how to make rhinestone fringe?

Factual Questions
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This one is nice too: Fabric Trim, Swarovski Crystal, Ribbons, Buttons & More | M&J Trimming

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I considered pre-beaded fringe, but it is very difficult to tell the quality online. The few stores I’ve been to locally only carry the short stuff (about 1-2") which is too short to really get the movement effect I’m after. Also a lot of what I’ve seen in person is plastic, which is probably okay for a lampshade or pillow, but not really for a competition style dance dress. Granted I’ve seen some pretty stuff online, but not worth the risk of ordering and not being able to use it.

I noticed the price difference between the two, but haven’t compared them in person to see the difference. . For glue on stones I generally use the Swarovski. I never thought I’d find something that made rhinestones look cheap, but their beads take the cake. They are almost three times as expensive for the rounds (which have more facets) and I agree, probably not worth the expense and the hit to my budget.

I’ve been trying to make my own beading from some of the earlier suggestions, and am having some success. However, I really love the sparkle of the crystals over the beads at the moment. Maybe I’ve just been brainwashed by Swarovski. :stuck_out_tongue:

Sandra: Do you have any photos of the dress? Do you mind me asking what type of dancing it was for?

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and feedback. This is why I love Straight Dope.

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I keep reading the thread title as “How to make a rhinestone fridge?” :frowning:

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Don’t have any photos, sorry.

For a while I was making costumes for ballroom dance. That one was for Latin competition (or was it for a showcase? So hard to remember). It was a two piece dress of zebra print and the skirt fringe was black and white. The customer wanted the fringe to have just one rhinestone glued on each piece of fringe. The main advantages were that I could space it out so there wasn’t a line of fringe then a 4" gap until the next line, and the skirt still stretched somewhat.

I’ll post a pic of tasseled fringe after work to see if you like it. (Bugle beads)

Mini-rant: Am i the only person who sees a dress with long, all-over fringe as adding 8 INCHES to the hips and waist as soon as she spins?

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The ultimate in ostentatious appliances. :smiley: