Fabric glue is a great way to make quick repairs to clothing and other items made from fabric. It is specially formulated to bond with flexible materials. Depending on the type of fabric glue you use, the bond will be permanent or temporary.
What is Fabric Glue
Fabric glue is a tool that can be used instead of sewing. The glue bonds pieces of fabric together without using thread. You can find fabric adhesive that creates a temporary or a permanent bond.
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Fabric Glues
Best Overall
Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive
Bish’s Tear Mender Instant fabric glue is powerful. It dries quickly and will adhere to any material it can penetrate.
Get The Best price Online Here
Premium Choice
Dritz Original Liquid Stitch
Liquid stitch is a staple in the crafting community. It is known for creating a strong, permanent, flexible bond. It is a great alternative to sewing.
Get The Best price Online Here
Great Value
Aleene’s Temporary Fabric Glue Sticks
Aleene’s temporary glue has an easy-to-use mess free design. The glue glides on smoothly and will not leave a residue on your fabric. It is repositionable and washes out in one wash.
Get The Best price Online Here
Uses for Fabric Glue
Fabric glue is not only for crafting. It has a wide variety of purposes. You can use it for:
- Mend ripped clothing
- Fix hems
- Fix handbags
- Apply appliques
- Attach decorative elements
- Position stencils
- Quilting
- …and More
Choosing the Best Fabric Glue
When choosing a glue, there are a few things you will want to consider.
- Application
How is it applied? Is it a liquid, a paste, a stick, or a spray? Each type has its own benefits and cons. Some are easier to apply but
messy, while others take more time to apply, but have cleaner results.
- Drying Time
If you are looking for a quick fix while you are on the go, make sure the glue dries quickly.
- Strength
You can find both permanent and temporary fabric glue. Some permanent glues can handle being washed and dried over and over. While
others cannot be washed or dried. Temporary glues do not last at all. They are designed for short-term use. They are great for positioning
stencils and holding stabiliser in place until it is sewn on.
- Flexibility
Do you need a glue that is flexible or a glue that dries stiff? This will all depend on the types of projects you are working on.
- Water Resistance
No tall fabric adhesives are water-resistant. If you are applying glue to an item that will be washed regularly or will be exposed to the elements, you
will want water-resistant glue with a strong bond.
- Versatility
If you work on a wide variety of projects and do not plan on gluing a lot of fabric, look for a multipurpose glue that can be used on a wide variety
of materials.
10 Best Fabric Glues
1. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Adhesive
Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Adhesive provides a strong bond on a variety of fabrics such as cotton, denim, flannel, and more. This 4 fl. oz. bottle of super strong glue adheres all kinds of fabrics and embellishments to other fabrics for a permanent bond that remains flexible, even after washing.
Why We Like the Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Adhesive:
The bond created by Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Adhesive stays flexible, even after it has been washed.
- Remains Flexible
A lot of glue will stiffen after being washed. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion stays flexible.
- Does not String
The no string formula makes the Fabric Fusion glue easier to work with.
- Permanent Hold
Fabric Fusion creates a permanent bond between fabrics.
Pros and Cons of the Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Adhesive:
Pros:
- Does not string
- Flexible
- Dries clear
- Low odour
- Nontoxic
- Machine washable
Cons:
- Dries slowly
- Hard to get off hands
- Runny and will seep through fabric
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2. Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive
Beacon Fabri-Tac is a premium fabric that has been used by professional designers for decades.
Why We Like the Beacon Fabri-Tac:
This glue will not soak into fabrics, and it does not stain.
- Multipurpose
This glue does not only work on fabric. You can also use it on wood, glass, paper, and more.
- Quick Drying
The Beacon Fabri-Tac glue can dry in as little as 10 minutes.
- Crystal Clear
The glue dries crystal clear.
Pros and Cons of the Beacon Fabri-Tac:
Pros:
- Dries crystal clear
- Waterproof
- Acid-free
- Washable
- Quick drying
- Multipurpose
- Flexible
- Does not stain
- Will not soak through fabric
Cons:
- Spout leaks
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3. Dritz Original Liquid Stitch
Liquid stitch is the perfect alternative to sewing. You can easily fix hems, apply appliques and patches, fix zippers, and more.
