How to Bling Sports Jersey (Rhinestone Bedazzle DIY)

This post may contain affiliate links, sponsored content and products received at no cost.

6:00 AM

How to Bling Sports Jersey (Rhinestone Bedazzle DIY)

There’s nothing quite like showing team pride with a little extra sparkle!

Bedazzling a jersey is one of my favorite creative ways to turn a basic thrifted find into a total showstopper.

Whether you’re heading to a big game, a watch party, or just want to shine while running errands, a blinged-out jersey adds that perfect personal touch.

How to Bling Sports Jersey (Rhinestone Bedazzle DIY) There’s nothing quite like showing team pride with a little extra sparkle! Bedazzling a jersey is one of my favorite creative ways to turn a basic thrifted find into a total showstopper. Whether you’re heading to a big game, a watch party, or just want to shine while running errands, a blinged-out jersey adds that perfect personal touch.

I found this BOSLEY jersey #25 at the thrift store and immediately knew it was destined for some serious sparkle.

With a few simple supplies and a little patience, you can transform any jersey into a one-of-a-kind statement piece—or even a perfect gift for the sports fan in your life.

Let's get started!

I found this BOSLEY jersey #25 at the thrift store and immediately knew it was destined for some serious sparkle. With a few simple supplies and a little patience, you can transform any jersey into a one-of-a-kind statement piece—or even a perfect gift for the sports fan in your life.

A bedazzled jersey is thoughtful, unique, and totally customizable.

Plus, it’s a great way to upcycle thrifted finds and give them new life—something I absolutely love.

Game day but make it ✨SPARKLE!

Answers Section:

Q: Will the gems fall off in the wash?

A: When properly glued and cured, they hold up well. Hand washing is best for longevity.

Q: Can I do this on kids’ jerseys?

A: Yes! Just avoid areas that bend heavily and use smaller gems.

Q: Is a heat press required?

A: Nope!

Game day but make it ✨SPARKLE! Answers Section: Q: Will the gems fall off in the wash? A: When properly glued and cured, they hold up well. Hand washing is best for longevity. Q: Can I do this on kids’ jerseys? A: Yes! Just avoid areas that bend heavily and use smaller gems. Q: Is a heat press required? A: Nope!

Supplies Needed for Bedazzled Sport Jersey:

Jersey (thrifted or new)
Flat back gems (rhinestones or crystals)
Liquid Fusion glue
Rhinestone picker
Parchment paper, cardboard or protective mat
Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat (optional but reassuring)

Optional for Hot Fix: (this tutorial is not about hotfix)

Hotfix tool
Hotfix Gems
Hotfix tape
Heat press or household iron

Supplies Needed for Bedazzled Sport Jersey: Jersey (thrifted or new) Flat back gems (rhinestones or crystals) Liquid Fusion glue Rhinestone picker Parchment paper, cardboard or protective mat Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat (optional but reassuring) Optional for Hot Fix: (this tutorial is not about hotfix) Hotfix tool Hotfix Gems Hotfix tape Heat press or household iron

Turn a thrift store jersey into a total showstopper!

Step 1: Plan Your Design

Before gluing anything down, lay your jersey flat and decide where you want the sparkle.

Numbers, names, stripes, and logos are all great spots to bedazzle.

You can lightly place gems using glue dots to test your layout before committing with glue.

Turn a thrift store jersey into a total showstopper! Step 1: Plan Your Design Before gluing anything down, lay your jersey flat and decide where you want the sparkle. Numbers, names, stripes, and logos are all great spots to bedazzle. You can lightly place gems using glue dots to test your layout before committing with glue.

Step 2: Attach the Gems

Using Liquid Fusion glue, apply a small dot of adhesive to the back of each flat back gem and press it firmly onto the jersey.

Work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry too quickly.

Liquid Fusion is flexible when dry, which makes it ideal for fabric that moves and stretches—perfect for jerseys!

Step 2: Attach the Gems Using Liquid Fusion glue, apply a small dot of adhesive to the back of each flat back gem and press it firmly onto the jersey. Work in small sections so the glue doesn’t dry too quickly. Liquid Fusion is flexible when dry, which makes it ideal for fabric that moves and stretches—perfect for jerseys!

Different Ways to Place Rhinestones

One of the most fun parts of bedazzling a jersey is deciding how to place the rhinestones.

The layout you choose can totally change the look of the finished piece—from bold and flashy to subtle and chic.

Here are a few popular rhinestone placement methods to try:

Waffle Method

The waffle method is all about even spacing. Rhinestones are placed in a grid-like pattern, lining up both horizontally and vertically. This creates a clean, structured look that works especially well on numbers or large block letters.

This method is perfect if you want maximum sparkle without overwhelming the design. It’s also great for beginners because the consistent spacing makes placement easier and more forgiving.

Scatter Method

The scatter method is more relaxed and organic. Rhinestones are placed randomly across an area, mimicking the look of sparkles sprinkled across the fabric.

This is a great choice if you want a playful, less structured vibe. It works beautifully on sleeves, shoulders, or around numbers for a “twinkling” effect rather than full coverage.

Outline Method

Instead of filling an entire area, this method focuses on outlining numbers, letters, or logos with rhinestones. It adds definition and sparkle while still letting the jersey fabric show through.

Outlining is ideal if you want something eye-catching but lightweight and flexible.

Fill-In Method

With the fill-in method, rhinestones are placed very close together to completely cover an area. This creates a bold, high-impact look that really shines under lights.

This method uses more stones and takes a bit more time, but the payoff is a serious wow factor—perfect for statement jerseys.

