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-   -   Rhinestones, good idea or bad? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/rhinestones-good-idea-bad-t140782.html)

nabobw 07-28-2011 04:49 AM


Originally Posted by rusty quilter
I got to go with your DH. Who wants something scratchy to sleep with? Do you want this quilt for just show--or to be used and used and used...a family heirloom?

Not all quilts are to be used for sleeping

grann of 6 07-28-2011 04:55 AM


Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
This quilt is definitely not going to be used. I doubt anyone would want to use it as it's been quilted within an inch of it's life. Very stiff.

I'm thinking of using the hot fix rhinestones and getting the little applicator that heats up and applies the rhinestone. Sounds easy enough, which usually means it'll be a nightmare. :)

If it's for display, then why not?! I got one of those hot-fix things to apply crystals to a Christmas project I "tried" doing 2 years ago. I followed the directions EXACTLY and they still fell off before I could get them in a box to wrap. Needless to say the gifts never got completed. I was applying to free standing lace embroideries, so that may have been the problem, but it totally turned me off from the hot-fix crystal thing. Anyhow, I see lots of those highly embellished quilts in shows and they are stunning.

SewExtremeSeams 07-28-2011 04:55 AM


Originally Posted by MsEithne

Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
So I've been thinking on this all afternoon and had pretty much decided that I wanted to add some sparkle to my current WIP. This quilt is for a show this fall. I've quilted, and quilted, and quilted on it but it seems like it needs a little something more still. I mentioned the rhinestones to my husband this evening and he didn't like the idea at all. (What do husbands know, right? :P ) He said, "Who wants scratchy rhinestones on a quilt?!" I told him this quilt was never going to be used and with all the quilting on it already it would be like snuggling with cardboard. He doesn't quite get the whole "quilts for looking at only" deal. He still didn't think rhinestones were a good idea.

So his reaction got me to second guessing my idea (grrr, he always does that), but I'm still thinking I might try it. How many of you have used rhinestones on a quilt? Were you fairly happy with the end product? Did the rhinestones just stick out like a sore thumb, or did they blend well and just add some sparkle?

I think it would depend on the quilt. On some quilts, they'd be just the thing to give it zing. On other quilts, they might look out of place.

I'd say lay the quilt out, place the rhinestones on top of it, then stand back and take a look. Take a photo of the rhinestones laying on top and see how that looks.

If you like it, then go for it!

Yes, I agree.

I made a small quilt for my Mom (12" x 12"). On it I had done hand embroidery, pieced blocks, pieces of an old lace doily and felt it needed some bling. I laid a few hot fix rhinestones in a few places and also hand sewed on some colored beads. Laying it out first before fixing it to the quilt gave me an idea of what would be too much and what would be too little. :-D

marymild 07-28-2011 04:57 AM

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I just put some beads on a project. It added sparkle but was not overwhelming. I think they look great.

marymild 07-28-2011 04:59 AM

Oops, sorry you have to turn your head.

marymild 07-28-2011 05:00 AM

The beads are on the centers of the flowers, the roof of the birdhouse, and the bird wings.

marymm 07-28-2011 05:11 AM

You might place a few of the crystals on your quilt, stand back and look at it. Then if you like the look, attach them. I wouldn't hesitate since it is a quilt you don't intend to use for snuggling.---This is from a woman who grew up in Tyler!

patdesign 07-28-2011 05:14 AM


Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
So I've been thinking on this all afternoon and had pretty much decided that I wanted to add some sparkle to my current WIP. This quilt is for a show this fall. I've quilted, and quilted, and quilted on it but it seems like it needs a little something more still. I mentioned the rhinestones to my husband this evening and he didn't like the idea at all. (What do husbands know, right? :P ) He said, "Who wants scratchy rhinestones on a quilt?!" I told him this quilt was never going to be used and with all the quilting on it already it would be like snuggling with cardboard. He doesn't quite get the whole "quilts for looking at only" deal. He still didn't think rhinestones were a good idea.

