How to Put Studs on Any Clothing: The Complete Guide

Wondering how to put studs on clothes? Whether it's a denim jacket, a pair of jeans, your favorite sneakers, or a plain backpack, adding metal studs is one of the fastest ways to transform any piece of clothing into something completely unique.

This guide covers everything: the different types of studs for clothing, which ones work on which fabrics, and step-by-step instructions for each attachment method. It's easier than you think.

Types of Clothing Studs

Before you start, you need to know what you're working with. There are three main types of metal studs for clothing:

1. Prong-Back Studs

The most beginner-friendly option. These have small metal legs (prongs) on the back that push through fabric and bend flat to hold the stud in place. No holes, no sewing, no glue. They're the fastest to install and work on denim, canvas, and medium-weight fabrics.

Popular shapes: pyramid studs, flat square studs, star studs, heart studs.

2. Screw-Back Spikes & Studs

These come in two pieces: the decorative front and a flat disc backing that screws into it. You need to punch a small hole in the fabric first, but they're the most secure option and ideal for thicker materials like leather and heavy denim.

Popular shapes: cone spikes, tree spikes, bullet spikes, dome studs.

3. Iron-On / Hot-Fix Studs

These have a heat-activated adhesive on the back. You place them on the fabric and press with a hot iron. They're quick and clean, but less durable than mechanical studs - they can loosen after repeated washing.

Best for: lightweight fabrics, T-shirts, and projects where you might want to change the design later.

What Studs Work on What Fabric?

This is the question everyone asks. Here's a quick reference:

• Denim - Prong-back studs are perfect. The weave is loose enough for prongs to push through easily. Screw-backs work too but require a hole punch.
• Canvas - Same as denim. Prong-backs are the go-to.
• Leather & Faux Leather - Screw-back spikes are best. Leather is too dense for prong-backs unless it's very thin. Always use a hole punch.
• Cotton / Jersey - Iron-on studs only. Prong-back studs will tear thin or stretchy fabric.
• Shoes (canvas) - Smaller prong-back studs work well. Avoid areas with heavy flex like the toe bend.
• Shoes (leather) - Screw-back studs. Punch holes carefully.
• Bags & Backpacks - Depends on the material. Canvas bags = prong-backs. Leather bags = screw-backs.

For the full breakdown, check our Denim vs Leather vs Canvas guide.

Step-by-Step: Prong-Back Studs

This is the method most beginners should start with. It works on denim, canvas, and most medium-weight fabrics.

1. Plan your design - Lay the garment flat. Use chalk or a removable marker to dot where each stud goes. Use a ruler for straight lines.
2. Position the stud - Place the stud face-down on a hard surface. Line up your fabric mark over the prongs.
3. Push through - Press the fabric firmly onto the prongs until they poke through the other side.
4. Bend the prongs - Flip the garment over. Use needle-nose pliers to bend each prong inward and flat against the fabric.
5. Repeat - Work one stud at a time, section by section.

Step-by-Step: Screw-Back Spikes

1. Mark your placement - Same as above - chalk dots where each spike goes.
2. Punch the hole - Use a leather awl or hole punch at each mark. Make the hole just big enough for the spike's post.
3. Insert the spike - Push the post through from the outside of the garment.
4. Attach the backing - From the inside, screw the flat backing onto the post and tighten by hand or with a small screwdriver.

Step-by-Step: Iron-On Studs

1. Arrange your studs - Place them glue-side-down on the fabric where you want them.
2. Cover with a pressing cloth - A thin piece of cotton fabric works. This protects both the studs and your garment.
3. Press with a hot iron - Set the iron to the cotton/wool setting. Press firmly for 15–20 seconds. Don't slide the iron.
4. Let it cool - Wait at least 30 seconds before touching the studs. If any are loose, re-press.

Tips for Better Results

• Always test on a scrap first - Before committing to your favorite jacket, practice on a scrap piece of the same fabric.
• Buy extra studs - Order 15–20% more than you think you need. Prongs bend, screws strip, and designs evolve.
• Consistency matters - Buy all your studs from the same seller/brand. Different brands have slightly different finishes and sizes.
• Protect the inside - After studding, iron a piece of lightweight interfacing over the prongs on the inside for comfort.
• Wash carefully - Inside out, cold water, gentle cycle. Or hand wash.

What to Stud: Ideas for Every Item

• Denim jacket - Collars, shoulders, cuffs, back panel. Full denim jacket tutorial →
• Jeans - Pockets, waistband, outer seams.
• Shoes - Heel counter, tongue, ankle straps. Studded shoes tutorial →
• Bags - Flap, straps, side panels. Studded bag DIY →
• Belts - Full wrap or scattered placement. Classic.
• Hats - Brim edge or crown band.