Why We Like the Dritz Original Liquid Stitch:
Liquid stitch has been around for a long time. It is known for creating a strong, permanent, flexible bond.
- Easy to Use
Dritz Original Liquid Stitch is very easy to use. It does not string and dries clear.
- Permanent Adhesive
Liquid Stitch is permanent. You can fix hems and apply appliques and patches without fear of the glue failing.
- Washable and Dryable
You can wash your fabric and dry it without fear of the glue hardening or crumbling.
Pros and Cons of the Dritz Original Liquid Stitch:
Pros:
- Permanent
- Machine washable and dryable
- Easy to apply
- Strong bond
- Dries clear
Cons:
- Slow dry time
- Cannot dry-clean
Get The Best price Online Here
4. Elmer’s E461 Craftbond Tacky Glue
Craft Bond Tacky Glue is durable. It dries clean and has a long lasting bond that is flexible.
Why We Like the Elmer’s E461:
Elmer’s E461 Craft Bond adhesive works on fabric, paper, wood, and more.
- No Run Formula
With the no run formula, you do not have to worry about unwanted drips.
- Multipurpose
The Elmer’s E461 Craft Bind adhesive can be used on fabric, paper, wood, and more.
- Easy Clean Up
The glue cleans up easily with water. And you do not have to worry about it getting on your skin because it is safe and non-toxic.
Pros and Cons of the Elmer’s E461:
Pros:
- No run formula
- Dries clear
- Multipurpose
- Easy clean up
- Non-toxic
Cons:
- Thick
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5. Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive
Tear Mender was originally created in 1932. It still provides the same flexible, permanent bond it did then.
Why We Like the Tear Mender Fabric Adhesive:
Bish’s Tear Mender Instant glue is powerful. It dries quickly and will adhere to any material it can penetrate.
- Instant Bond
The quick drying glue instantly adheres to the fabric and dries within 3 minutes.
- Waterproof
When the glue dries, it forms a waterproof bond. You can use the glue on work clothes, awnings, tarps, tents, and more.
- Water-Based Formula
The water-based formula is nontoxic and gentle on the skin.
Pros and Cons of the Tear Mender Fabric Adhesive:
Pros:
- Instant bond
- Flexible
- UV resistant
- Non-toxic
- Acid-free
- Waterproof
Cons:
- Drips
- Not intended for cold temperatures
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6. Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue
Gorilla glue is 100% waterproof. The high strength adhesive dries crystal clear and says flexible.
Why We Like the Gorilla Glue:
The glue is a no sew solution for hems, embellishments, trim, and more. It is a great alternative to traditional needle and thread sewing.
- Quick Bond
The glue bonds quickly. However, there is a 24 curing time.
- Convenient Sized Tubes
All glue dries out over time. The Gorilla glue comes in small, convenient tubes, so you do not waste a bunch of glue.
- Washer and Dryer Safe
After the glue has been allowed to set for 3 days you can wash your project on a delicate cycle and dry it using low/no heat.
Pros and Cons of the Gorilla Glue:
Pros:
- 100% Waterproof
- Permanent
- Remains flexible after washing
- Dries crystal clear
- Washer and dryer safe
Cons:
- Not for delicate or loose weave fabrics
- 24 Hour curing time
- Hard to remove from skin
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7. Mod Podge Eight-Ounce Fabric
Mod Podge is well-known in the crafting world. It is a high-quality product that lasts and is very easy to use.
Why We Like the Mod Podge:
Mod Podge glue goes on white and dries clear. It leaves a smooth, glossy finish.
- Three-In-One
Mod Podge is a glue, sealer, and finish in one. It is a great choice for decoupage projects.
- Glossy
The glue dries glossy, making it a great choice for specialised projects.
- Goes on White
Mod Podge glue goes on white so you can see exactly where it is applied. Once it dries, it is clear.
