what's the best way to attach sea shells to clothing?

Answer 1

How about hot glue? Get a hobby sized hot glue gun.

Answer 2

Definitely NOT hot glue, if you want to wash the clothing later.

Aside from sewing them on, there are several types of waterproof white glues that are intended for use on fabric, and are washable... two brands that are especially good for holding metal or other non-porous items onto clothing are Beacon's GemTac and another called Jewel-It.

Even with those glues, it's still be best to form a bit of mechanical hold on the bottom of the item as well by having the glue come up around the item a little.

Be sure to allow the glue to fully cure (one week or more) before soaking it in water or washing. And of course, the size and shape of the items would matter if washed in a machine too.

Btw, acrylic paint should work the same way, and the acrylic "fabric" paints in squeeze bottles already have a fabric medium added so that they will be a bit more flexible.


HTH,

Diane B.

Answer 3

Many craft shells are pre-drilled for stringing so you can use the holes for sewing them on clothing. Use a double strand of polyester thread, beading thread, or thin fishing line such as FireLine to attach them with, or glue them on with a washable gemstone fabric glue like Gem Tack or Aleene's Jewel-It, or a flexible fabric adhesive like Fabri-Tac.

If you drill your own holes, us a hobby drill (like a Dremel tool) and drill it under water to prevent splitting the shell.

All supplies mentioned above should be available at the local craft store or big box.

Answer 4

Hi there, you could carefully drill a 1-2mm hole through each one and attach them with cotton or put a jump ring through them and attach directly to the clothing if it is loose weave.

hope this helps. x