My bank account took a hit from another impulse buy recently. While ordering balloons for a photo shoot, I couldn’t resist adding these black jewels to my online cart. You know how that goes. Rather than let them sit unused, I decided to turn them into a DIY project. With Valentine’s Day on my mind, a jeweled heart sweatshirt felt like the perfect idea — easy, fun, and wearable throughout February (and honestly, any month). I may now be tempted to buy a dozen plain sweatshirts to bedazzle. A bejeweled pineapple sweatshirt, anyone? But first: the heart.
Supplies you’ll need:
Plain sweatshirt (I picked mine up at H&M for a great price)
Black jewels (I used two packs and had about a dozen leftover)
Freezer paper
Pencil
Iron
E-6000 glue
Step 1: Make a heart stencil. I’m not great at freehand hearts, so I traced a heart shape from a computer printout onto freezer paper. Freezer paper works well because one side is glossy and bonds to fabric when heated. Cut out the heart, center it on your sweatshirt, glossy side down, and press with an iron to adhere the stencil in place.
Step 2: Arrange the jewels. There’s no exact science here — this part is fun and a little experimental. Lay out your gems inside the heart shape, step back to check spacing, and tweak until the design looks balanced. Mix sizes and angles for a more textured, handcrafted look.
Step 3: Glue the jewels. I recommend E-6000 for its strong bond and washability. If your jewels come with adhesive backing, peel that off and apply a small dot of E-6000 to the back of each gem, then press it into place. Work methodically so the glue doesn’t dry on your fingers, and press each gem firmly. Allow the glue to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Care instructions: Because E-6000 creates a durable bond, the sweatshirt should hold up to gentle machine washing. Turn the garment inside out and use a gentle cycle to protect the jewels. Avoid high-heat drying to preserve the adhesive.
All photos by Studio DIY
A fun update: this is the same sweatshirt I wore when I picked up the keys to the new studio — proof it’s great for occasions beyond Valentine’s Day.
If you enjoyed this project, try adapting the same technique to other shapes and motifs for a collection of bejeweled sweatshirts.