Are you thinking about adding a new type of equipment to your apparel decorating business?
With so many options (and technologies) available, it might be hard to choose.
From DTF and HTV to white-toner systems and UV printers, choosing the right equipment can take some thought.
So, where do you start?
With what you want to make.
Seems obvious, right? But when you’re looking at all the machines, technologies, and possibilities out there, it’s easy to get caught up in what the equipment can do and lose sight of what you actually need it to do for you.
The truth is, you don’t need to consider every type of decorating equipment out there. You need to focus on the ones that can help you create the products you want to sell.
Let’s narrow things down a bit. If you’re here, chances are you’re interested in adding rhinestones, spangles, or both to your apparel.
Good! That gives us a starting point. Now we can stop looking at every machine under the sun and start focusing on the equipment that can bring those ideas to life.
And, as it happens, ColDesi has equipment for that.
So, shall we take a look at what we’ve got?
Here’s how we’re going to do it:
We’ll introduce you to the bling machines, explain what makes each one different, show you what you can create with them, and help you figure out which type of business each one makes the most sense for.
Because a machine that makes perfect sense for one business might be more than another business needs. And nobody wants to pay for capabilities that spend most of their time collecting dust.
We’ll also help you sort through the options, figure out what you actually need, what you can probably do without, and which choices make the most sense for your business.
But before we get into the machines themselves, let’s talk about why you might want to add bling equipment to your business in the first place.
That way, when we get to the lineup, you’ll know why we’re recommending what we’re recommending—and whether it makes sense for you.
Sounds like a plan?
Let’s get into it.
What Makes Embellishment Equipment Worth the Investment?
Before we get carried away here, we need to clarify some things.
What, exactly, are rhinestone and spangle machines going to do for your business?
And, more importantly, why would you want to invest in one in the first place?
Well, for starters, they can give you a way to offer something your customers can’t get from every other apparel decorator in town.
And for another, they could also help you tap into new markets, attract different customers, or give the ones you already have more reasons to order from you.
Not a bad thing to have, right?
And that’s just the beginning. There’s more to it than simply offering something different.
Think about the kinds of products you could create, the customers you could reach, and the designs you could bring to life. Now you’re looking at more than just another decorating technique. You’re looking at new ways to grow your business.
With that in mind, let’s look at 10 factors that can help you decide whether rhinestone and spangle equipment deserves a place in your shop.
1. Production speed and capacity
Let’s start with one of the most obvious benefits: getting more work done in less time.
It’s no secret that you can apply rhinestones by hand using stencils and templates, brushing the stones into place and so on.
And while that method works, it can take a fair amount of time, especially when you’re dealing with larger designs or multiple garments.
A machine can take a lot of that work off your hands.
That can make a real difference when you’re working on a large order or trying to meet a tight deadline. Instead of spending so much time on the placement process, you can focus on getting more products out the door.
2. Finished product quality
Of course, speed isn’t everything. The finished product needs to look good, too.
Let’s go back to manual rhinestone application for a moment.
Some designs call for hundreds, even thousands, of stones. And when you’re placing every stone by hand, getting each one exactly where it belongs takes time, patience, and a little luck.
Now, imagine repeating that across multiple garments and trying to make sure every design looks just like the last one.
It can become a real challenge.
That’s where bling machines come in. They can help you get the stones where they need to be and keep your designs looking consistent from one garment to the next.
3. Number of colors/sizes available
Another thing worth considering is the variety of colors and embellishment types and sizes you can work with using bling machines.
We’re talking rhinestones, rhinestuds, nailheads, and spangles in all kinds of colors and finishes.
And the more options you have, the more designs you can offer without having to limit yourself to a handful of standard looks.
That can come in handy when customers come to you with specific colors in mind or a design that calls for stones of a particular size or finish.
Instead of having to work around a limited selection, you have more flexibility to give customers the look they’re after.
4. Design capabilities
Of course, being able to produce embellishments faster and more consistently is great. But what about the designs themselves?
