Team spirit, meet statement sparkle! Put your own spin on the bedazzled sportswear trend with a DIY rhinestone jersey that takes your game-day look from classic to custom. Use Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive to fill jersey numbers with rows of shimmering stones, then add a contrasting rhinestone border for extra definition; the glue dries clear and flexible for easy wear. Choose stones inspired by your team colors, add optional accents to the back and make every cheer a little more brilliant.
Supplies:
Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive
Game day jersey
Rhinestones in desired sizes
Tweezers for placement
Straight edge razor
Stiff cardboard
Pro Tip
Plan your sparkle first: dry-fit a few rhinestones on the jersey without adhesive to check spacing and color combinations. Then test Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive on an inconspicuous area before you start.Â
How to Make It:
1. Prep Your Jersey
Start with a clean, dry game-day jersey. Insert stiff cardboard inside to separate the front and back and create a stable crafting surface, keeping the fabric smooth without stretching it. Choose rhinestone sizes and colors for the number fill and accent border, then test the adhesive in an inconspicuous area.
2. Bedazzle the Numbers
Starting at the top of the first jersey number, apply a thin, even line of Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive to a small section. Use tweezers to place a row of rhinestones onto the adhesive, gently adjusting their positions while the glue is wet. Continue row by row, checking alignment as you work toward the bottom, and use smaller stones around tight curves and corners. Repeat until the number interiors are covered. Allow the adhesive to dry for 2-4 hours before handling the decorated area.
3. Add the Border & Back Details
Frame each number with rhinestones in your chosen accent color. Apply a thin line of adhesive along a small section of the border, then use tweezers to place and adjust the stones. Continue around each number and allow the adhesive to dry for 2-4 hours. If desired, turn the jersey over once the front is dry and repeat the same process to add rhinestone details to the back.
4. Let Dry & Wear
Allow the final adhesive application to cure completely for 24 hours for maximum hold before wearing your finished rhinestone jersey. Keep the decorated area flat and undisturbed while it cures. After crafting, remove the precision tip, wipe the nozzle with a dry cloth and replace the cap; store the adhesive in a cool, dry place.
FAQsÂ
What glue should I use to bedazzle a jersey?
Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive works on fabric and is designed to attach rhinestones, crystals and gems. It dries clear, flexible and permanent, and includes attachable precision tips for controlled placement. Always test on your jersey and embellishments before beginning.
How long does a rhinestone jersey need to dry?
Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive needs 2-4 hours to dry and 24 hours to cure completely for maximum hold. Keep the decorated area flat and undisturbed as it dries and allow the front to dry before turning the jersey over to embellish the back. Allow the final application to cure completely before wearing.
How do I wash my finished rhinestone jersey?
Hand wash finished projects made with Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive; do not dry clean. Check the jersey’s care label as well and confirm that hand washing is suitable before you begin the project.
What are you bedazzling with rhinestones? Show us your fun ideas and tag us on social media @ilovetocreateofficial!
Shop Aleene’s Rhinestone Adhesive