Have you ever thought of mending garments or even putting pieces of fabric together to form a garment without sewing? Well, stop thinking about it and actually do it using fabric glue. That’s right, fabric glue. If you have not heard of it yet, this is an adhesive that you can use on different types of clothes, felt, upholstery etc. and it is applied just like regular glue. The trick is in its formulation. It is designed to form strong bonds with fabrics and therefore eliminate the task of sewing. However, even though some might not know about it, it has become very popular and thus, many brands have come up and flooded the market. This leaves beginners with the difficult task of selecting the best glue for their needs. However, this article lists some of the best fabric glues and will guide you into what to look for in this product. 
Editor’s Choice Best Fabric Glue
Tear Mender Instant Adhesive
Bish’s tear mender is a natural adhesive that is made purely from non-toxic, renewable materials, which are very environmentally friendly. Its combination of being non-toxic, acid-free and UV resistant make it have very many uses in both indoor and outdoor areas. However, it is mostly used for leather, vinyl and fabric repair, which it does perfectly.
Well, how does it form the bond? After being applied on these porous fabrics, it penetrates into their fibers and forms a permanent bond within minutes. You just have to press the fabrics together quickly because it can dry up within 3 minutes after application. The advantage with this permanent bond is that you can wear your garment after just those few minutes that it takes up to dry.
By penetrating through the fabric fibers, this adhesive forms a durable bond that can be machine washed only 15 minutes later, without any form of deterioration. It also does not interfere with the fabric’s flexibility, enabling you to flex and move as if no repair was done.
Despite its strong bonding property, this adhesive is designed not to stick on hard surfaces. Therefore, if you accidentally pour some onto your table, no need to worry. Even if it stays there for a while, it will come off easily. This makes it very practical to use.
Features at a glance
- Made entirely from non-toxic, environmentally friendly materials.
- It will not harm your skin and thus can be applied by using your fingers.
- Forms a strong bond with fabrics, leather, and vinyl within 3 minutes of application.
- Creates a flexible bond, which is good for the fabrics.
- UV resistant and thus can be used in both indoor and outdoor applications.
- Does not require heat to cure.
- Available in 2 oz, 6 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz bottles and a 5-gallon container.
Supplies Clear Glue Craft Fabric
This adhesive is a clear glue, which is very tough. This makes it ideal for use in a variety of areas such as in bonding wood, metal, leather, rubber, paper, and many other materials. However, it is more popular in the arts and crafts world of fabric mending because of its high tack for quick sticking.
It dries up quickly to form a clear and clean seam that looks quite natural. You can apply it using your hands because it is made from safe, non-toxic materials. It is actually FDA approved for food packaging so you can just imagine how safe it is to use.
In terms of packaging, this adhesive comes in an 8.5oz stay fresh bottle, which is also a clog-free dispenser. This means that the glue always remains fresh and in a liquid form on the inside and thus, does not dry up to clog the hole leading to its applicator tip. Therefore, you can apply it over and over again, without the worry of it ever drying up and becoming useless before you use it all up.
Apart from being clog free, this dispenser also features a patented adhesive control technology that ensures it dispenses a controlled amount of adhesive to the precise point where it should be applied. This reduces wastage and sticky messes, which are quite common when using any kind of glue.
Features at a glance
- Easy to hold bottle makes the process of application quite easy.
- Works well with a variety of materials such as fabrics, leather, wood, cardboard and some plastics.
- Non-toxic and therefore, safe for the skin.
- Patented applicator technology reduces sticky messes and wastage.
- Comes in an 8.5oz (250ml) bottle.
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive
This fabri-tac permanent adhesive is very practical. It can be used to piece together a number of materials, including glass. However, when it comes to fabrics, it is particularly good on lace and leather as well as for quick repairs of other types of fabrics.
Its biggest advantage is that it does not soak into fabrics and thus does not leave any stains. This is a very good property if you are dealing with white fabrics such as when mending wedding dresses. Additionally, it is designed to grab quickly and dry quickly as well, leaving you with a clear, permanent and flexible bond.
It is acid-free and washable and thus, gives you the convenience of washing the fabric it has been used on, in the regular way that you are used to, be it machine wash or hand wash. However, it is not recommended to use with dry cleaning because the fluids involved might weaken the bond.
The adhesive is available in assorted sizes that give you the option of buying just the right size for your project. All in all, it is available in a 2, 4 and 8-ounce bottle, with the option of a dozen pack for the 4 ounce and 8-ounce bottles. This enables you to buy the quantity you need in just one order.
Features at a glance
- Available in 2 oz, 4 oz, and 8 oz bottles.
- Not recommended for dry cleaning.
- Works well with leather and lace.
- Acid-free and forms washable bonds.
- Does not soak into fabrics and thus, does not stain them.
Aleene’s Quick Dry Fabric Fusion Permanent Adhesive
This adhesive is based on a fast drying solvent that makes sewing projects much easier because glue application in easier and faster than sewing, yet it quickly dries to form a strong bond. This quick-drying property also makes it ideal for projects that require quick fixes such as last minute touches for your prom dress or wedding gown.