With bling machines, you’re not limited to simple patterns or basic lettering. You can create detailed logos, intricate patterns, and designs that combine different embellishment sizes, colors, and finishes.
You can also mix rhinestones or spangles with other decorating techniques, such as heat transfers or embroidery, to create designs with more depth, texture, and visual appeal.
Think about the possibilities, from lettering and team logos to elaborate designs for dancewear, cheer uniforms, and fashion apparel.
And the more design options you can offer, the more flexibility you have to meet different customer requests and take on projects you might otherwise have turned down.
5. Ease of production
There’s also something to be said about ease of production.
Machines can help simplify some of the more technical parts of the workflow, making it easier to move from preparing a design to getting it ready for application.
Instead of handling every step manually, you can use the equipment to automate some of the work involved in positioning or applying embellishments.
Some systems (including the ones we carry here at ColDesi) also let you save designs in an onboard memory and reuse them for future orders.
So when a customer comes back for another batch of the same shirts, you may be able to use the original design files rather than starting from scratch.
6. Equipment footprint
Before bringing any new equipment into your shop, you’ll want to think about where it’s going to go.
The good news?
Spangle transfer machines in particular are about the size of a desktop printer, take up very little space, and are relatively lightweight.
That makes them easier to fit into an existing workspace without having to rearrange your entire shop.
Rhinestone machines can be a different story, though. Take our CAMS 1V-6P, for example. Let’s just say it’s not exactly something you’ll be tucking away in a desk drawer when you’re done with it.
7. Reliability
When you’re investing in equipment, you want something you can count on.
The last thing you need is a machine that keeps you busy tinkering, troubleshooting, or making repairs when you have orders to fill.
You’re in the apparel decorating business, after all, not the machine repair business!
The whole point of adding new equipment is to make your business more capable, not give you another problem to manage. You want to spend your time producing quality work, filling orders, and serving your customers, not trying to figure out why your machine is throwing out errors or making weird sounds.
How does this tie in with the investment in bling machines?
Well, the more reliable your equipment is, the less time you have to spend dealing with unexpected problems and the more time you can devote to getting work done.
After all, what good is adding a new decorating capability if you can’t depend on the equipment to help you deliver? If you’re going to take on new projects, expand your offerings, and give customers more reasons to order from you, you need equipment that can support those goals.
That’s why reliability deserves a place on your list of considerations when deciding whether bling equipment is a worthwhile investment.
8. Training and technical support
Let’s face it. Learning to use a new machine can take some time.
You might have new software to figure out, settings to get familiar with, or questions about preparing your designs and getting them ready for production.
And while you can learn a lot by figuring things out as you go, it’s a whole lot easier when you have the right resources at your fingertips.
Having access to training videos, how-to guides, educational materials, and people who know the equipment can make a big difference. Whether you’re just getting started or trying to figure out how to do something new, it’s helpful to have a place where you can learn the ropes and get answers when you need them.
9. Availability of supplies
Here’s another thing to think about before investing in bling equipment: how easy is it to get the supplies you need?
Depending on the machine, you may need specific rhinestones, spangles, studs, or other materials to create your designs. And if those supplies are hard to find or frequently out of stock, it can limit what you can produce and make filling orders more difficult.
You don’t want to have to turn down a job or put a customer’s order on hold because you can’t get the materials you need.
10. Ability to scale production
Let’s say business starts picking up. You’re getting more orders for bling apparel, customers are asking for more designs, and those projects you used to handle occasionally are becoming a regular part of your business.
That’s a good problem to have, right?
Of course, the more orders you get, the more production capacity you’ll need. And the nice thing about bling equipment is that you can expand as you go.
Take spangle transfer machines, for example. They’re compact enough and relatively affordable, so adding another one to your shop as business picks up doesn’t have to be a big expense or take up a ton of space.
So, is bling equipment worth the investment?
