Whether you’re mending a small fabric tear or fastening extra decoration to your craft projects, the type of adhesive you use can make or break what you’re trying to accomplish. Fabric adhesives are used when you don’t need or want to use a thread and needle. When you have a good quality fabric adhesive, you can rely on it to create the temporary or permanent bond you need without fault. With so many types of adhesives on the market, which are considered to be the best? Whether you’re restocking your crafting supplies or simply need a fabric adhesive for a one-time project, here are our top picks that you can trust.
- Tear Mender TG06H: Tear Mender is a beloved brand in the fabric adhesive world, and the TG06H is a fantastic multipurpose product. Natural and non-toxic, this adhesive won’t leave your fabric hard like some other fabric glues. It’s waterproof too, so it can be used in outdoor applications as well as indoor. When your fabric needs washing, you can toss it in your washing machine worry-free! The TG06H will hold just fine in the wash. Best of all, it doesn’t need heat or solvents to cure, so application is a total breeze. Alongside fabrics, you can use this fabric adhesive on leather and vinyl.
- Aleene’s Platinum Bond Adhesive: Aleene offers an array of fabric adhesive products that have contributed to countless fabric projects all over the US. Crafters love how reliable Aleene is, and you will too! When you’re searching for an adhesive with industrial bonding strength, this is it! The Platinum Bond Adhesive is strong yet has the flexibility you need for fabrics. When applied, the waterproof glue dries clear with zero yellowing. Once entirely cured (they recommend 72 hours), the adhesive is extremely strong and machine washable. You may use Aleene’s Platinum Bond Adhesive on fabrics like cotton, denim, leather, and felt.
- Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive: While it may not be for beginners (the spout can be a little tricky!), Beacon’s Fabri-Tac adhesive is a quick drying option that comes in handy when you need a speedy fix. Say you find a tear in a garment you’d like to wear one evening. With this adhesive, you can repair and wear in no time! The Fabri-Tac adhesive is flexible, so your fabrics won’t feel stiff where it’s been applied. It’s non-toxic too, so you don’t have to worry about inhalation. Use this glue from Beacon in many different applications like adding decorative details to garments and even repairing leather.
- Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion: Another great option from Aleene! This super quick-drying formula is perfect when you want the quality of Aleene without a long curing time. The adhesive is perfectly flexible and machine washable, so you can use it for virtually any fabric adhering project! For those concerned about chemicals, it’s non-toxic with a minimal odor. Use it on fabrics like denim, leather, cotton, flannel, and with decoration like ribbon and trims.
- Original Gütermann HT2: This fabric adhesive option is unique in that while it can be left to dry on its own, it can also be heat sealed to create a stronger bond. Not only is it waterproof, but heat resistant as well. Machine washing, ironing, and even dry cleaning are all permissible with the Original Gütermann HT2! When applied, the glue provides the flexibility needed for garments and other fabrics.
- Dritz 401 Fabric Glue: Dritz is known for their wide range of fabric adhesive products that many DIYers have in their supplies. Their 401 Fabric Glue is a temporary stick glue that comes in handy for specific projects. For example, when doing a long stitch or attempting a delicate type of fold, it can be challenging to get the folds just right. Maybe you’re positioning a ribbon on a wreath and need something to help get it just right. This stick glue will drastically help by prepping the folds you need as well as positioning items. It’s water soluble and will wash out when needed.
- Aleene’s Clear Gel Glue: This option from Aleene is an excellent adhesive, especially if cost is a driving factor in your search for a fabric adhesive. Not only is it great for gluing fabrics, but it’s also ideal when you’re incorporating smaller elements like glitter, beads, tassels, and the like. You won’t have to worry about fabric stains, as the gel dries completely clear. This gel glue creates a super strong bond that holds up well in the wash. Many people like this option because it comes in an easy-to-squeeze bottle! You can also use it on other materials like wood and ceramics.
- Dritz Unique Stitch Fabric Glue: Drtiz’s Unique Stitch Fabric Glue is an easy to use option that has a ton of different uses outside of adhering fabrics. As a permanent glue, Unique Stitch is incredibly strong and can’t be removed even with water. Prior to drying, however, it is water soluble. Wash fabrics as you normally would without fear of the glue disappearing. Dritz also recommends this option for household and office décor needs. Whenever you need to bind things together, Unique Stitch should help get the job done!
- Aleene’s 36116 Original Tacky Glue: Repairing white garments? This adhesive is your best option! The white glue does a great job of not leaving any yellow stains and won’t yellow over time either. The 3-way applicator tip makes application super easy and the formula is non-toxic as an added bonus. If you work with white fairly often, consider adding this fabric adhesive to your crafting supplies!
- Odif USA 505 Spray: While not a traditional adhesive, Odif’s USA 505 Spray is a mainstay for those who hate when glues get in the way of their sewing needles. When prepping fabrics, this spray can help you achieve that perfect alignment without dealing with thicker glues. It’s temporary, so it will wash out when necessary. The Odif USA 505 Spray is non-toxic with no mist or odors, so you can get to work without worry.