Despite its quick drying process and strong bonding, this adhesive forms flexible seams that are machine washable. They only require some slight washing after drying up in order to remove the excess glue, then you are good to go.
It comes in a 4-ounce bottle, which is small enough to fit comfortably on the hand for better handling. This makes it easy to dispense the glue with precision and thus, reduce wastage. Additionally, it has an ergonomic applicator tip, which is elongated to reach far into the fabric for precise application. It also comes with a cover that prevents the adhesive from drying up and clogging the applicator tip.
It has a low odor and won’t leave your fabrics or fingers with a permanent smell after application. You also do not have to worry about ruining your fingers because it is non-toxic, which means it causes no harm to the skin.
Features at a glance
- Dries up to 5 times faster than the original aleene adhesive.
- Works on cotton, denim, flannel, leather, Jersey, ribbon and trims.
- Forms a flexible bond, which is machine washable.
- Not toxic to the skin.
- Leaves behind a very low odor.
- Comes in a 4-ounce bottle.
Dritz 44153 Unique Stitch Fabric Glue
This fabric glue comes with its own form of application convenience due to its unique toothpaste like tube packaging. It is only available in a 1.25-ounce tube, which is filled with stitch fabric glue that requires no sewing for reinforcement. Because of this, it is mostly used to attach embellishments to fabrics. Apart from that, it can also be used for home décor projects that require several decorations to be attached to walls and window surfaces.
The glue is non-toxic, though it causes mild skin irritation and needs to be washed off immediately after you finish doing the application. It is based on a water-soluble solvent, which means that it can wash off if the fabric is cleaned before the glue dries. However, once the glue dries, it forms a very strong bond that is safe for machine washing and machine drying as well.
The waiting period might be an issue to some because you have to let the glue dry for at least 24 hours before washing. You could opt to wash the fabric first then glue it if it works for you and therefore, eliminate this problem. Despite all these, however, ensure that you do not dry clean any fabric containing this glue. The dry cleaning solvents will wear off the glue and thus, undo your bond.
Features at a glance
- Available in a 1.25-ounce tube package.
- Based on a water-soluble solvent.
- Non-toxic.
- Washable after 24 hours of drying.
- Requires no stitching to reinforce the bond.
- Does not require heat activation. Actually, heat weakens it and therefore, ironing should be done after it dries, which is usually 24 hours later.
Gutermann HT2 Fabric Glue
With this product, you also get tubed glue, which is available as a 30-gram pack. It does not require sewing for reinforcement because it is also a stitch fabric glue. This makes it very useful for sticking decorative items such as ribbons together. However, this does not mean that it is limited to such uses only. It can also be used to bond denim, linen, wool, cotton and basically any other fabric that you can wear.
Its drying process is quite different. Normally, other fabric glues dry up on their own, requiring no form of heat. However, this gutermann glue can be heat sealed in order to form a stronger bond as it dries up.
On drying up, the glue forms a super strong bond, which is watertight and is able to withstand machine washing as well as dry cleaning without any form of degradation. This seam is also heat resistant, meaning that ironing or warm water cannot weaken the glue.
Lastly, comfort is a key factor when it comes to fabrics. Soft fabrics are especially more comfortable and this should be retained whenever you glue its pieces together. Luckily for you, this glue forms a flexible bond that can stretch and move with the fabric, and this does not interfere with the fabric’s comfort.
Features at a glance
- Available in a 30-gram tube pack.
- Can be used on almost all fabrics.
- Has the option of being heat sealed for stronger bonding.
- The bond is machine washable and can be dry cleaned as well.
- Forms a flexible bond.
Aleene’s 36116 Original Tacky Glue
Aleene’s tacky glue is a white glue that dries clear and does not leave any yellow marks over time, making it a go-to option for repairing white garments. At least now you have an idea what to use for your brightly colored clothing that need some repairs.
If you mistakenly apply it your fabrics, or it pours on them by mistake, you just have to wash it off using soap and water before it dries; a simple and convenient way to handle your mistakes. It is also non-toxic and thus, it won’t harm your skin in any way. It has a low odor, which is good for repairs on the go.
The application can be varied in 3 ways. The applicator tip can be cut in 1 of 3 ways to control the amount of glue that comes off of it. As usual, this tip is conical but has 2 steps that separate the top thin part from the middle medium part and this part from the bottom thick part. Cutting the top part will give you a thin applicator tip, which means you will get a small amount of glue on every bottle press. The other parts follow suit.
In terms of packaging, you will get quite a large amount of glue. It is available in an 8-ounce bottle that either come as a 3 pack or a 6 pack. This means that the minimum you can buy is 24 ounces. With this, you will probably have some extra glue left for future projects.
Features at a glance
- Dries clear and does not change color over time.
- Available in 8 oz bottles.
- 3-way application system.
- Non-toxic and therefore, safe to spread using your fingers.
- A multipurpose glue which can be used on most fabrics.
