How to Apply Rhinestone Appliques

Rhinestone appliques add some pizazz to plain t-shirts or other items. Most of the time they look best on black, but of course they can go with any coordinating color. Applying them is one of the easiest DIY projects around, and you can create multiple projects in a short amount of time, saving you money and helping you gain a fancy wardrobe of fabulous tees and sweatshirts. With words, pictures or whatever's your whim, in colors of your choosing, working with rhinestone appliques is a worthwhile endeavor.

Instructions

1

Wash and Iron your t-shirt, or whatever you're using. Get any wrinkles out; you want to make sure it's as smooth as possible so the applique goes on straight.

2

Place the t-shirt on your ironing board face up, smoothing it out. Place the applique on the t-shirt where you plan to apply it, and make small markings to remember the correct spot.

3

Peel the paper off of the applique, and slowly lay the applique onto the t-shirt on top of the markings you made, sticky side down. Smooth it into place.

4

Place a towel on top of the applique and smooth it over the t-shirt. Make sure that it covers the entire applique.

5

Turn your iron to the cotton setting so it doesn't burn the t-shirt. Place it on top of the applique for 30 seconds to one minute, applying light pressure. If the applique is large, pick up the iron and place it on the next part; circling with the iron could ruin the application. Do this as many times as necessary to iron the entire piece. Do not use the steam setting.

6

Wait about 10 minutes and lift the towel. Check with your fingers to make sure that the entire applique is adhering well to the cotton. If some places are not, iron again in those areas.