The Best Fabric Glue for Crafts and Repairs – (In Depth Review)

Wondering what the best fabric glue is for your project? Here’s a breakdown of what to look for when buying fabric glue. We’ll also share the best brands and how they differ from one another.

The best permanent fabric glue can be challenging to find when you are in the store or shopping online. First, we will go over what types of glue work well for fabric and what kind of project you are working on. Many factors make up a good fabric glue, so it’s important to know what your needs may be.

Some fabrics will work better with specific glues, but what glue you use isn’t the most important thing. Instead, it’s what kind of project will determine what type of fabric glue is best for your needs.

Our Recommended Top 12 choices:

(Check out these 12 recommended products, or scroll ahead to read our in-depth reviews)

What is Fabric Glue?

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Fabric glue is a textile adhesive that can be used for temporary or permanent applications. These glues are best known by what they’re most often applied to fabric, specifical fabrics like cotton and silk that need strong adhesion properties but no damage upon removal.

Features of Fabric Glue:

If you find yourself in a situation where there’s no time to seam and sew, use fabric adhesive! The best part about this? You can secure pockets before sewing them on with pins.

However, if that gets too complicated, then take the easy route: apply some glue instead for quick fixes such as patches or adhesives meant specifically for sticking onto jewelry designs like rings, etc. Because sometimes even these need fasteners other than nails, so we’ve got your back when it comes down right up against emergency needs.

What is the Best Fabric Glue?

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1. Elmer’s E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue

Elmer’s E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue is a permanent, clear adhesive that dries fast to provide a superior bond for all fabric and paper projects. This glue is designed to be used on cotton, linen, felt, silk and wool. It also works well with papercrafts, including scrapbooking, card making, and gift wrapping. Elmer’s E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue dries clear so you can see the actual color of your project.

The flexible glue easily washes off hands with soap and water when dry. But, of course, it washes out of fabric, too! This package contains one .77-oz. Bottle of Elmer’s E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue.

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2. Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive

Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive is a non-toxic, water-based formula that forms a permanent bond to fabric and leather. The glue dries clear and is washable in 15 minutes. Tear Mender is ideal for household repairs on clothing, leather, upholstery, home decor, sport/marine gear, and more!

Tear Mender Instant Fabric & Leather Adhesive forms a permanent bond to fabric and leather with its non-toxic water-based formula.

This package contains one .50-oz tube of Tear Mender Instant Fabric & Leather Adhesive. Available in a variety of colors: each sold separately.

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3. Aleene’s 15626 No-Sew Fabric Glue

Aleene’s No-Sew Fabric Glue is a quick and easy way to hem fabrics, craft projects, and more. This no-sew fabric glue makes small repairs or minor alterations to clothing, draperies, upholstery, and home decor projects. The high-performance formula works on most fabrics, including cotton, silk, wool, and synthetics. It dries clear so that it won’t alter the color of your fabric.

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4. Plextor 1 Min Quick Bonding Fast Dry Sew Glue Liquid Reinforcing Adhesive

Plextor Glue Quick Bonding Liquid is a high-quality, easy-to-use glue that can repair all damaged fabrics such as cotton, flannel, denim, leather, and more. It’s designed to make your life easier. The glue can be used on any fabric and dries clear with no traces of the repair left behind once dry. Plextor Quick Bonding Liquid comes with a 60ml bottle of liquid adhesive along with two additional tools for you to apply the glue onto your fabric easily.

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5. Loctite 1360694 Vinyl Fab Plastic Adhesive

Loctite 1360694 Vinyl Fab Plastic Adhesive, Single, Multicolor is a clear liquid adhesive formulated to repair and mend flexible plastics such as vinyl seats, cushions, tarps and outdoor gear. It dries to a transparent and waterproof bond. It will not yellow or go brittle with age or sunlight. Interior or exterior applications are easy to use; Invisible repairs are long-lasting repairs that eliminate unsightly tapes or patches. Remains flexible; Will is not brittle or yellow with age.

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6. Beacon Adhesives FT8OZBOT12 Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

The Beacon Adhesives FT8OZBOT12 Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, 8-Ounce clear, will permanently bond fabric, leather, or wood. It is washable and flexible for maximum versatility. The adhesive is formulated to provide fast grab, fast dry, and flexibility. This product is made in the USA with pride by Beacon Adhesives.

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7. Loctite 852882 Brush-On Liquid Super Glue, 0.319 CDM

This glue is a good choice for any project that requires a strong bond. It dries transparent and sets in seconds with no clamping required. The brush applicator allows you to apply the glue with precision, making it ideal for small projects and repairs. In addition, the bottle has a spill-resistant cap, so if the bottle tips over, the contents will stay inside until you’re ready to use them.

Comfort: This brush-on liquid super glue is comfortable to wear because it dries clear and doesn’t have much odor.

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8. Aleene’s Gel Glue

Gel Glue is a water-based, non-toxic glue that works on almost anything. It dries straightforward and flexible to make every project unique. This eight fl oz bottle of gel glue can be used for all sorts of projects, including home decorating, arts & crafts, hobbies, and more! It’s safe for use by children over three years old.