When you put all these considerations together, the answer becomes a reassuring yes.
Rhinestone and spangle equipment can help you produce transfers more efficiently, improve consistency, expand your design capabilities, and offer customers products that stand out from the crowd.
And as we’ve seen, bling equipment could also help you tap into new markets, attract different customers, and take on projects you might not have been equipped to handle before.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to what you want to do with your business, the opportunities you want to pursue, and how bling equipment can help you get there.
The Highest Rated Embellishment Equipment from ColDesi
All right, now for the part you’re really here for: the bling equipment itself.
And by bling equipment, we’re talking about spangle transfer machines and automatic rhinestone setting machines (if that wasn’t already obvious).
We’ve covered what this equipment can do for your business and what to consider before investing. Now, let’s take a closer look at three of ColDesi’s highest-rated models: two spangle transfer machines and one automatic rhinestone setting machine.
We’ll break down the features, specifications, and capabilities of each, so you can get a better idea of what they bring to the table.
Enough talk. Let’s get to the good stuff.
SpangleElite – The SpangleElite is the entry-level machine in the lineup at about $6,995 (at time of writing).
It runs at up to 900 spangles per minute, and a typical simple design uses 500 to 1,000, so the placement step takes roughly a minute per design. Heat pressing and handling add to that, so budget more per finished shirt.
That means you could potentially produce a design like that in about a minute or less. For that alone, this machine is worth its price.
But it’s not the only area where it stands out!
The working area is another highlight. It accommodates designs up to 13″ x 10.25″ in size, giving you plenty of flexibility for a wide range of projects.
The system also comes bundled with a starter kit, supplies, and Hotfix Era software, allowing you to create, edit, and fine-tune your designs.
To help you get up and running quickly, you’ll also receive one day of online one-on-one training, access to self-paced instructional videos, and a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
Overall, the SpangleElite is an excellent all-around package for anyone who wants to enter the bling business.
ProSpangle – If the SpangleElite is your introduction to bling production, the ProSpangle is where things start getting serious.
In fact, one could argue that the ProSpangle is the endgame for most bling decorators. Priced at around $19,995 (as of this writing), it is a serious step up from the SpangleElite in both speed and functionality.
And for businesses producing bling transfers on a regular basis, those upgrades can make a real difference.
For starters, it offers a larger 13.5″ x 17.5″ working area, giving you more room to create larger, more intricate designs.
It also delivers output speeds of up to 1,000 spangles per minute. A welcome boost over the SpangleElite’s already impressive production rate.
One of the ProSpangle’s biggest advantages is its six-color wheel system. That means you can combine multiple colors and sizes within a single design without constantly stopping to reload materials.
Right out of the box, the system can run two 2mm, three 3mm, and one 4mm reel of ProSpangle holographic material, and it can handle up to 5mm (that’s the equivalent of an SS20 sized rhinestone!).
Pair that with a choice of 27 holographic finishes and colors across the ProSpangle reel lineup, and you’ve got virtually unlimited creative options. (better yet, spangle transfers are so cost-effective you can afford to have them ALL on hand).
Like its sibling, the ProSpangle comes bundled with Hotfix Era software, a starter kit, and supplies, so you can start producing transfers right away.
To make sure you’re set up for success, the package includes one day of online one-on-one training, plus access to self-paced videos, all backed by U.S.-based support and a two-year parts and labor warranty.
As for which machine to choose, both are excellent spangle systems. The ProSpangle comes out on top, but the SpangleElite’s price tag makes more sense for newcomers given the features it offers. Ultimately, your decision should be based on your specific needs and business goals.
CAMS 1V-6P – So, what’s the machine you see pictured on the left? It’s the CAMS 1V-6P, one of the most capable automatic rhinestone setting machines available today.
At around $37,999, this isn’t a “test the waters” kind of machine. It’s built for decorators who want to produce multicolor rhinestone transfers at a professional level—and at volume.