- Low odor.
Aleene’s Super Fabric Adhesive
This is a tubed fabric glue but unlike other similarly packaged ones, it comes with an applicator tip for better and more convenient glue application. As the name suggests, it is a super adhesive that forms super strong bonds, making it good for attaching heavy embellishments onto pieces of fabric.
Despite its strong bonding, it forms super flexible seams that maintain the same level of comfort as before. This means that seams will not be hard and thus, you will be able to walk down the street without feeling anything tough and scratchy that might irritate your skin.
After application, the bond dries up pretty quickly and leaves a clear seam. This bond maintains its clear color and does not yellow even after many washing cycles. Speaking of washing, the fabric bonding formed by this glue is machine washable. However, you will have to wait for the glue to dry, which normally takes around 72 hours.
It is packaged as a single 2-ounce tube that is available only as a 1 pack, giving you just enough for a few uses. This could be in joining pieces of leather, denim, canvas, cotton and poly blends. It is specifically suited for fabrics and thus, expect a clean and strong bond, comparable only to the actual stitches.
Features at a glance
- Dries to form a clear substance.
- Comes with a plastic applicator tip.
- Solvent-based adhesive.
- Bond does not yellow over time.
- Machine washable after 72 hours.
- Forms a flexible bond.
Need to know about the Best Fabric Glue before you buy
As you can see above, these fabric glues have common and unique features. However, you need to consider the following before buying any of them.
Type of glue
Well, you might be thinking that only fabric glue works on fabric, but tacky glue is sometimes applicable. Fabric glue is solely meant for fabrics and creates a powerful bond despite regular washing or ironing. However, tacky glue is sort of an all-purpose glue that is not limited to fabrics alone. However, some might leave you with an inflexible bond so you must watch out for this.
Therefore, if you want to buy glue solely for your fabrics, buy fabric glue. However, if you want to use it for other repairs as well, buy flexible tacky glue.
Drying speed
This refers to the time it takes for the glue to dry up and form a strong bond. It varies from glue to glue and directly determines how long it takes for you to wash the fabric. If you are the impatient type, let’s say you are in a hurry, a fast drying glue is the best for you.
If you can give it time, a slow drying glue will work and is probably the best because the more it takes, the stronger the bond that is formed.
Drying quality
Some glues dry milky while others dry clear. Clear is the best option because you do not want white stains left behind after you think everything is done. Another thing to consider about drying quality is the glue discoloration over time. Some bonds turn yellow over time, signifying a low-quality glue. The best quality glue is the dry clear, non-yellowing adhesive.
Adhesive strength
Fabric glues have different levels of stickiness. Some come in the form of “super” glues and provide superior strength and therefore stronger bonds for your projects. The choice between this super adhesive and other less strong ones depends entirely on your project’s needs.
Super glues are meant for fabrics that will be regularly washed and are exposed to high levels of wear and tear. However, you might not require such glues for things such as wall decorations because they are regularly untouched and thus, have practically no wear and tear.
Health and environmental friendliness
Glues might just seem like sticky substances to you but its ingredients could be very dangerous. Therefore, it is important to check for labels such as non-toxic and acid-free on their packages, at least to show some form of safety.
Most fabric glues are made from natural ingredients and thus, very environmentally friendly. However, these labels will assure you that what you are buying is good. It will not either harm your skin or the environment when disposed of.
Packaging
Fabric glues are either packaged in bottles or tubes. The choice between the two is basically down to personal preference. The only important thing that you should consider is the applicator. Applicators are designed for convenience and without one, you will have a tough time applying the glue, especially if it is toxic. Therefore, ensure this is included in the package before buying the glue.
Quantity vs. cost
Some glues come in packs while others come as single packages. While more glue might be better and cheaper, it might dry up if you intend to use a small amount and keep the rest for future use. This would turn the cost savings you had made into losses.
Thus, depending on your usage, buy a quantity that suits your needs, maybe for two weeks or so, then reorder again when it is finished. This way, you will always have fresh glue that forms strong bonds, without the risk of incurring a loss.
Conclusion
With this buying guide, you can comfortably look for the best fabric glue to suit your needs. Although you might not get all the fabric glues on this list, you have a pretty good idea what different glue features mean and therefore, you are good to go.
However, remember to consider your project first because ultimately, you need to get a product that will suit its needs.
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Sources…
- https://www.instructables.com/lesson/Fabric-Glue/
- https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Best+Fabric+Glue&ref=nb_sb_noss_2
I bought the tacky glue you mentioned. It didn’t hold. People were using it to glue together pieces of felt. A lot of it fell off and I had to fix a lot of it with a glue gun or Beacon’s glue. It was a terrible mess and a waste of time. I went back to Joann Fabrics and asked and they explained that this is a regular complaint about this brand of tacky glue. Don’t waste your money. Also, you didn’t list whether the tacky glue machine washable, or dry cleanable. I assume it’s not since it doesn’t seem to last well even without any washing, might be good to note whether or not the fabric can be washed after using it.