How to Bedazzle Converse Shoes

This post is all about how to turn regular white converse sneakers into something more fun (and sparkly! ✨).

I’ll walk you through an easy, step-by-step method for decorating Converse with rhinestones, including the materials you’ll need and a few tips to help your DIY blinged-out sneakers keep those rhinestones in place for as long as possible!

What do you need to bling Converse shoes?

Here’s a list of the supplies I used for this project, along with a few budget-friendly alternatives so you can find what works best for you.

Swarovski Crystals / Rhinestones 

UPDATE: If you’ve been searching for Swarovski rhinestones lately, (the ones I used for these shoes) you might have noticed that things have changed!

Back in 2021, Swarovski introduced stricter rules around selling its crystal components and using its brand name, making genuine Swarovski crystals harder for many DIYers and small businesses to access. On June 1, 2026, those purchasing restrictions changed again, making Swarovski crystals available to individual buyers and businesses without the previous Brand Control Agreement. 🥳

However, when all that drama was going on, I went on a little mission to find other brands offering outstanding quality, and that’s when I found my favorite alternative: Preciosa crystals.

And if you’re working with a smaller budget, don’t worry!

You can also find more affordable rhinestones on Amazon. They might not offer the same level of cut precision as premium crystal brands, but they’re worth considering if you want to add some sparkle without spending as much.

What size of rhinestones for converse shoes?

The SS20 rhinestones are great for covering most of your sneakers, while the smaller SS12 rhinestones help you fill in those little tricky spaces and curves where the larger stones don’t quite fit.

My tip: Use at least two different rhinestone sizes to get more even coverage and fill in those awkward little gaps!

How many rhinestones for converse?

For this pair of white Converse All Stars, I used approximately 2,200 SS20 crystals (about 1.5 packages of 1,440 crystals each) and 750 SS12 crystals.

Keep in mind that the number of rhinestones you’ll need depends on the size and style of your Converse, as well as how closely you place the crystals.

Want to make sure you have enough to cover your shoes? I’d recommend getting:

• 2 packages of 1,440 SS20 crystals
• 1 package of SS12 crystals

This gives you a little extra to work with, so you won’t have to stop halfway through your project because you’ve run out of sparkle!

How to bling converse with pearls

Another alternative for creating DIY custom Converse shoes is using flatback pearls. They’re especially cute for bridal sneakers, and just like crystals, you can find them in different sizes and colors.

The application process is pretty much the same as with rhinestones and crystals, so you can even create a beautiful design mixing pearls and crystals!

Looking for somewhere to put your pearls and rhinestones while you’re blinging things out?  These trays, will make the job easier!

Best Glue for Rhinestones on Shoes!

E6000 is what I used to attach flatback crystals to my shoes, and I think it does a great job of keeping them in place.

The only downside? The fumes! Make sure you use it in a well-ventilated area and if you are sensitive to strong smells like me, you may also want to use a respirator to protect yourself from the vapors. Better safe than sorry!

Another glue people often ask me about is B-7000. I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve come across comments on Reddit from people saying it can turn yellow over time. That makes me a little hesitant to try it, but if you’ve used it, let me know how it worked for you in the comments below!

Rhinestone Picker Tool

This baby is such a lifesaver! I use the Crystal Katana in this project, but I haven’t been able to find it (or even the replacement tips) in a while.

But there are also similar rhinestone picker tools that get the job done for less. You can even find kits that come with trays and picker tools included!

How do you pick up rhinestones?

These Rhinestone Picker tools have a wax tip that help you to easily pick up rhinestones, all you need to do is gently touch the crystals or pearls with this tip (do not smash it!) and voila! It’ll be ready to go wherever you want it!

The stainless steel tip on the other side of the tool helps to perfectly align the rhinestones on your project, before the glue dries.  

I like picker tools better than using tweezers (or my bare hands lol) they definitely make the blinging process easier and faster!

Syringe & Dispensing Tips  

Rather than working straight from the tube of glue, try using a syringe! It makes applying the glue cleaner and easier to control.

And let me tell you, too much glue can turn your Converse into a hard, uncomfortable mess and make the finished shoes look cheap and low-quality 🫠. We don’t want that!

Dispensing tips can help you avoid that and apply the glue more precisely!

They come in different sizes, and I usually use 14G to 16G tips for my projects. If you’re working with smaller rhinestones, you can also find thinner tips, such as 18G. (The higher the gauge number, the narrower the tip.)

You can even find kits with different tip sizes, or start with 15G (the sweet spot, in my opinion!) if you’re not sure which one to get.

White Converse Shoes

And, of course, the star of the show: a pair of white Converse shoes!

Here’s the black-and-white Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars I’m using, along with a completely white option you can order online!

How to Bling Converse Step by Step

Honestly, the first time I tried this, I was a little lost and had no idea where to start. But after some practice, I figured out a simple method that’s easy to follow and replicate!

In the video tutorial below, I’ll show you how to bling Converse shoes using flatback crystals, with a few tricks to make the process easier and more efficient.

How to Wash Sneakers Without Ruining Them

This is the million-dollar question! Can you wash your blinged-out Converse without ruining them? Yes, but you’ll want to be a little more careful than you would with regular sneakers.

The good news is that you don’t need anything fancy to clean them. All you need is a soft brush, mild soap, and lukewarm water (no washing machine, please!😅).

Here’s how to wash your bedazzled Converse :

1. Mix your cleaning solution. Add a little mild soap to some lukewarm water.
2. Clean the rubber parts. Use your brush to gently scrub the toe cap, rubber sole, and any other areas that don’t have rhinestones. You can also try this sponge for cleaning and whitening shoe soles.
3. Clean the inside of your sneakers. Use the brush and soapy water to gently clean the fabric inside, taking care not to soak the shoes. Wipe away any soap residue with a clean, damp cloth.
4. Clean the rhinestones. Gently wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Finish with a dry cloth to help keep them looking shiny.
5. Let your Converse air-dry. Keep them away from direct heat, and don’t put them in the dryer or use a hair dryer to speed things up. Heat can affect some adhesives and may weaken the bond holding your rhinestones in place. We don’t want all that hard work going to waste!

And that’s it! Clean sparkly converse ready to go.

The Finishing Touch: Cute Shoelaces For Your Sneakers!

Sparkly Converse deserve cute shoelaces that’ll make them even more unique! I just discovered them last week, otherwise I’d definitely included them on the video.

Whether you’re making DIY custom Converse for your wedding or adding some sparkle to your everyday outfits, I hope this tutorial inspires you to grab some crystals and start creating!

And remember, you don’t need to be a pro to make something beautiful. Have fun with it, make it your own, and don’t be afraid to add a little extra sparkle. ✨

Keep dreaming and keep creating! 💖