So his reaction got me to second guessing my idea (grrr, he always does that), but I'm still thinking I might try it. How many of you have used rhinestones on a quilt? Were you fairly happy with the end product? Did the rhinestones just stick out like a sore thumb, or did they blend well and just add some sparkle?

I think that beading and embellishment is quite often used on crazy quilts that are more for display than use. Not sure about rhinestones, but even some accent areas overstitched with a silky type thread, or embroidery may be all you really need to punch it up Rhinestones may be a little over the top, but it depends on what look you are going for. Try laying some on top of an area and look at it to see if you really like it before commiting. :-D

Ann Marie O 07-28-2011 05:35 AM

I used rhinestones on a quilted tree skirt (for stars in the sky) they really looked nice and added to the design. I never used them in a quilt but wouldn't hesitate if it was just to use as a wall hanging or just for show.

finch 07-28-2011 05:41 AM

I believe that the rhinestones would be better put on a wall hanging.Too scratchy for a quilt.But that is my oppinion.

lindy-2 07-28-2011 05:45 AM

id go for the blig if you think it will look good

ladyredhawk 07-28-2011 05:46 AM

I haven't seen one with bling it doesn't seem like it would be very useful maybe if it was just for looks.

Charquilter 07-28-2011 05:49 AM

My husband thinks the same way. He's coming around a bit as he gets older! I like some sparkle on some quilts. If it's to be art instead of a cover, go for it. I use the 4mm stones to good effect. Also, if you want sparkle and aren't sure about stones, consider beads.

LouBert 07-28-2011 06:21 AM

At the AQS quilt show in KNoxville TN this year, a LOT of quilts had sparkle on them, it might be the newest trend, go for it since it's for show

catmcclure 07-28-2011 06:29 AM

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The "crystals" used on quilts are glue-backed and need to be put on with a hot iron thingy. Sorry for the technical jargon. In my opinion, they really do enhance a quilt - in moderation. I have seen some show quilts that look like Porter Waggoner on Saturday night.

This is a detail from a first place winner at Road2CA. It is my daughter's and I helped by putting all the crystals on the quilt. It's not hard to do, just tedious and nitpicky.

talkn58 07-28-2011 06:36 AM

OK... so forgive my word-finding problem-- but what about that technique where you put the sparkly 'stuff' threads & fibers down then put the see-thru/sheer fabric over the top and quilt it???

Or perrrty beads/ same as rhinestone? huh?

Ok I'll go back to bed!!

Annie68 07-28-2011 06:42 AM

The rhinestones sound like a fine idea, definitely try it!

Kath12 07-28-2011 06:54 AM

I too have seen quilts with the hot fix crystals added and they were just beautiful. I am currently adding beads to the snowflakes of a snowman quilt I have made. The quilter didn't quilt the bodies of the snowman and I think they needed it so instead of adding more quilting, I am adding beads which will be like tying the layers together

dunster 07-28-2011 06:55 AM

I do not usually care for embellishment (particularly rhinestones) on a quilt. However, there are exceptions, and your quilt could be one of them. Do what makes you happy, and what you think the quilt calls for.

catrancher 07-28-2011 07:12 AM

I have used hot fix crystals, and I liked the result.

BRenea 07-28-2011 07:14 AM

I have tried hot-fix swarovski crystals, mylar tissue, and angelina fibers...used with moderation (yes, this is coming from a Texan :wink: ). On the right project it adds so much...please post a pic when you've finished your quilt!

crazyquilter56 07-28-2011 07:14 AM

Can you send a pic of the quilt so we can see it then would give us better idea on the subject.....

megs0863 07-28-2011 07:38 AM

Go for what feels right in your heart and it will be a work of art worthy for sharing.

nancy59 07-28-2011 07:44 AM

At my sewing group, a lady brought in a wall hanging of a Christmas tree that had sparkly snow falling. It was beautiful. I fell in love with it immediately. Go with your heart.

lil'snailquilts 07-28-2011 07:51 AM

have you ever seen Pat Durbins quilts? She does incredible art quilts and uses everything from beads to crystals, to pebbles. No one could look at them and say you shouldnt use those things. she does beautiful landscapes and it adds sparkle to her snow, twinkles in the sky, and pebbles in a creek bed. check out her gallery at http://patdurbin.com/

BarbaraSue 07-28-2011 08:38 AM

It depends on your quilt and your emphasis. If you consider it an art quilt to hang and be used for decor- go for it. AT a quilt show in Southern Indiana where the school of art is almost all the quilts there were heavily beaded with anything shiny! They were beautiful.