For maximum adhesion, wait approximately 30 seconds before adhering the item to be glued to the surface. Next, apply a thin layer of Aleene’s Gel Glue to both characters. Press firmly, hold for 30 seconds, and let dry overnight.

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9. Bundle of Sewline Fabric Glue Pen(s)

A convenient, pen-like dispenser with archival quality. Solid glue stick. A small amount holds fabrics in place for sewing — no need for pins. The colored glue dries clear, has no thick residue, is water-soluble, and is safe for most fabrics. Easily refillable – Each refill package includes two glue pen refills.

The suitable fabric glues make the difference between a good seam and a fabulous one!

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10. Sugru I000948 Multi-Purpose Glue for Creative Repair

Sugru is a self-setting rubber for fixing, modifying, and improving stuff. It molds like play-dough, bonds to almost anything, and turns into a robust and flexible silicone overnight. Sugru sticks to most surfaces (even slightly damp ones) and cures by reacting with oxygen in the air. Once cured, it’s waterproof, heat resistant to 260°C / 500°F, and as tough as old boots.

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11. Secure Stitch Liquid Sewing Solution Kit

The Secure Stitch Liquid Sewing Solution Kit is the quick and easy sewing alternative eliminating a needle & thread. The perfect kit for all your liquid sewing needs It won’t string when you apply it. It won’t bond to your skin.

WASHABLE & FLEXIBLE Creates an evident, colorless, flexible, permanent, washer & dryer proof bond great for Cotton, Denim, Felt, Fleece, Leather, Suede, Polyester Rayon Fibers, Velvet Fabrics, and more.

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12. Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue

Bearly Art Precision Craft Glue is a premium, clear-drying, water-based craft glue that provides a super-strong bond. It’s perfect for creating professional-looking crafts with glitter and other embellishments. This multi-sized craft glue gives you the choice of using different-sized tips to get more control over your application. It’s also great for gluing paper, fabric, glass, metal, plastic, and wood! One bottle contains 6 ounces of high-quality craft glue that dries crystal clear so you can see exactly where it’s applied.

Tips for Using Fabric Glue

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Higher-grade fabric glue is a must-have tool in your crafting cabinet. Whether you’re an expert or not, we have some tips for using it correctly:

1. Always wear gloves when applying the adhesive to avoid getting any on your skin and then transferring those germs onto other items (especially clothes!).
2. Be sure that there’s enough time between coats before putting things through their final wash – this allows air bubbles trapped within each layer of threads/stitches during the construction process without pressure from below pushing them up against one another, which might lead us into unwanted wrinkles!
3. And lastly, but most importantly, do not use it on silk or leather.

Different Types of Glue for Fabric

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Permanent glue

To create a great bond, you need the suitable glue. This water-resistant and effective product should be used instead of stitches for its lasting power that will not wash off in case it gets wet but rather stick around even if misapplied or handled roughly by accident!

Temporary glue

Temporary adhesives are a godsend for creating temporary bonds. For instance, you can use them to hem dresses or create a ruffled edge on some chiffon material, so it doesn’t pill as quickly after being washed in hot water!

For example, You have just purchased some fabric and need the bottom of your dress sewn up before going out of our-of-town? Temporary adhesive will do just fine due to its ability to hold materials together well and allow easy removal if needed later down the line.

Heat-set glue

After applying the heat-set glue, you have to iron and press your garment for it to stick. This is a hassle if you don’t own an iron or transfer machine as well!

There’s no way around this extra step because once applied; there isn’t much else that can be done besides sitting back in anticipation of when everything will set up on its own – which could take hours depending on how thick/heavy material was used, plus how hot those settings get (and what kind). If possible, try not using any type at all; they’ll only involve more work down the road with little return.

Cold-set glue

It’s easy to forget how many different types of glues are out there. For example, heat-set glue uses high temperatures for the two surfaces to be joined together to bond permanently without needing time or waiting on an adhesive to dry before pressing them together–and it only takes a few minutes! On the opposite end of this spectrum, you have cold-set glue, which requires more time and effort to set up correctly.

Spray adhesives

Don’t be fooled by the name; these fabric glues are not just for sticking paper: they’re also great at holding on to fabrics and other materials while you work! The best part? They come in an aerosol spray can so that all we need is a little well-ventilated room with no one close enough to breathe in our fumes.

Non-spray adhesives

The soft plastic bottle of non-spray adhesive can be easily squeezed to release the glue. You have to press down on it and watch as a thin layer forms between two surfaces that are stuck together!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Conclusion

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Do you know how fabric glue can be an alternative to your sewing lifestyle? Well, this concludes our journey. I hope you enjoyed following us on it and learned something new along the way!

The right kind of fabric glue will eventually do more than just stitching two pieces together; for example, if I need upholstery or leatherwork done, then using a particular type like Elmer’s All-Purpose would come in handy because it’s water-soluble, which makes clean up easy (and reduces potential problems) – Each brand has their unique properties so make sure whatever one you pick is compatible with what material(s) are being worked with first before applying any layers so there isn’t too much overflow (which can happen) – I suggest just sticking with what we’ve already reviewed and what was found to work the best.