How to Create a Crystal Embellished Denim Jacket

Tools and materials:

• Denim jacket to embellish
• Mesh fabric with crystal embellishments
• Fabric scissors
• Lighter
• Fabric glue
• Dress form and straight pins (optional)
• Gems, gem glue, needle and thread (optional)

1. Cut crystal embellishments and brainstorm a layout

Cut the crystal appliques apart from the fabric. Start with larger sections, lay them out on your jacket, then cut smaller details as you move around to see what layout flows best.

It’s up to you if you want to cover large portions of the denim jacket or have a sporadic pattern.

Once you have the basic layout of the apliques on the jacket, trim the mesh as closely to the rhinestones as possible.

Then, get rid of the remaining mesh by carefully using a lighter. The flame burns away the mesh right up to the edge of the applique. (See video 4:30-4:35).

Here is an applique after burning the mesh: 

If you want smaller pieces, go along with the florets within the applique to avoid cutting through any “thread arteries” that hold the pieces together. 

Here’s another layout option with some loose crystals:

Ultimately, I decided to go with two whole appliques on the shoulders.

2. Glue the appliques on the front

Once all pieces are laying exactly where you want them, lift up one small section, add fabric glue under that portion only, lay it back down and tap it into place. 

Continue by applying more glue, section by section. This is much easier than gluing the entire pieces and trying to flip it neatly in place.

3. Brainstorm the back layout and adhere appliques

Use the exact same process for the back. I went with a rounded layout, as you can see here:

I created the layout while the jacket was on a dress form, pinned the appliques, then took down the jacket and started the gluing process. This helped me to achieve a flattering, curved shape.

Then, I chose to add some loose crystals which made a nice transition on my sparkly jacket.

Once you get the perfect layout of the crystals, use gem glue (not fabric glue) to adhere each, one at a time. 

For those loose gems, I recommend also sewing them on if you can, as they are more prone to falling off. 

How to style your crystal embellished denim jacket:

Look 1: Over a large hoodie

Not the obvious choice, but I love this high-low look:

Look 2: Denim on denim

Gen-Z approved. The bralette helps balance the boxy jacket and jeans. 

I’d actually tuck my hair under a bit to create a faux-bob. This way, my hair doesn’t compete with the embellished jean jacket. 

Look 3: Work appropriate

Just add black pumps. 

Look 4: Date night

I’ve added a bustier top with the same leather pants from look 3. 

One more closeup!

DIY crystal embellished denim jacket

I hope you’re inspired to make your own sparkly jacket. It’s quick and easy, does not require any advanced sewing skills, and you end up with something unique.

Show us your crystal embellished denim jacket in the comments below!