When you need to mend a hem or make a shirt fit you better, you usually need to reach for a sewing machine or at least a needle and thread.
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Machine washable and dryable.
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The best fabric glue serves as an alternative to that stitching. These adhesives are easy to use and dry quickly. With the right one, you can glue heavier fabrics such as leather and even do some upholstery and carpet work. You need to choose the best fabric glue that will work on your fabrics and materials.What is the Best Fabric Glue?
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1. Dritz Adhesive Liquid Stitch – Best All-Around Washable and Permanent Fabric Glue
- Perfect alternative to sewing
- For hems, appliqués, patches,...
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Dritz is the original manufacturer of Liquid Stitch, which is one of the best all-around products for crafters and sewers. No matter what fabrics you work with or the weight of those materials, this adhesive should help you get the job done.
Safe for Most Fabrics
Possible Drawbacks
Permanent Glue
- Available in multiple sizes for any type of project
- Dries clear to match the color of the fabric
- You can apply it in different ways
- Works on most fabric types
- May leave behind some residue
- Can dry out before you finish the bottle
2. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Tape – Best Fabric Glue Tape
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Fabric tape is a good alternative to those who have less sewing or crafting experience. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Tape is easy to use and cuts with a utility knife or scissors to the length that you need.
Quick Fixes
Possible Drawbacks
Two Sides of Sticking Power
- Easy for anyone to use
- Available in different widths and lengths
- Creates a good bond that will remain on washed materials
- Has adhesive on both sides
- May not create the secure bond that you need
- Works better on lighter materials than heavier fabrics
3. Plaid Delta Sobo Premium Craft and Fabric Glue – Best Nonwashable Craft Glue
- VERSATILE SIZE - This handy 8...
- CLEAR, FLEXIBLE, & PERMANENT...
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If you need fabric glue that can also work on all your craft projects, this premium product might be your top choice. You can use it on both porous and non-porous materials and surfaces.
Permanent Bond
Possible Drawbacks
Good for Most Materials
- Works on most fabrics and materials
- Available in single bottles and multiple packages
- Creates a permanent and flexible bond
- Made in America
- Can not wash any materials that use this glue
- Can dry out if you do not tighten the cap
4. Roxanne Glue Baste-It Temporary Basting Glue – Best Glue for Temporary Basting
- This Incredible Applique Glue...
- These Are A Great Way To Add...
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Whether you quilt, make curtains or create your own clothing, you often need to create temporary stitches through a process called basting. Baste-It is a glue that lets you make those stitches that you’ll remove later.
Convenient Applicator
Possible Drawbacks
Water-Soluble Formula
- Water-soluble formula makes it easy to remove the glue
- Creates a firm yet flexible bond/hold
- Includes an applicator for easy and quick use
- Helps you apply a small or large amount of glue
- The applicator can clog
- May not work on all types of materials
5. Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive – Best Fabric Glue for Leather
- Instant durable bond: Adhesive...
- Durable household repairs:...
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One of the only glues suitable for use on heavy fabrics such as leather is this Tear Mender. It works quickly and allows you to do repairs on the spot.Easy to Clean and Use
Possible Drawbacks
Permanent Bonds
- Forms a secure bond almost instantly
- Safe for dry cleaning and machine washing
- Does not require any other products to use
- Final bond is resistant to UV rays and high temperatures
- Does not work for bonding two pieces of leather together
- May not work on shoes, boots or other products that require flexibility
6. Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive – Best Glue for Beginners
- Fabri-Tac permanent adhesive...
- Can be used on Trims to...
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Fabri-Tac is a type of permanent fabric glue that works on most types of heavy and light fabrics and materials. It can work on the heavy fabrics used in upholstery too, including those on chairs and couches.Suitable for All Surfaces
Possible Drawbacks
Applicator Bottle
- Creates a bond when used on fabric, wood, metal and even plastic
- Squeeze bottle includes an applicator tip for easy application
- Dries faster than some other types of glues
- Becomes completely clear when fully dry
- Has a strong smell that can aggravate your nose and mouth
- Is too thick and heavy for use on lighter fabrics
You can also find Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive in our Best Glue For Leather – Buyer’s Guide & FAQ!
7. Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive – Best Glue for Upholstery
- High strength and high...
- Designed for repairing...