Think dance costumes, skating apparel, team wear, boutique fashion, couture pieces, souvenir shirts, and uniforms. If rhinestones are part of your business plan, this machine opens the door to all of those markets.
The six-hopper system is what makes it special. Each hopper holds a different size or color of rhinestones, rhinestuds, or nailheads. That means you can load up six at once and let the machine switch automatically as your design calls for it.
Compare that to a single or two-hopper system, and the difference is night and day. A one-color transfer looks nice. A six-color transfer? It has THREE TIMES THE IMPACT. It can create a level of depth, contrast, and visual impact that’s difficult to achieve any other way. And yes—you can charge accordingly.
Performance-wise, the CAMS 1V-6P sets rhinestones at a speed of 170 stones per minute. Now, that number might not sound as flashy as “1,000 spangles per minute,” but remember—these are three-dimensional stones that require precise placement. For rhinestones, that’s fast.
You also get a 15.75″ x 15.75″ working area, large enough for bold statement designs yet practical for everyday jobs. And it’s versatile. This system handles rhinestones, rhinestones, rhinestuds, and nailheads ranging from 2mm all the way up to 5mm. That covers everything from delicate detail work to big, bold statement designs.
To help users get started quickly, the CAMS 1V-6P also includes Hotfix Era software, a starter kit, and essential supplies.
And here’s another big plus: it comes backed by a 3-year parts and labor warranty, so you’ll have support if anything goes wrong.
All in all, the CAMS 1V-6P is the professional’s choice for rhinestone decoration. If your business needs high-volume, multicolor rhinestone production, this machine has the capabilities to help get you there.
Comparing SpangleElite, ProSpangle, and CAMS Equipment Features
| CONSIDERATION | SPANGLEELITE | PROSPANGLE | CAMS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Embellishment | Spangles | Spangles | Rhinestones/Rhinestuds/Nailheads |
| Business Stage | Entry/Growing | Commercial/Growing | Commercial/High Volume |
| Production Focus | Smaller-scale spangle production | Higher-volume spangle production | Professional rhinestone production |
| Colors/Sizes | Multiple options | Up to 6 per design | Up to 6 per head/model |
| Good Fit For | New bling businesses | Established customization businesses | Rhinestone specialists/wholesale production |
Products You Can Create With Embellishment Equipment
So what have we learned?
Quite a bit, we might add.
We’ve talked about how bling equipment can help you work faster, produce more consistent designs, and expand what you can offer your customers.
We’ve also taken a closer look at three of ColDesi’s bling machines, including their features, capabilities, and what each one brings to the table.
And that’s all well and good… but… what can you actually make with rhinestone and spangle machines?
More specifically, what kinds of products can you create with them… and which ones could you turn into something your customers will pay for?
Well, let’s get into that.
Below we’ve put together a list of products you can decorate with rhinestone and spangle transfers to give you a few ideas.
Think of it as a starting point rather than a definitive list. There’s plenty of room to experiment, get creative, and come up with ideas of your own.
- T-Shirts
- Hoodies and Sweatshirts
- Denim Jackets
- Hats and Caps
- Jeans and Denim Shorts
- Sports Jerseys
- Team Uniforms
- Cheerleading Uniforms
- Dance Costumes
- Figure Skating Costumes
- Sneakers and Slippers
- Tote Bags
- Backpacks
- Backpacks
- Decorative Pillow Covers
- And Plenty More!
Of course, not every product will be a perfect fit for rhinestone and spangle transfers. It all depends on the material, the design, and how well the product works with the application process.
But that still leaves you with plenty of options to explore! Start with the products you know your customers love, experiment with a few new ideas, and see what works best for your business.
Who knows? Your next big seller might be something you haven’t even thought of yet!
So, you’ve seen enough, read enough, and have a few ideas spinning around in your head. Now it’s time to take the next step!
Ready to get started? Order your machine today, give us a call, or reach out to our team. We’re here to help you find the right fit for your business!
