No-hotfix flat back rhinestones are made to be applied with glue, giving you full control over placement, spacing and design details.
They are perfect for costumes, crafts, accessories, shoes, bags, handmade gifts and creative DIY projects.
No heat tool required — just glue, place and sparkle.
What You Need
- No-hotfix flat back rhinestones or embellishments
- E6000 glue
- Glue syringe and blunt tip fill needle
- Picking pen
- Tweezers
- A clean, dry surface
How To Apply
1. Prepare Your Surface
Make sure your surface is clean, dry and free from dust, oil or fabric fluff.
For fabric projects, lay the fabric flat and avoid stretching it while applying the rhinestones.
2. Fill The Glue Syringe
Add a small amount of E6000 glue into the glue syringe.
Attach the blunt tip fill needle to the syringe.
This gives you better control and helps apply glue more precisely, especially for small rhinestones and detailed designs.
3. Apply Small Glue Dots
Gently apply a small dot of glue where each rhinestone or embellishment will be placed.
Avoid using too much glue.
Too much glue can overflow around the edge and make the design look messy.
4. Pick Up The Rhinestone
Use a crystal wax pick pen to pick up each rhinestone, pearl or embellishment.
The wax tip helps lift small pieces easily and makes placement faster and more accurate.
5. Place And Adjust
Place the rhinestone onto the glue dot.
Press lightly so it sits securely.
If needed, use tweezers to adjust the position before the glue sets.
6. Let It Dry
Allow the glue to dry fully before moving, wearing or washing the item.
For best results, leave your project flat and undisturbed while drying.
Which No-Hotfix Product Should You Choose?
Swarovski Flat Back Rhinestones
Best for:
Premium designs, luxury costumes, bridal details and high-end projects.
Swarovski flat backs offer exceptional brilliance, precision cutting and a refined finish.
Choose Swarovski when your design needs the highest level of sparkle and quality.
16-Facet Premium Glass Rhinestones
Best for:
Designers who want strong sparkle and a premium look at a more accessible price point.
The 16-facet cut creates beautiful multi-angle reflection, making it a great choice for stage costumes, dancewear and detailed embellishment work.
Spark Round Glass Rhinestones
Best for:
Everyday costume work, crafts, accessories and general DIY projects.
A classic round flat back rhinestone with glass sparkle, ideal for versatile use across many creative projects.
Spark Square Glass Rhinestones
Best for:
Geometric patterns, borders, lines, statement details and modern designs.
The square shape creates a cleaner, more structured look compared with round rhinestones, making it perfect for bold design layouts.
Acrylic Round Rhinestones
Best for:
Large-area decoration, kids’ crafts, school projects and budget-friendly designs.
Acrylic rhinestones are lightweight, affordable and easy to use.
They are ideal when you need volume, colour and sparkle without adding too much weight.
Flat Back Half Pearl
Best for:
Soft, elegant designs, bridal looks, ballet costumes, hair accessories and delicate handmade pieces.
Half pearls create a more classic and romantic finish compared with rhinestones.
They are perfect when you want elegance rather than high sparkle.
Quick Comparison Guide
| Product | Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Swarovski Flat Back | Highest brilliance | Luxury designs, bridal, premium costumes |
| 16-Facet Premium Glass | Strong multi-angle sparkle | Stage costumes, dancewear, premium DIY |
| Spark Round Glass | Classic glass sparkle | General crafts, costumes, accessories |
| Spark Square Glass | Structured, modern shine | Lines, borders, geometric designs |
| Acrylic Round | Lightweight, colourful, affordable | Kids’ crafts, large areas, budget projects |
| Flat Back Half Pearl | Soft, elegant, romantic | Bridal, ballet, accessories, delicate designs |
Pro Tips For A Cleaner Finish
✔ Use small glue dots
✔ Work in small sections
✔ Use a syringe and blunt tip needle for better control
✔ Use a crystal wax pick pen for faster placement
✔ Avoid moving the project before the glue is fully dry
✔ Test on a small area first when working with delicate fabrics
Important Note
Although this guide focuses on no-hotfix flat back products, hotfix rhinestones can also be applied with glue.
If you prefer colours, sizes or finishes from our Swarovski, Stellux, Glower or DMC hotfix ranges, you can still use them with E6000 glue for your project.