The next way that you can use rhinestones in your dance costume is to use them in geometric patterns. By using diamonds, by using stripes, you can go vertical or straight across. You can also use dots and dashes just using simple patterns in small areas like waistbands and straps. It adds a lot of texture in a little space.
Supplies:
- Dance garment
- Rhinestones
- E6000 Glue in a Tube or
in a Syringe - Toothpicks
- Two paper plates
Directions:
Choosing Your Materials
We are going to show you a couple of different ways to make geometric patterns where it is all woven together. You can do it using chain which is very simple and very easy. But, it is very limited as to the colors you can get it in. You can also do it with loose rhinestones.
How to Obtain the Square/Diamond Shape
For our demonstration, we are first going to use the chain. You can cut the chain into the shape you want. One of the shapes we have cut is squares. The squares, of course, will become diamonds if you turn them slightly. The second technique would be to find the center of the area and place one loose diamond on that spot. Then, put one diamond above the first stone and one below. Next, put one to the right of the first stone and one to the left. This creates a small diamond. You can expand the size of the diamond to the size you prefer by just adding rows of stones on each side to keep it uniform. Stop adding diamonds when you get the diamond to the size you wish. This is super easy to make these squares and diamonds.
Preparation Prior to Gluing
As far as applying the diamonds or squares, that is also easy. You just need a little planning. First of all, we are going to decide where we want to put the diamonds. For instance, when using high waisted briefs, you can either put the diamond right in the middle or put a diamond on each side of the center. Use seamstress’ chalk or a bar of soap to mark where you want to put that first diamond. Then, measure the size of the diamonds and the size of the area where you want to apply the diamonds. Determine how many diamonds you have and then divide the area by the number of diamonds so you can calculate how far apart the diamonds should be. You also need to determine the height of the area so that you can determine how much space will be above the diamond and how much below the diamond. On the briefs, the pattern will be horizontal but you could create a vertical pattern if you wanted it to look like buttons or something going down the front of the top.
Once you have the diamonds in place, you need to decide if you want to leave it like that or if you want to place individual rhinestones between the diamonds. You could also create a little design between the diamonds using loose rhinestones. Do not forget when the briefs are on the girl, the space will stretch out so that means there will be more space in between.
Gluing the Rhinestones
We are going to use them as diamonds. Although, in general, we prefer the E6000 glue in the tube, we are going to use the syringe for the diamonds cut from the chain because it is easier. We are covering the back of the diamond generously with the glue but you do not want to put too much or it will ease over the side.
