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Hot Fix Crystals
(Add Bling to Your Next Project!)

Hot fix crystals, rhinestones and their applicators have been popular with crafters for years. However, I think that most people who sew or quilt, often overlook this fanciful form of embellishment.

The Tools

Hot fix applications of any kind start with a basic tool. The hot fix applicator. Like a curling iron, they have a barrel with a tip that gets very hot, and they usually plug into a wall outlet.

Several companies make them under different trade names. Prices vary according to the number of tips they come with and how well they are designed. You can find inexpensive home models for crafters to expensive heavy duty professional models.

When I was shopping for mine, I looked for a semi "professional" model with an ergonomic handle that did not require a metal stand to keep the hot barrel off my work surface, a wide variety of tip choices and an on/off switch so I could actually see when the applicator was on.

Also, There is a short learning curve when using a hot fix applicator for the first time. Practice on scraps before you try it on your end project! The tutuorials on the web make it look super easy and foolproof. Easy yes. Foolproof, no. When you are first learning, the crystal will sometimes fall off of the tip when you get ready to apply it. I made the mistake of trying to catch it. Ouch! There are other little things that can happen when working with the applicator, so don't skip taking time to practice, practice, practice! A light touch, light pressure, and the proper angle are important to success. Applicator tips are the small pieces that screw onto the end of the barrel. These tips are designed for the many different sizes of rhinestones and crystals which are available. Look for applicators with tips that "pick up" the embellishment with a simple easy touch. I would avoid any of the older models that require you to use tweezers to place the rhinestone on the tip.

Rhinestones, crystals and other bling used with your hot fix applicator come in varying sizes ranging from tiny to "wow"!

Color choices are also amazing. You can buy these on-line from a wide source of suppliers. If you get hooked on the dazzle of the Swavorski and other crystals, just remember... these types of hot fix crystals usually contain lead. Be very careful not to use them on sewing projects for children. Though it's hard to pull them off once affixed to the fabric, over time, they might let go and you don't want anything with lead in the mouth of a child. Child safe, lead free, crystals (rhinestones) are available for your projects; though they do cost a little more.

Hot fix your crystals or rhinestones following purchased design templates or free hand them onto your project. Other places to consider for a little bling are around the neckline, on pockets or on pocket flaps, on cuffs, scattered over the bodice of a blouse, dress or evening gown. The creative possibilities are endless!

If you, like many people who sew, enjoy adding machine embroidery to your project... how much MORE fun to add one or two pieces of bling as well!

For more ideas, visit some of the websites that sell hot fix crystals. Many of them also offer project ideas, tips and instruction videos.



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