Pros and Cons of the Mod Podge:
Pros:
- Goes on white and dries clear
- Washable
- Nontoxic
- Easy cleanup
- Machine washable
- Smooth glossy finish
- Glue, sealer, and finish
Cons:
- Slow dry time
- Stiff
- Stays tacky for quite a while
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8. Aleene’s Temporary Fabric Glue Sticks
Aleene’s temporary glue stick has an easy-to-use mess free design. The glue glides on smoothly and will not leave a residue on your fabric.
Why We Like the Aleene’s temporary glue stick:
Aleene’s Temporary Glue can be used for quick fashion fixes and sewing projects. The glue dries clear and washes out.
- Easy to Apply
Simply remove the cap and slide the glue stick across your fabric. Then, replace the cap. There is no mess, and you do not have to use your
fingers or other tools to spread the glue.
- Solid Stick
The design of the solid glue stick does not allow for running and the glue will not seep through your fabric.
- Washes Out
Aleene’s temporary glue easily washes out and leaves no residue behind.
Pros and Cons of the Aleene’s temporary glue stick:
Pros:
- Temporary hold
- Repositionable
- Easy to use
- Washes out
- Solid stick
- No mess application
- No residue
Cons:
- Sticks dry out quickly
- Small tube
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9. SpraynBond Quilt Basting Fabric Adhesive Spray
Spray n Bond Quilt Basting Adhesive Spray is a temporary glue. It is great for holding templates in place and assembling quilts.
Why We Like the Spray n Bond:
This glue eliminates the need to pin appliques and templates into place. It is also perfect for holding stabilisers onto fabrics for embroidery.
- Temporary
The temporary adhesive is ideal for sticking templates onto fabric, assembling quilts, and sticking backing fabric to batting.
- Eliminates Pining
With the Spray n Bond basting adhesive, you do not have to use straight pins.
- Sewable
The glue will not gum up your needle when you sew through it.
Pros and Cons of the Spray n Bond:
Pros:
- Temporary
- Repositionable
- Sewable
- Acid-free
- Solvent free
- Easy to apply
Cons:
- Messy application
- Nozzle gums up
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10. Secure Stitch Liquid Sewing Fabric Glue Solution Kit
Secure stitch was designed for on-the-go applications. The applicator bottles are small so they will fit easily in your purse, suitcase, or desk drawer.
Why We Like It:
The kit includes glue for both natural and synthetic fabrics. It also comes with hem clips.
- Accessories
The kit includes accessories that make repairs easy.
- All-fabric Solution
The all-fabric glue works on cotton, suede, flannel, lace, denim, and other natural materials.
- Synthetic Solution
The synthetic glue works on nylon, polyester, acrylic, and other man-made materials.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- Washable
- Quick drying
- Colorless
- Accessories included
- Kit includes a variety of glues
- Cleans off hands easily
Cons:
- Messy application
- Synthetic glue dries out quickly
- Glue yellows over time
Get The Best price Online Here
Our Top 3 Picks for the Best Fabric Glues
Best Overall
Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive
Bish’s Tear Mender Instant fabric glue is powerful. It dries quickly and will adhere to any material it can penetrate.
Get The Best price Online Here
Premium Choice
Dritz Original Liquid Stitch
Liquid stitch is a staple in the crafting community. It is known for creating a strong, permanent, flexible bond. It is a great alternative to sewing.
Get The Best price Online Here
Great Value
Aleene’s Temporary Fabric Glue Sticks
Aleene’s temporary glue has an easy-to-use mess free design. The glue glides on smoothly and will not leave a residue on your fabric. It is repositionable and washes out in one wash.
Get The Best price Online Here
FABRIC GLUE IS A FANTASTIC ALTERNATIVE TO SEWING. GLUE GIVES YOU THE ABILITY TO MAKE REPAIRS QUICKLY AND EASILY.
Some fabric glues are formulated to provide temporary bonds. These types of fabric glues are great for quilting and appliques. Other fabric glues provide a permanent bond. If you are looking for a quick fix or hate sewing, you should keep some permanent fabric glue on hand.
For more crafting tool reviews, check our list below:
- Hot Glue Gun for Kids
- Colored Hot Glue Sticks
- Best Mini Iron for Crafting
- Best Fabric Markers
- Best Fabric Cutters
These fabric glues are ideal for crafting and DIY projects.
