LEOPARD STRASS • Sew-On Guide
Guide for Sew-On Stones
The gold standard of durability and elegance in rhinestone applications.
✨ What Are Sew-On Stones?
Sew-on stones are rhinestones with drilled holes, designed to be stitched securely onto fabric, leather, or accessories. Unlike flatbacks that rely on glue or heat, sew-ons hold firmly even on larger stones where adhesives alone wouldn’t be enough.
Perfect for high-movement pieces like costumes, couture, and fashion detailing.
🪡 Why Choose Sew-On Stones?
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Durability — withstands stage, dance, and regular wear.
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Flexibility — works on fabrics from chiffon to denim.
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Design Freedom — wide range of shapes and sizes.
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Professional Finish — no glue stains or heat damage.
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Confidence with Larger Stones — safely attach statement sparkle.
🎭 Popular Uses
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Dance & Stage Costumes – secure stones for high-energy movement.
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Bridal & Couture – wedding gowns and luxury detailing.
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Accessories – handbags, belts, shoes, and headpieces.
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DIY & Crafts – jackets, denim, and décor projects.
🪡 Techniques for Sewing On Stones
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Two-Hole Crisscross – thread passes in an “X” for max hold.
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Invisible Stitching – match thread to fabric or stone.
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Reinforcement Method – double-threading or backing for heavy stones.
📐 Shapes & Sizes
Available in LEOPARD STRASS:
Classics
Sphere, Oval, Square, Rectangle.
Creative Cuts
Teardrop, Triangle, Baguette, Diamond, Curva, Turtle, Octadone, Hexadone.
Statement Cuts
Nero Elite sew-ons for maximum sparkle.
Specials
Mirror sew-ons for bold reflective shine.
🧵 Materials & Quality
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Glass Stones – all standard sew-on stones are high-quality glass.
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Mirrors (Resin) – the only resin sew-ons; chosen for their reflective effect.
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Foil-Backed – most sew-ons are foil-backed to maximize sparkle.
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Transparent Options – lets the base fabric colour shine through.
🌍 When to Use Sew-On Stones vs Other Types
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Vs Glue (Non-Hotfix) – for larger stones and garments under stress/washing.
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Vs Hotfix – when heat could damage delicate fabrics, leather, or plastic.
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Vs Chatons – sew-ons for fabric, chatons for jewelry/metal settings.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Knot securely at the start and end.
- Use a beading needle for precision.
- Reinforce high-stress points with extra stitches.
- Store sew-ons flat to prevent scratches.
- Test fabric stretch before attaching heavy stones.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Thread too thin → breakage.
- Only one stitch per hole → loose stones.
- Ignoring fabric tension → puckering or sagging.
- No backing on heavy stones → fabric distortion.
🎨 Design Inspiration
- Scatter patterns for organic sparkle.
- Borders and trims on garments or accessories.
- Symmetrical motifs for bridal couture.
- Mixed shapes for avant-garde fashion.
- Mirror accents for modern, futuristic looks.
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Fine or beading needle.
- Strong polyester or nylon thread.
- Thimble for thick fabrics.
- Embroidery hoop (optional).
✅ Final Thought
Sew-on stones are the gold standard of durability and elegance. From DIY projects to couture, they let you design with larger stones, bolder patterns, and garments under stress — all while keeping brilliance secure.
With LEOPARD STRASS sew-ons, your creations stay dazzling, secure, and unforgettable.
Ready to create with sew-ons? Browse all shapes or jump straight into the full collection.