For big fashion impact, or to glam up a garment, costume or pair of shoes with embellishments like miniature gems, the best glue for rhinestones on fabric is absolutely crucial. Poor quality glue not only makes a mess during application, but a few hours or minutes after you’ve put in the hard work, the sparkling gems may fall off, never to be seen again.
Gluing on fabric is unique because fabric is a fluid object that moves with our bodies, constantly changing shape as we move. Not only that, we wash our garments or our shoes become wet and the glue absolutely needs to be water-proof as well. Quite a tall order here!
You can get around this problem by using glue particularly designed for rhinestone affixation instead of going for regular off-the-shelf options. To make your hunt for those special glue options easy, we have researched, shortlisted, and reviewed nine great products. Our overall favorite glue for rhinestones on fabric is E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive, but there are several others that may fit your needs as well.
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If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the time to skim through the entire article have a glimpse at our nine top picks below:
- E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive <<Best Overall
- Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive
- Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive
- Aleene’s Jewel-It Embellishing Glue
- E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive
- Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue 2.5 Ounce, 1-Pack, Clear
- Aleene’s 21709 Jewelry & Metal Instant Adhesive
- iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive
- Tombow 62175 Mono Glue Pen
Best Glues For Rhinestones On Fabric Reviews
The association between fabric and rhinestones goes back a long way. People have been using those ornamentals to embellish their clothes, even before modern fabrics and embroidery machines existed. An endearing thing about rhinestone-embellished clothing is it never goes out of fashions due to its classic, ceremonial, and elegant profile.
It is quite challenging to find out readymade fabric with rhinestone decoration. Even if you find some, they are not exactly in line with your preference and also sport hefty price tags. Therefore, it is better to make them on your own. But making them on your own is not easy either.
1. E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive – Best Overall
If you are into arts & crafts and regularly make projects that involve rhinestones, fabric, and other embellishing and base materials, think about getting this E6000 adhesive. This adhesive/glue comes in an easy-to-hold 4oz bottle with a precision tip. These bottle features make its use hassle-free on all types of surfaces.
Like any other top-quality rhinestone glue, this one also dries clear to ensure a mess-free look of the fabric and other decoration pieces. You can also use this glue on wood, felt, rubber, metal, and glass.
- Washable formula— long-lasting results
- Flexible when dry, so fabric can move freely
- Produces a very mild odor
- Doesn’t hurt hands— an acid-free formula
Our rating: 99%
2. Beacon Gem-Tac Permanent Adhesive– Best for Mirror-Backed Rhinestones
This permanent adhesive by Beacon is the perfect glue solution to affix rhinestones and other hard embellishments on fabric. The glue comes in a 4oz bottle that also features a precision-tip cap. This allows you to apply the glue just at the exact spot.
This glue is particularly good for mirror-backed rhinestones because it doesn’t warp them or alter their appearance after application. We also like this glue for its non-toxic formula that makes it fumes harmless.
- Waterproof adhesive with UVA-resistant attributes
- Remains flexible and shock resistant after application
- Releases no unpleasant odor
Our rating: 98%
3. Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive
This is the second Aleene’s glue on our list. We have picked it as one of the best glues for rhinestones on fabric for various reasons. To begin with, it is machine washable. This means you can clean your embellished fabrics without worrying about stones coming off. This product works best when just a little dab is used. Over saturation of the fabric fibers with glue actually weakens the bond.
Also, this glue doesn’t make the fabric stiff after washing. Your apparel will maintain its fall and flexibility even after the application and curing of the glue. This Aleene’s glue also comes in a 4oz bottle and available in various packs.
- Works on a range of fabrics
- Remain transparent after dried
- Doesn’t produce strings during application
Our rating: 93%
4. Aleene’s Jewel-It Embellishing Glue– Quick-to-Dry Rhinestone Glue
If you are looking for a glue that dries quickly, consider buying this embellishing glue by Aleene’s. It is a 4oz bottle that contains a quick-dry glue formula. Unlike regular fabric glues, this one dries within a couple of minutes. However, to make the adhesion the strongest, let the garment cure for 7 days or more, as per bottle instructions before washing the fabric.
We also like this Aleene’s products because it dries clear instead of acquiring a whitish and opaque appearance. This property of the glue allows you to use it for neat stone affixation. Besides rhinestones, you can also use this glue to embed jewels, glass and plastic beads, sequins, and pearls as well.
- Let it cure for 7 to 10 days before washing the fabric
- A great bang for the buck
- Also available in the pack of two, three, four, and five
Our rating: 98%
5. E6000 Jewelry and Bead Adhesive– A versatile, super strong glue
If you don’t want to hold an entire bottle of glue while applying it on rhinestones, consider buying this jewelry and bead adhesive by E6000— a renowned name among adhesive and glue manufacturers. This glue boasts a waterproof and self-leveling formula that is good for all types of hard embellishments. This glue however, does not have the flexibility needed for stretchy fabrics like knits. It works best for shoes, leather and garments not intended for much movement and twist.
One distinctive thing about this glue for rhinestones is its well-thought-out drying time. It sets a stone in its place in five minutes, giving artisans enough time to make adjustments.
- Comes in 1oz tube with four applicators tips
- From metal to glass and vinyl— adheres to many surfaces
- Abrasion-resistant
Our rating: 94%
6. Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue 2.5 Ounce, 1-Pack, Clear
Created by the famous Gorilla glue company, to bond to the fibers in fabric and survive washing, the Gorilla Waterproof Fabric glue is amazing with rhinestone gems as well. It creates a permanent bond that sets up in minutes.
- Dries clear
- Remains flexible after washings
- May bleed through on knits and thin fabrics
- Excess glue may ‘stain’ fabrics
Our Rating: 90%
7. Aleene’s 21709 Jewelry & Metal Instant Adhesive– Best for Semi-Porous Stones
This Aleene’s glue comes in a handy 0.7oz tube with a precision tip. This gives you more control over the glue application for neater and cleaner results. Aleene’s 21709 Glue Tube works perfectly for rhinestones as well as metals, glass, ceramics beads. The glue makes such a strong adhesive bond that you can also use it on porous and semi-porous stones.
The manufacturer has also upgraded the glue formula in 21709. It has a gel-like consistency that doesn’t run and drips during application.
- Ensures strong, permanent waterproof adhesion
- Perfect for repairs
- Impact-resistant
Our rating: 89%
8. iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive
We are rounding off our list with iCraft’s 2oz glue bottle. The product has all the characteristics of good rhinestone glue. It guarantees strong permanent waterproof adhesion. Also, it dries while maintaining a clear appearance to ensure neat work.
You can use it on apparel as well as other fabric-based articles for embellishing them with rhinestones and other hard ornamentals. You can also order this iCraft in packs.
- Non-toxic glue formula
- Great value for money
- Remains flexible after getting dried
Our rating: 88%
9. Tombow 62175 Mono Glue Pen
Tombow has made life easy for all those people who are affixing tiny rhinestones on fabric for the first time. Tombow’s glue neither comes in a bottle or tube. It comes in an easy-to-hold pen applicator. Originally intended for paper crafting, it is not a strong enough glue to adhere rhinestones permanently, but it will do for a temporary, light application. It has a non-squeeze configuration and flows like a ballpoint with the glue application.
Anyone can use this Tombow glue pen for precision rhinestone affixation. Besides fabric and rhinestones, you can also use this glue with beads and papers.
- A new formulation that doesn’t stick to hands and wipe cleans without water
- Acid-free formula— safe to use
- Leaves no residue on the fabric
- Only for light wear applications and tiny embellishments
Our rating: 80%
Things to Consider Before Buying Glue for Rhinestones on Fabric
Take these features into account while buying glue for your rhinestone work.
Packaging
Glues and adhesives come in various types of packaging. If you make rhinestone-based clothes and artwork regularly, get bottled glue because it comes cost-effective. You can also opt for glue tubes with precision tips to get finer affixing results. Newbies can also find glue products in syringe applicators and pens for easy application (we have reviewed them both).
Drying and Curing Time
Ensure that the glue you buy for fixing rhinestones on fabric neither dries too fast nor too slow. It should give you enough time to make stone adjustments. Any top-quality glue dries in 4-6 minutes and cures in at least 24 hours.
Utility
Not all glue products for rhinestones on fabric are exclusive for this stone affixation. You may have noticed in the above reviews that you can also use them with a range of other embellishments and base materials as well.
Conclusion
We hope that the above reviews and discussion help you in picking the best glue for rhinestones on fabric. If we are to suggest, we recommend you give E6000 565004 Fabri-Fuse Adhesive
a try. It comes with a small tip applicator tube and offers strong adhesion for rhinestone on fabric and several other materials.
FAQs
Is Rhinestones glue harmful to skin?
Not all rhinestone glues are toxic and contain harsh chemicals. Nonetheless, it is better to take precautions and protect your hands, face, and eyes from direct exposure to the solution. Some glues are cancer concerning. Please read the label at the back of your glue and follow their directions.
Are these glues soluble in water?
No, these glue products are not water-soluble and maintain adhesion in wet conditions once cured.
Do you need to refrigerate glue after opening it?
There is no need to refrigerate an opened bottle of glue. Just place it in any cool and dry place.
Tutorials and additional tools:
Creative Hobbies Glue Applicator Syringe– Best Small Rhinestone Applicator
This precision applicator TOOL does not come with glue, rather you fill them up with your glue of choice. We thought this innovative idea deserved a place in our recommendations even though you will need to purchase glue separately.
Here’s a video describing how well this works:
If you are striving for uncompromised precision while putting rhinestones on fabric, the use of this Creative Hobbies product will come in handy. The manufacturer has introduced a pack of 10 syringes that feature 14-gauge tips instead of needles.
The diameter of the tip is kept at this particular value because it allows the passage of high-viscous glue without a hitch. This glue with a syringe applicator is perfect when you are working on tiny rhinestones and other micro embellishments.
- The applicator works with a plunge-style push
- Features Luer lock for ease of use
- NO glue included
- Non-reusable