Read the directions supplied with your specific adhesive and test the complete material combination on a hidden area or spare sample.
Check the garment before designing
Put the garment on or lay it in its natural shape and mark areas that bend, rub or stretch. Cuffs, elbows, waistbands and seams can put extra stress on stones. Decide how the finished piece will be cleaned before you commit to a permanent embellishment.
Support the fabric from behind
Place a protected board or firm insert inside the garment so glue cannot pass into another layer. Keep the fabric flat without stretching it. If the design crosses a seam, test that construction first because different layers may move at different rates.
Transfer a dry pattern
Arrange the mixed-size stones on paper or directly on the fabric without glue. Establish a centre line, place the larger anchor stones, then fill with smaller sizes. Take a photo before lifting the stones so the pattern remains repeatable.
Let the garment rest flat
Apply small dots and place the stones in short sections. Leave the garment flat and protected for the label-directed curing period. Do not wash, iron, fold tightly or wear the piece until the adhesive instructions say it is ready.
Quick checklist
- Map flex and rub zones
- Insert a protective board
- Photograph the dry pattern
- Decide on care before gluing