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Whether you need to secure a loose area of carpet or do some simple car repairs, this spray glue might be your best bet. It has a strong formula designed to create bonds between two of the same or different materials.
Car Repairs and More
Possible Drawbacks
Safe for Indoor and Outdoor Use
- Safe for use on both indoor and outdoor projects
- Suitable for use in areas that hit temperatures of up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit
- Water-resistant formula is also resistant to common weather conditions
- Dries completely clear
- Not suitable for use on lighter fabrics
- May not dry correctly due to the temperature
You can also find a Permatex product – Permatex 80638 Super Weatherstrip Adhesive – in our Best Headliner Adhesive – Buyer’s Guide!
8. Supplies Clear Glue Liquid Silicone – Best All-Around Craft Glue
- THE BEST CRAFT ACCESSORY The...
- EXTRA STENGHT ADHESIVE The...
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Supplies make a clear liquid glue that uses silicone to create a bond that lasts as long as you need. This permanent adhesive is non-toxic and works as an all-purpose glue for all your craft projects.
Designed for Crafters
Possible Drawbacks
No-Mess Applicator
- Designed to work on fabric, ceramic, paper, wood, plastic, and metal
- Nontoxic formula is safe to use around pets and children
- No-mess applicator prevents glue clogs
- Dries clear to match your materials
- May not create a long-lasting bond when used on some materials
- Can leave behind glue strings and other marks
Buyers Guide
What Type Do You Need?
Before you consider buying any of the fabric glues listed above, you really need to decide what type you need based on how you will apply that glue. The most common type comes in a simple plastic bottle and looks similar to the glues you used in elementary school. Most have an applicator tip that allows the glue to flow from the bottle. The way you hold it and how firmly you squeeze will determine how quickly the glue comes out. Some products come with a separate applicator that you can place on the top after removing the lid or cap.
Another type of glue is something called fabric tape or glue tape. Most of these products are double-sided and have adhesive on both sides. You’ll need to peel off the paper backing before using the tape. Stitch tape is similar but does not have any adhesive. This type of tape requires the application of heat from something such as iron to bond the tape to the fabric. Some crafting enthusiasts also like spray glues because they can just shake and spray the glue in place.
Water-Soluble vs. Machine Washable
Choosing Glue Based on Finished Color
When you use ordinary white glue, you’ll find that it usually dries to a soft white color. Fabric glues typically become clear when they dry. Some glues come out white and then dry to this shade. This allows you to keep an eye on the adhesive as you apply it. You’ll also find that you can easily see where it goes and whether you applied as much as you need. Other glues dry come out clear and stay clear when dry. If you need colored glue that matches a material, you may want to use epoxy instead.
How Much Should You Pay for Fabric Glue?
Specialty Glues
As you check out all the different types of fabric glues, you may want to keep your eyes out for specialty glues. These are adhesives designed for use on specific types of material. One example is leather glue, which allows you to attach fabric and leather together. Some of these glues are suitable for attaching two pieces of leather together or for repairing a leather coat or sofa. Upholstery glue is another example. This glue is often much thicker or heavier and allows you to adhere fabric to the wood and metal surfaces on a piece of furniture.
Can You Use Craft Glue for Fabric Projects?
What Can You Do with Fabric Glue?
You can use fabric glue on almost any project that uses a cloth or a similar material. Making a new set of curtains for your living room is a good example. Instead of cutting down the fabric, adding stitches to create the top and bottom and doing dozens of other steps, you can reach for a bottle of glue. The glue lets you create a hem at the bottom to hide any ragged edges. You can create loops along the top or a top hem to hang the curtains from a rod. Fabric glue is also handy for attaching patches to a jacket, creating a new hem in a pair of pants and repairing a broken pair of shoes.
Do You Need to Do Anything Special When Applying the Glue?
Tips for Cleaning Glue Spills
Fabric glue that is thinner can leave behind strings and spread onto other surfaces. Before using that glue, you should grab a few clothes and cotton balls. As soon as you notice a spill, dip a cotton ball in water and rub it across the glue. You can also try using a dry cotton ball to remove any wet glue. The clothes come in handy when the glue spreads onto a wood table or another larger piece of furniture. If the glue dried before you noticed the problem, you can use a paint scraper. Once you scrape off the excess glue, use wet cotton balls to remove any other residue.