I am no stranger to my Silhouette Cameo machine but after two years of working with Silhouette I had never tried the rhinestones. I was very hesitant because I have never had luck with blinging stuff out before using rhinestones.
Well I tried the Silhouette rhinestone kit this month and let me tell you…I was impressed. Not only was it easy the rhinestones transferred to the shirt effortlessly. Amazingly enough I did not lose one rhinestone in the transfer!
So I created a “love, peace, basketball” mom shirt.

What’s Rhinestone?
Rhinestone is a type of gemstone that is made from glass or crystal and is often used as a substitute for diamonds or other precious stones in jewelry, clothing, or accessories. They are available in a range of colors and sizes and are popular due to their affordability and versatility. Often used to add a touch of sparkle or glamour to a variety of products, including clothing, shoes, hair accessories, and costume jewelry.
The term “rhinestone” is often used generically to refer to any type of flat-backed, foil-backed, or glue-on glass or crystal gemstone, regardless of the actual material used to create the stone.
Are Rhinestones fake Diamonds?
Haha that’s what my daughter said the first time she saw them… and well, she was kind of right. Rhinestones are often used as a substitute for diamonds and other precious gemstones. They are obviously not real diamonds. They are made from glass or crystal that is cut and polished to resemble a diamond.
Often used in costume jewelry and other decorative items, they add a touch of sparkle and glamour. While they are not as valuable as diamonds, rhinestones are popular due to their affordability and versatility.
They come in a wide range of colors and sizes and can be used to create a variety of looks, from classic and elegant to fun and playful.
How to do Rhinestone on Silhouette?
Well, this is how I did my gorgeous Basketball Mom shirt.
Supplies:
- Black t-shirt
- Rhinestone starter kit
- Silhouette Cameo
- Transfer paper
- Vinyl
- Simply Stencil white paint
Step-By-Step Tutorial
Step 1 – The design
I purchased the heart, the peace sign, and the basketball rhinestone pattern from the Silhouette store.
Step 2 – Template
Then I cut it out of the rhinestone template kit and applied it to the backer board in the starter kit.
Step 3 – The Rhinestones
Then I poured my rhinestones on and used the rhinestone positioning brush to push the rhinestones into the cut holes.
For those stragglers I used the Pick Me Up.
Step 4 – Transfer
Next I adhered my transfer tape to the rhinestones and pulled them up to transfer them to the sticky tape.
Step 5 – Position
I positioned the shapes where I wanted them and iron them for one minute on the wool setting with a press cloth over the transfer tape.
Then I turned slowly removed the transfer tape revealing the rhinestone shapes.
Step 6 – The Name
Then using the Varsity font I cut out “Anderson” on the vinyl and transferred the negative to the shirt.
Then I used the Simply Stencil white paint to silk screen the last name on the back.
Step 7 – Drying
I let it dry for several hours and then ironed it with a press cloth to set the ink.
Super cute basketball mom shirt!
Want to buy a Silhouette Cameo or the Rhinestone starter kit? (Affiliate Links) See some FAQs below.
FAQs About Rhinestones and Silhouette
Where is the Rhinestone Option in Silhouette Studio?
The Rhinestone tool can be found in the Rhinestone menu in Silhouette Studio. Here’s how to access it:
- Open Silhouette Studio.
- Click on the “Rhinestone” menu located at the top of the screen.
- From the drop-down menu, select “Rhinestone Wizard.”
- The Rhinestone Wizard will open and allow you to create a rhinestone design by selecting the size and shape of the rhinestones, as well as the spacing between the stones.
- You can also access the Rhinestone tools by clicking on the “Rhinestone” button in the left-side toolbar, which will display the Rhinestone Wizard, Rhinestone Size and Shape options, and other rhinestone-related tools and settings.
Note: The availability of the Rhinestone tool may vary depending on the version of Silhouette Studio you are using. If you do not see the Rhinestone option in the menu, it may not be included in your version of the software.
How do you Rhinestone an Image?
Rhinestoning an image involves applying small, flat-backed or hot-fix rhinestones to an image or design to create a sparkly, embellished look.
Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to rhinestone an image:
- Choose the image: Decide on the size and color of the rhinestones you want to use.
- Trace the image: Trace the image onto transfer paper or fabric. If you’re using transfer paper, be sure to use the correct type for your rhinestones (for example, hot-fix transfer paper for hot-fix rhinestones).
- Cut out the image: Cut it out.
- Plan the rhinestone placement: Decide where you want to place the rhinestones on the image. You can use a rhinestone placement template or plan the placement by eye.
- Apply the rhinestones: If using hot-fix rhinestones, simply place the rhinestones onto the image and heat them with a hot-fix applicator tool or iron until they are securely attached. If using glue-on rhinestones, use a strong, permanent adhesive to attach the rhinestones to the image.
- Allow the glue to dry: If using glue-on rhinestones, allow the glue to dry completely before using or handling the rhinestoned image.
- Seal the rhinestones: Once the rhinestones are securely in place, you may want to apply a clear sealant to protect the rhinestones and keep them in place.
That’s it! With these simple steps, you can create a beautiful, sparkly rhinestone image that can be used for a variety of projects and decorations.