Swarovski Hotfix Crystals

Swarovski hotfix crystals are precision-cut Austrian flatback rhinestones with a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the reverse, available in the complete range of sizes from SS3 to SS48, across 150+ colours and effects, and in every shape including round, shaped and specialty cuts. Apply using a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or household iron to bond permanently to fabric and textiles without separate adhesive. Bluestreak Crystals stocks the complete Swarovski hotfix range across all sizes, shapes and colours, with same or next working day dispatch on the majority of orders.

Bluestreak Crystals: Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner

Bluestreak Crystals is an official Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner, one of a very small number of approved suppliers worldwide permitted to sell the complete genuine Swarovski hotfix range. Every crystal is directly sourced from Swarovski Wattens, Austria, and quality-assured.

Alongside the Swarovski range, we also stock two further premium crystal brands: Serinity crystals, our own Austrian-made brand, and Preciosa crystals, premium Czech-cut crystals with excellent brilliance across the full range.

What Are Swarovski Hotfix Crystals?

Swarovski hotfix crystals are flatback rhinestones with a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the foil backing. When heat is applied using a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or household iron with the steam turned off, the adhesive melts and bonds the crystal permanently to the fabric or textile surface. Once cooled, the crystal is securely fixed without any separate glue required. The hotfix adhesive is built into the crystal at the point of manufacture, making application faster, cleaner and more consistent than adhesive-based methods, with no risk of glue seepage or surface contamination.

The Swarovski hotfix range uses the same Xirius Rose 16-facet starburst cut (article 2078) and platinum foiling as the non-hotfix range for SS12 and above, and the Xilion Rose cut (article 2038) for smaller sizes, ensuring that hotfix crystals deliver the same exceptional brilliance as the rest of the Swarovski flatback range.

What Sizes Are Available?

Swarovski hotfix crystals are available from SS3 through to SS48, covering the full spectrum from ultra-fine micro crystals through to large statement sizes. The SS system refers to the stone size in millimetres, with SS3 measuring approximately 1mm and SS48 measuring approximately 11mm. The most widely used sizes in professional garment embellishment and dancewear are SS6, SS10, SS12, SS16 and SS20, while SS30, SS34 and SS48 are popular for statement designs and individual focal stones where a larger crystal is required.

What Shapes and Colours Are Available?

The complete Swarovski hotfix range covers round flatbacks in the Xirius and Xilion Rose cuts alongside a comprehensive range of shaped hotfix crystals including stars, hearts, butterflies, squares, rectangles and specialty shapes, all with the heat-activated adhesive backing for direct fabric application. Every shape is available across 150+ colours and effects, including classic clear Crystal, Crystal AB (Aurora Borealis) iridescent coating, shimmer effects, metallic finishes, neon and Ignite effects and the ReCreated sustainable crystal range. Consistent sizing, colour accuracy and foil quality across every batch ensures reliable results in both one-off and high-volume production applications.

How Do You Apply Swarovski Hotfix Crystals?

Swarovski hotfix crystals can be applied using three methods, each suited to a different production scale and application context. A hotfix applicator wand applies crystals individually with a heated tip, giving precise placement control for detailed designs and smaller quantities. A household iron applies crystals in bulk by pressing down over a pre-positioned design or transfer with the steam turned off, making it practical for home use and smaller production runs. A heat press delivers the most consistent and professional result for larger production volumes, allowing precise temperature and pressure control across a flat surface for fast, uniform application of large quantities.

Hotfix vs Non-Hotfix: Which Should You Use?

Hotfix crystals are the fastest application method for fabric and textile surfaces, with no separate adhesive required and a strong, durable bond that withstands washing at cool temperatures. They are the standard choice for dancewear, performance costumes, garment embellishment and any fabric application where speed, cleanliness and bond strength are the priority. Non-hotfix flatbacks bonded with jewellery adhesive offer greater surface versatility, working on glass, metal, plastic, leather and other non-porous surfaces as well as fabric, making them more suitable for mixed-media and accessories work. Browse our full range of Swarovski non-hotfix flatback crystals if your project requires adhesive application.