Mixed Methods

You don’t have to choose just one! Mixing methods can add dimension and interest. Try outlining numbers and filling them in with a waffle pattern, or combining scatter placement with a solid fill for extra sparkle.

No matter which method you choose, take your time, step back often to check spacing, and have fun with it. Rhinestone placement is part design, part creativity—and there’s no wrong way to sparkle ✨

Different Ways to Place Rhinestones One of the most fun parts of bedazzling a jersey is deciding how to place the rhinestones. The layout you choose can totally change the look of the finished piece—from bold and flashy to subtle and chic. Here are a few popular rhinestone placement methods to try: Waffle Method The waffle method is all about even spacing. Rhinestones are placed in a grid-like pattern, lining up both horizontally and vertically. This creates a clean, structured look that works especially well on numbers or large block letters. This method is perfect if you want maximum sparkle without overwhelming the design. It’s also great for beginners because the consistent spacing makes placement easier and more forgiving. Scatter Method The scatter method is more relaxed and organic. Rhinestones are placed randomly across an area, mimicking the look of sparkles sprinkled across the fabric. This is a great choice if you want a playful, less structured vibe. It works beautifully on sleeves, shoulders, or around numbers for a “twinkling” effect rather than full coverage. Outline Method Instead of filling an entire area, this method focuses on outlining numbers, letters, or logos with rhinestones. It adds definition and sparkle while still letting the jersey fabric show through. Outlining is ideal if you want something eye-catching but lightweight and flexible. Fill-In Method With the fill-in method, rhinestones are placed very close together to completely cover an area. This creates a bold, high-impact look that really shines under lights. This method uses more stones and takes a bit more time, but the payoff is a serious wow factor—perfect for statement jerseys. Mixed Methods You don’t have to choose just one! Mixing methods can add dimension and interest. Try outlining numbers and filling them in with a waffle pattern, or combining scatter placement with a solid fill for extra sparkle. No matter which method you choose, take your time, step back often to check spacing, and have fun with it. Rhinestone placement is part design, part creativity—and there’s no wrong way to sparkle ✨

Creative Ways to Customize

Outline numbers only for a subtle sparkle
Use team colors for a bold statement
Add gems to sleeves or collars
Mix gem sizes for texture and dimension

This project is a great example of how a small DIY can make a big impact in your wardrobe.

Creative Ways to Customize Outline numbers only for a subtle sparkle Use team colors for a bold statement Add gems to sleeves or collars Mix gem sizes for texture and dimension This project is a great example of how a small DIY can make a big impact in your wardrobe.

Step 3: Set and Secure (Optional)

Once all gems are placed, allow the glue to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

For extra durability, you can carefully apply Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat:

Apply with a paintbrush, being sure to get it down between the rhinestones for extra durability.

Step 3: Set and Secure (Optional) Once all gems are placed, allow the glue to dry completely according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For extra durability, you can carefully apply Mod Podge Diamond Top Coat: Apply with a paintbrush, being sure to get it down between the rhinestones for extra durability.

Step 4: Let It Cure

Let the jersey cure for 24 hours before wearing or washing.

When washing, turn it inside out and wash on a gentle cycle—or hand wash to keep those gems shining bright.

*NOTE: I only hand wash!

Step 4: Let It Cure Let the jersey cure for 24 hours before wearing or washing. When washing, turn it inside out and wash on a gentle cycle—or hand wash to keep those gems shining bright. *NOTE: I only hand wash!

Bedazzling is my favorite way to add sparkle and team pride!

DIY projects like this are why I love being part of the world of communities online—sharing ideas, learning from others, and inspiring creativity.

If you make a bedazzled jersey, tag me so I can see your sparkle!

Crafting is truly the heart of the internet—people sharing ideas, creativity, and encouragement.

This project started with a simple thrift store find and turned into something totally magical.

Bedazzling is my favorite way to add sparkle and team pride! DIY projects like this are why I love being part of the world of communities online—sharing ideas, learning from others, and inspiring creativity. If you make a bedazzled jersey, tag me so I can see your sparkle! Crafting is truly the heart of the internet—people sharing ideas, creativity, and encouragement. This project started with a simple thrift store find and turned into something totally magical.

That's it!

Bedazzling a jersey is such a fun, creative way to show off team pride while adding your own personal sparkle.

Whether you go all-out with a full rhinestone fill or keep it simple with a scattered design, this project proves that a little bling can completely transform a thrifted find.

I love how easy it is to customize, experiment, and make something truly one-of-a-kind.

If you try this project, be sure to share it—I can’t wait to see how you make your game-day style shine! ✨💎

Happy crafting—and may your team (and your jersey) shine bright! ✨🏈💎

Like, Pin and Save!

Bedazzling a jersey is such a fun, creative way to show off team pride while adding your own personal sparkle. Whether you go all-out with a full rhinestone fill or keep it simple with a scattered design, this project proves that a little bling can completely transform a thrifted find. I love how easy it is to customize, experiment, and make something truly one-of-a-kind. If you try this project, be sure to share it—I can’t wait to see how you make your game-day style shine! ✨💎 Happy crafting—and may your team (and your jersey) shine bright! ✨🏈💎

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out other top posts on Doodlecraftblog.com for more fashion DIYs, upcycling ideas, and crafty inspiration.

Check out these fun posts too!

How to Make Rhinestone Art Canvas DIY Heart Painting

If you love over-the-top sparkle, vintage costume jewelry, and maximalist Valentine decor, this jeweled heart canvas project is about to steal your heart.

A Vintage-Inspired Valentine Craft DIY with Glitter, Gems, and ALL the Sparkle!