How to Choose the Right Glue & Applicator for Your Rhinestone Project
Getting a clean, professional rhinestone finish isn’t only about choosing the right crystals — the glue and the way you apply it matter just as much.
Different fabrics, surfaces and rhinestone sizes require different adhesives and application tools. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right combination for your project.
1. E6000 Industrial Craft Glue
Best for: Rhinestones on hard surfaces, shoes, accessories, costumes and mixed-material craft projects.
E6000 is a strong, flexible industrial-style craft adhesive and is a popular choice when you need a durable bond.
Advantages:
• Strong and durable hold
• Works on many different materials
• Flexible once cured
• Great for heavier embellishments and high-wear projects
Things to consider:
• Thick consistency can make precise application more difficult
• Easy to dispense too much directly from the tube
• For small rhinestones, transferring a small amount into a precision applicator can give you better control
2. Fevicryl No Stitch Fabric Glue
Best for: Rhinestones and embellishments applied primarily to fabric and garments.
Fevicryl is designed for textile applications, making it a convenient option for dancewear, costumes, clothing and other fabric-based projects.
Advantages:
• Designed specifically for fabric
• Easy to use
• No sewing required
• Suitable for rhinestones and decorative embellishments
Things to consider:
• Better suited to fabric than hard-surface projects
• Direct application from the original bottle may be less precise when working with very small rhinestones
3. 5mL Precision Glue Dispenser Applicator Bottle with Fine Tip
Best for: Everyday rhinestone application when you want a simple, reusable and controlled dispensing tool.
Instead of applying glue directly from a large bottle, transfer a small amount into the 5mL applicator bottle. The fine tip allows you to place small dots or thin lines exactly where you need them.
Advantages:
• Easy to hold and squeeze
• Fine tip for controlled glue placement
• Less mess and glue wastage
• Great for repetitive rhinestone work
• Convenient for beginners and everyday crafting
Ideal for: Medium-viscosity craft or fabric glues that can flow comfortably through the fine tip.
4. 5mL Glue Syringe Barrel – No Plunger + 8 Screw-Type Needle Tips
Best for: More detailed rhinestone work where you want to choose the dispensing tip according to your glue and project.
This set includes a 5mL syringe barrel without a plunger plus 8 screw-type precision needle tips: 14G, 15G, 16G, 18G, 19G, 20G, 21G and 22G.
The syringe barrel is designed for use with the interchangeable plunger from the compatible 5mL syringe.
Advantages:
• 8 needle sizes for different levels of precision
• Screw-type connection helps keep the needle securely attached
• Excellent control for small glue dots
• Useful for different rhinestone sizes and detailed patterns
• Interchangeable setup makes it versatile for regular rhinestone artists
Choosing a needle size
A lower G number means a wider needle opening, while a higher G number means a finer opening.
For thicker glue, start with a wider needle. For thinner-flowing glue or very small, precise dots, a finer needle may provide better control.
Important: Always make sure your glue can flow safely through your selected needle. Do not force very thick adhesive through an opening that is too fine.
5. 5mL Glue Syringe with Plunger + Blunt Tip Needle
Best for: Controlled dispensing, transferring glue and preparing your precision application setup.
Unlike the no-plunger barrel, this syringe includes the plunger, allowing you to actively control the amount of glue being dispensed.
Advantages:
• Controlled pressure and glue flow
• Useful for transferring glue from larger containers
• Easy to measure small quantities
• Plunger can also be used with the compatible no-plunger syringe barrel
• Great starting point for building a precision glue application system