What Are Swarovski Hotfix Crystals Used For?

Designers and makers use Swarovski hotfix crystals across dancewear and performance costumes covering ballroom, Latin, Irish dance and dance sport; bridal and occasion gowns; figure skating and gymnastics costumes; theatrical and stage costumes; fashion and garment embellishment; accessories and footwear; and nail art. The hotfix format is the professional standard for fabric applications where large quantities of crystals need to be applied efficiently and durably, making it the dominant application method in professional costume and dancewear production worldwide.

Complete Your Designs

Swarovski hotfix crystals combine naturally with Swarovski non-hotfix flatbacks for projects using both application methods, and with Swarovski crystal pearls and Swarovski crystal beads for mixed embellishment and jewellery elements within the same design. Browse our full range of hotfix tools and accessories including applicator wands, heat presses, Teflon sheets and rhinestone placement grids. For step-by-step application guides and project tutorials, visit the Bluestreak Craft Studio. For colour matching support, visit our Swarovski digital colour guides or order samples via our sample service.

Why Buy Swarovski Hotfix Crystals from Bluestreak?

Authorised distributor — guaranteed genuine Swarovski hotfix crystals sourced directly from Wattens, Austria
Complete range in stock — SS3 to SS48 across all shapes, 150+ colours and effects
Fast dispatch — majority of orders shipped same or next working day
Worldwide shipping — reliable international delivery with express options to the USA in 2 to 5 days
Colour support — Swarovski colour charts and a sample service to support colour and size selection
Trade pricing available — apply for a trade discount for tiered pricing on bulk and repeat orders
Other brands in stock — Serinity (Austrian-made, our own brand) and Preciosa (Czech-made) also available

Browse the full Swarovski hotfix crystal range to start ordering. For pricing enquiries or help sizing a production order, contact our team at hello@bluestreakcrystals.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Swarovski hotfix crystals? ▾

Swarovski hotfix crystals are precision-cut Austrian flatback rhinestones with a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the reverse. When heat is applied using a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or household iron, the adhesive melts and bonds the crystal permanently to fabric and textiles without separate glue required.

What sizes do Swarovski hotfix crystals come in? ▾

Swarovski hotfix crystals are available from SS3 to SS48, covering the full range from approximately 1mm through to approximately 11mm. The most widely used sizes in professional garment embellishment are SS6, SS10, SS12, SS16 and SS20. Larger sizes including SS30, SS34 and SS48 are popular for statement designs and individual focal stones.

What shapes do Swarovski hotfix crystals come in? ▾

The range includes round hotfix flatbacks in the Xirius and Xilion Rose cuts alongside shaped hotfix crystals including stars, hearts, butterflies, squares, rectangles and specialty shapes, all with the heat-activated adhesive backing for direct fabric application.

How do you apply Swarovski hotfix crystals? ▾

Swarovski hotfix crystals can be applied using a hotfix applicator wand for individual placement, a household iron for bulk application over a pre-positioned design, or a heat press for high-volume professional production. All methods activate the heat-sensitive adhesive pre-applied to the crystal backing.

Can Swarovski hotfix crystals be washed? ▾

Yes. Swarovski hotfix crystals withstand washing at cool temperatures when applied correctly. Avoid fabric conditioner as this can loosen the bond over time. Always apply on a cool wash setting and avoid tumble drying where possible.

What is the difference between hotfix and non-hotfix Swarovski crystals? ▾

Hotfix crystals have a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the backing, requiring heat to bond to fabric but no separate glue. Non-hotfix flatbacks have no pre-applied adhesive and are bonded using jewellery glue or specialist adhesive, offering greater surface versatility across glass, metal, plastic and leather as well as fabric.

Do I need approval to buy Swarovski hotfix crystals? ▾

Yes. Swarovski supplies its crystal components exclusively to approved brands, businesses and professional designers. You can apply via our online application. If you are not yet eligible, we stock Serinity and Preciosa hotfix crystals as high-quality alternatives with no approval required.

Can I order samples before placing a larger order? ▾

Yes. Bluestreak offers a sample service and Swarovski digital colour charts to support colour and size selection before committing to a full order.