Types of Fabric Glue: Best Glue for Fabric (+ the Worst!)

As the name suggests, fabric glue is made for use specifically on cloth. There are many varieties available for purchase at craft and sewing supply shops, as well as online.

The majority of fabric glues will dry clear and are washable, depending on the project. Most are also meant to be permanent, so apply carefully.

A previous blog post covered Dritz’s Liquid Stitch™, which is a great product for mending small holes and tears in fabric. If applied correctly, it should last for at least several washings and wearings.

There are also multi-purpose glues that fit into this category. Aleene's All-Purpose Tacky Glue™ is common craft glue and does include fabric on the list of materials it adheres to but a general all-purpose glue will not (scroll down to read more about all-purpose glue in the worst glues section lower on this page).

Many crafters ask, is Tacky Glue similar to Liquid Stitch? Yes, these can be used in similar situations with fabric but be sure to read the instructions and uses for each before determining which will work best for your specific need.

Fabric glue is also useful for attaching various embellishments and adornments to fabric. Like with any kind of adhesive, do a test patch on a sample swatch to make sure the materials you’re using will hold together.

Also, wash any glued garment or item carefully (preferably by hand) to prevent any glue transfer or damage.
 

Fusible interfacing is a two-sided synthetic interfacing material that is used to stabilize and strengthen fabrics. One side is fabric-y, while the other is coated in a glue that melts and then adheres once heated (usually with an iron). When it comes to iron-on vs fabric glue, this material is the best of both worlds.

It’s most often utilized to stiffen collars and waistbands, though fusible interfacing is also useful for repairing small tears in cloth. Applied to the back or inside of a garment or other fabric item, a small patch of this adhesive sheet will prevent further tearing and rips.

There are different thicknesses (or “weights”) of interfacing, so try to pick one that is close to the fabric you are using. Additionally, this material is also made in a thin strip that comes on a roll (known as fusible bonding tape), which is perfect for small repairs.
 

Hot glue on fabric might sound a bit scary but a hot glue gun can actually be used to attach embellishments to fabric!

One of the most common questions we hear is, does hot glue work on fabric? Yes, it's a favorite of crafters everywhere, this adhesive becomes very fluid when it warms up in the applicator gun.

Because most fabrics are porous, you can hot glue fabric easily. Hot glue is a great option because it fuses into the weave and fibers of the fabric to create a strong bond.

Can you use hot glue on fabric and wash it? Yes, hot glue should last for quite a while on the fabric, and it’s waterproof! Just be careful not to wash the item in hot water or machine dry it (or the glue could heat up and melt).

The image directly below shows hot glue being applied to the back of an embellishment jewel for fabric.
 

The image below shows hot glue after the embellishment jewel was glued and set on for fabric.
 

However, I wouldn’t recommend a hot glue gun for fixing tears in fabric because it is a little too messy and hard when dry. Read all of the manufacturer’s directions before using a hot glue gun because it does get very warm.  

The image directly below shows ripped fabric.
 

The image directly below shows hot glue applied to the rip on the fabric.
 

The image below shows hot glue applied and dried to the rip on the fabric.
 

And now for the worst types of glue to use on fabrics...
 

The white bottle of glue you used in school is a craft room staple. It’s inexpensive, easy to find in stores, and feels comfortable to use (and it reminds me of childhood!). But it’s not the best option for use on fabric for a few reasons.

It’s water-soluble (so it can wash off) and the bond isn’t as strong as most fabric glues. Also, because it’s thick it can seep through the fabric and become visible on the top side of the material. Therefore (unfortunately) it is not a top pick for use on fabric.

The image directly below shows applying craft glue to fabric, and the images after show what can happen.
 

The image below shows craft glue transferring on the fabric.
 

The image below shows craft glue seeping through the fabric.
 

While they are amazing at connecting paper, wood, and even small pieces of fabric (for scrapbooks, mood boards, etc.), glue sticks don’t generally provide lasting adhesion on cloth.

Glue sticks are so convenient and easy to use, but are water-based and will most likely wash off. For quick craft projects they would probably work in a pinch, but investing in a glue made just for fabric is a better choice.

The image directly below shows applying a glue stick to fabric, and the images after show what can happen.
 

The image below shows glue stick adhesive showing through the fabric.
 

The image below shows a novelty gem not sticking with the glue stick adhesive.
 

Like the aforementioned glues, super glue might also be tempting to use on fabric for repairs or attaching decorations. This is not recommended for a few reasons.

It will eventually crack at any bends, it might show through fabric because of the runny consistency, and it could potentially damage the fabric and adornments. Super glue has been used in costume or wardrobe emergencies, but it is not a permanent or ideal choice.

P.S. Have you gotten super glue somewhere you don't want? From fabric to skin, this guide from our friends at FaveCrafts is a must-read! Check out How to Remove Super Glue here.
 

In general, spray glues don’t work very well on fabric because of the lack of precision during application. Meant more for paper crafts, spray adhesive leaves a thin layer over the surface you are working on.

While it might seem like a quick solution to attach something to fabric using this glue, it would most likely go onto areas that you don’t want to be sticky.

If spray glue is the only option, cover the sections that won’t be glued and/or spray it onto the adornment then attach to the fabric, avoiding the sides that will be visible.