How to Make Rhinestone Iron-Ons With Mylar Paper
- 1). Draw the design on sketching paper with an F pencil to define the artwork lines. As an alternative, draw the design using a graphic-editing program installed in your personal computer. Save the image in a separate computer file for future use.
- 2). Reverse the image, referred to as mirror image, using the reverse tool in the program. If you sketched the artwork, flip the paper over and set it on top of a separate sheet. Slant a soft-lead pencil and rub along the imprinted sketch lines on the back of the sketch to transfer the reverse image. This step is especially important if you're working with text, numbers or asymmetrical shapes. If you're working with even shapes, skip this step.
- 3). Print the image. If you sketched the artwork, skip this step.
- 4). Place the artwork on the table, reverse image facing you. Tape the corners with removable tape to prevent the artwork from shifting while setting up the rhinestone motif.
- 5). Cut a piece of Mylar hot-fix transfer paper slightly larger than the image with scissors. Remove the protective sheet from the Mylar paper. Position the tacky side of the paper facing up.
- 6). Pick up one rhinestone with tweezers, glue backing facing you. Set the rhinestone side directly on the tacky surface of the Mylar paper. Place the first rhinestone in the center of the design.
- 7). Pick up each subsequent rhinestone, working from the center placement out towards the border of the artwork. Space the rhinestones evenly apart for a uniform and cohesive look.
- 8). Place the Mylar paper’s protective sheet cover back over the rhinestones and rub. This step ensures that the rhinestones have adhered to the tacky side to prevent shifting during the transfer.
- 9). Remove the protective sheet and carefully flip the rhinestone motif over onto the garment. The tacky side faces the garment and the rhinestones are facing you.
- 10
Insert a non-stick protective sheet between the two layers of the garment. This prevents the rhinestone glue backing from seeping into the backside of the garment. Place the Mylar paper’s protective sheet over the rhinestone motif. - 11
Set the iron to the recommended setting, which is usually a high cotton setting. Don't use steam. Press firmly over the protective sheet cover for approximately 30 seconds. Remove the iron and repeat again. If you have a large-scale rhinestone pattern, repeat this step as needed. - 12
Remove the protective cover from the artwork, taking extra caution. The surface is often quite hot and can burn the skin. Let cool at least three minutes and peel the Mylar paper away to reveal the rhinestone iron-on motif.
