How to Rim Set Rhinestones

Rim set rhinestones are one way to provide dazzle on clothes and accessories such as country western costumes, dance and skating costumes and equestrian tack. A rim set does provide a secure setting for a rhinestone, but the setting may obscure part of the stone, diminishing its sparkle. The claws of the rim set can also snag the material being decorated and scratch the skin of the wearer. There are a few simple steps to rim set rhinestones so that they can be worn comfortably.

• 1

  Place the rim setting over the top of the rhinestone and hold it in place.

• 2

  Press the prongs of the rim setting through the fabric that you are decorating. Hold the rhinestone and rim setting in place.

• 3

  Turn the fabric over and press the prongs down with a hand press, embedding them into the fabric.

• 4

  When all of your rhinestones are in place, cut a strip of felt liner that will cover the embedded prongs on the underside of your fabric.

• 5

  Apply glue to the felt liner, and place the liner over the rim-set prongs so that they do not snag on other materials or scratch the wearer's skin.