There are many ways to attach permanently heat-fused (Hot-Fix) Swarovski rhinestones.
At Satin Stitches, we have 3 options, 2 of which cannot be used by the hobby rhinestoners, as you need specialty equipment (A T-shirt heat transfer machine or an ultra-sonic rhinestone attaching machine) that we have. But the third method is shown in the video below.

We asked Rhinestones Unlimited to ‘decorate’ our new Web Store Style #D12000. We created the CAD pattern, cut and then sewed the costume together, including hand-placed embroidered floral appliques that we purchased from Rhinestones Unlimited. We used six appliques Style #DIY Vinca A and Vinca B. The appliques are sometimes cut apart and placed to create the look we want. This particular style is our favorite from Rhinestones Unlimited.

My rhinestone tips blog posted many years ago. “Rhinestoning 101” is still a very comprehensive guide to what you should consider, when considering adding rhinestones to your dance costume. I answer all these questions:

We occasionally get asked: How do we replace missing rhinestones - what is the best glue? 

• Years ago, we recommended any 'super-glue', but several years ago, we experimented with and decided that the easiest glue to work with, was a glue named 'Loctite Super-glue - Control gel'. This is what we use, when we need to glue anything that isn't 'HOT FIX'.
• Why do we love it? Well, instead of being a runny, messy thin liquid, as most super-glues, it is thicker and easier to control.
• If you are still in the 'stone ages' (pun intended) in regards to your gluing habits and are still using a 'tacky' glue - modernize and pick up a Loctite bottle at your local hardware store. It is so much faster and less messy!
• All you need is a little 'dollop' of the gel on the back of a rhinestone. Then hold it in place for several seconds until the glue has dried. You will have a permanent, non-messy bond with your Swarovski rhinestone and your costume, dance shoes, handbag or Smart-phone case!
• We ALWAYS use Swarovski rhinestones - 'HOT FIX' with glue on the back, that attaches by heating up the glue (or by using an ultra-sonic device) to attach the rhinestones. We can permanently heat-fuse a rhinestone in a split second or up to several seconds depending on the size and location of the rhinestone. How about your rhinestone attaching methods?

If you would like information on designing with rhinestones - check out my "Rhinestoning 101" blog, first posted back in January of 2008! Lots of great information for the DIY-er.