this glue, as it promises premium bonds and long-lasting durability.
If you need a glue that will withstand rhinestone affixation and a multitude of other tasks, E6000 Fabri-Fuse is capable of giving you high quality and long lasting results that you can rely on.
Pros
- Dries clear
- Low odor
- Acid-free
- Can be used for fabric, metal, wood, glass and more
- Secure hold
- Dries quickly overnight
- Easy to use
- Washable
Cons
- Dries hard
- Can be thick and gloopy
RUNNER UP
If you are looking for industrial strength glue that will withstand washing, drying and has easy application, look no further.
The Bundled Brands E6000 Tube for Crafting comes with 4 applicator tips, 5 art dotting pens and a tube of E6000 adhesive glue.
E6000 glue is formulated with a rubber based compound that can withstand extensive washing and drying, and can stick to glass, rhinestones, clay, beads, fabrics, wood, metal and ceramics.
For a glue that is capable of affixing a multitude of different embellishments and materials, you can rely on the Bundled Brands E6000.
This glue comes equipped with 10 different dotting tips to make application a dream.
Pros
- Washer and dryer safe
- Completely waterproof
- Comes with tools to make application easy
- Suitable for all fabrics
- Industrial strength premium bond
- Can be used for many embellishments and materials
- Suitable for all of your crafting needs
Cons
- Very thick- can be quite hard to work with
- Can dry goopy and have a visible whitish tone.
RUNNER UP
Additionally, if you are partaking in a lot of glueing, you may benefit from purchasing a hot glue gun and using glue sticks as your favorite adhesive.
This Chandler Tool hot glue gun is easy to use, heavy-duty and promises ultimate results.
With no-drip technology, this product provides a mess-free and simplistic design that will change your arts and crafts game! Rest assured that this hot glue gun is UL-certified and safe for use in North America.
This high quality hot glue gun is manufactured with the greatest care and attention to provide you with an ultra safe and easy to use glue gun that will never overheat.
The best thing about hot glue guns is the precision and control they give their users. Rhinestone glueing can be a difficult task, but this is made simple with the Chandler Tool hot glue gun.
Pros
- Fast drying
- Easy to use
- Premium, long lasting bond
- Can be used an generally all materials
- Dries crystal clear
- Flexible finish
- Comes with glue sticks and gun
Cons
- Takes a few minutes to get hot before use.
- Takes practice to use a hot glue gun without stringy effect.
Best Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric Buying Guide
How to Find the Best Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric
There are many things to consider when purchasing the right glue for rhinestones on fabric. One of the main things you should think about when finding the best glue is how it will hold up over time.
Rhinestones are hard to stick and even hard to keep on afterwards. In this sense, you must consider whether your glue will withstand repeated washing and drying.
Some glues can turn brittle and lose their flexibility on fabric after extensive washing. Look for a glue that remains flexible, keeps its hold and is waterproof for best results.
You Should Also Consider the Drying and Curing Time of Your Fabric Glue
If you are busy and have a lot of items to embellish, then you may prefer a glue with a fast drying time. However, you need to ensure that it is not too fast that you cannot rectify any mistakes before they are stuck fast. The best types of glues will dry in around 5-6 minutes, and cure in 24 hours.
Most glues promise crystal clear drying, however some can have a whitish hue after being left to dry. This is unfavorable if it can be seen outside of your embellishments. It is best to use a glue that is completely transparent both in its application and drying process.
Many different glues offer a variety of ways to use the product. For beginners, there are glue options with helpful packaging and syringes to promote precision and control when sticking. For other more seasoned crafters, you could purchase glue in bottles or try using a glue gun for a more cost effective option.
For a happy medium, you may benefit from a glue with a precision tip to get better adhesive results on your fabrics.
You may also benefit from a glue that can be used on rhinestones and a multitude of other embellishments to get the most bang out of your buck. This way, you can use your glue for all of your crafting projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use superglue on rhinestones?
Although superglue has powerful adhesive properties, we would recommend that you never use superglue on rhinestones as it dries with a glass-like texture.
Rhinestones often have a flat-back or silver foil backing that will not blend well with superglue. Superglue can also be damaging on soft materials and may not be suitable for use on fabric.
Is rhinestone glue harmful on skin?
There are some harmful glues with harsh chemicals, but this is not the only option.
You can purchase many rhinestone glues that are not toxic or damaging if they come into contact with your skin. However, we would recommend using gloves to protect your hands for the best practice.
Can I use gorilla glue on fabric?
Most Gorilla glue products are not intended or recommended for use on fabric, unless it is a specifically made waterproof fabric clue.
Any E6000 glue is best utilized for glueing items onto fabric.
Can glue fumes make you sick?
Most glues are not poisonous or toxic. However, some glues can give off powerful glue fumes that can be harmful if ingested.
To avoid any risk of ill health, you should always use glue in a well-ventilated area.
Does fabric glue hold up in the wash?
Fabric glues are intended for the use on clothing so they should withstand going in the washing machine. However, we would recommend that you hand wash those items, or take some precautionary measure to ensure that your rhinestones stay on as long as possible.
Each wash will weaken the glue over time, so try to avoid washing extensively, and hand wash where possible. Temporary fabric glues will be soluble in water, so not a great choice if you want long lasting results.
Permanent fabric glues will be insoluble once fully dried and will hold up through multiple washes.
How do you keep rhinestones from falling off?
To make sure that your rhinestones stay secure at all times, you can use a clear nail polish or a little mod podge as a final coat. We recommend using this Mod Podge glue finish with a glossy look for best results.
Apply a thin coat of the polish over your rhinestones or a small blob of mod podge on a sponge and dab over the gems.
How do I stick rhinestones on fabric easily?
Glueing rhinestones can be a time consuming and frustrating task. Sometimes flat-backed mirrored rhinestones can slip and jump around when trying to keep them in place.
We recommend that you purchase an applicator to help you affix them with ease and speed. Our favorites are the Creative Hobbies Glue Applicator Syringes.
These applicators are designed for rhinestone use and give great control and precision when sticking rhinestones to fabric!
Can you use a hot glue gun on rhinestones?
Using a hot glue gun can save you a lot of time and effort when sticking your embellishments onto fabric, surfaces and other materials.
These can be costly, but worth it in the long run. Hot glue will ensure that your rhinestones never move or fall off your fabrics.