Thumbelina 07-28-2011 08:44 AM

Go with your instincts and bring on the rhinestones. As you said, it won't be used as a bed quilt. A friend used them on a wall hanging and they really set it off, so GO FOR IT.

FroggyinTexas 07-28-2011 09:01 AM


Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
This quilt is definitely not going to be used. I doubt anyone would want to use it as it's been quilted within an inch of it's life. Very stiff.

I'm thinking of using the hot fix rhinestones and getting the little applicator that heats up and applies the rhinestone. Sounds easy enough, which usually means it'll be a nightmare. :)

I've done the hot fix rhinestones on small projects that were purely for decoration. The applicator is easy to use except that, after a few stones are set, it gets sticky and you will need a straight pin to push the stone out of the end of the applicator. At the Dallas quilt show three or four years ago, several of the bed size quilts were decorated with rhinestones. froggyintexas

Toddy 07-28-2011 09:25 AM

After seeing the winning quilts that hung at the NQA show in Columbus, Ohio I say add the bling, the more the better.

Jammin' Jane 07-28-2011 09:38 AM

Bring on the bling!
Please show us what your are working on!

grammysharon 07-28-2011 09:44 AM

Are there ever too many sparkles!! I say go for it!!!

Originally Posted by NancyG
I love the idea of rhinestones or sparklies. I think it would add so much to the quilt. But I'd only do this if it was just for looks and the quilt wasn't going to be used.

:D

Cindy2sew 07-28-2011 09:52 AM

I was at this show also. Your friend was right! Lovely work, however it should be noted they were used SPARINGLY!

galvestonangel 07-28-2011 11:31 AM

I love bling!

Blinky 07-28-2011 12:30 PM


Originally Posted by Maggiesmom
My friends who recently attended the AQS show in Knoxville said that a good number of the quilts on display had beading and sparkly things on them.

I love you avatar picture!! I have 4 of those little darlings!! Yours looks tiny! So sweet! My run about 5 pounds.

Lynneander 07-28-2011 01:15 PM

Just my opinion, but I tend to like the less if better theory; let the beauty of design speak for itself.

patski 07-28-2011 01:43 PM

Follow your gut!! Many of the "art" quilts had all kinds of sparklies at the shows

vickimc 07-28-2011 02:09 PM

lay them on the quilt first. stand back and look, walk away and come back later and look again. This should help. If you like it stick them on there and go for it. DH's arent always right, they just think they are. LOL

peaceandjoy 07-28-2011 02:50 PM

If it were going to be used as a traditional quilt, I'd agree with your husband - too scratchy. But for a wall hanging or art quilt, I say go for it!

ajohn52 07-28-2011 03:00 PM


Originally Posted by bjeriann
I'd go for it. How do you attach them? Will they be sewn or glued on? If sewn - you can always take them off if you don't like them. Can't wait to see it when you get it done.

There are crystals made especially to "embellish" your quilts, wall hangings, etc. They take a little hotiron tool to adhere them to the fabric. Many quilts and wall hangings these days are embellished with crystals and beads, etc. The crystals come in many colors..can get them at fabric stores, Hobby Lobby, Michael's...plus the little tool to attach them with. Have fun!!

ajohn52 07-28-2011 03:01 PM


Originally Posted by Rachelcb80
This quilt is definitely not going to be used. I doubt anyone would want to use it as it's been quilted within an inch of it's life. Very stiff.

I'm thinking of using the hot fix rhinestones and getting the little applicator that heats up and applies the rhinestone. Sounds easy enough, which usually means it'll be a nightmare. :)

Can U show us a photo of the quilt?


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