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What is Fabric Adhesive?

Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

The name fabric adhesive encompasses a variety of products that provide temporary or permanent ways to attach fabric without sewing. Some of them are available simply as applications, while others are sold already applied to a fabric or material, with the adhesive being activated while incorporating that material into a project.

Household glue. While designed for other purposes, white school glue or glue stick can act as a fabric adhesive, temporarily holding fabric until it is sewn and eliminating pinning. Using this kind of glue can be particularly useful for felt and other thick fabrics. One advantage is that, unlike pins, which can cause ripples, these glues leave the fabric flat. They do not wash out, so the amount used must be carefully judged.

Fabric glue comes in washable and non-washable varieties.
Fabric glue comes in washable and non-washable varieties.

Spray Fabric Adhesive. Spray fabric adhesive is useful and neater to apply than glue, but not permanent if the fabric is cleaned by laundering or dry cleaning. Also, unlike the recommended glues, it has toxic fumes and must be used in a well-ventilated space.

Fabric Glue. There are several different types of fabric adhesive that go under the name of fabric glue. Glues for attaching rhinestones, sequins, glitter, and gems to fabric are made in both washable (permanent) and non-washable formulas, the first for clothing and other items that need to be cleaned, and the second for decorative fabric arts. Some fabric glues form a permanent bond between two layers of fabric, a sort of liquid fusible web that can be used in no-sew projects. There are also specialized fabric glues to control fraying and stretchable glue for adding ornamentation to stretchable fabrics.

A can of spray-on fabric adhesive.
A can of spray-on fabric adhesive.

Bonding Fabric or Fusible Web. Another type of fabric adhesive is iron-on bonding fabric, sometimes called fusible web, a layer of adhesive material placed between two layers of “regular” fabric to fuse them together permanently. It comes in tape and sheets, with or without backing paper. Some fusible webbing has pressure sensitive adhesive on both sides to hold items in place temporarily before they are ironed to fuse them. Another kind has a grid printed on it to assist with cutting to fit.

Fabric adhesive is used in craft projects to bond pieces without sewing them.
Fabric adhesive is used in craft projects to bond pieces without sewing them.

The bonding fabric can be cut to shape first and fused to both the appliqué and the backing fabric by being sandwiched in between and heated with a steam iron. Alternatively, a whole sheet of fabric may be turned into bondable fabric by fusing the bonding fabric to it with the backing sheet left on the other side. The newly created bonding fabric can then be cut to any size and shape, and used as an appliqué by removing the backing sheet and fusing it to other fabric.

Hem tape is activated by a hot iron.
Hem tape is activated by a hot iron.

Fusible web in tape form can be used for hemming garments, pillow cases, blankets, table cloths, and curtains. Tape widths include ¼ inch, 5/8 inch, ¾ inch and 1¼ inches (~6.4 mm, ~15.9 mm, ~19 mm, and ~32 mm). To hem with fusible web, place it between the hem allowance and the garment or other item, setting it down a bit from the edge of the hem allowance. Pin it and iron according to directions. For heavy material, a wider strip up to the depth of the hem allowance is used to give the hem more strength. This kind of tape can also be used in no-sew projects, including quilts.

Padding glue may be used to install carpet on stairs.
Padding glue may be used to install carpet on stairs.

Fusible Interfacing. Fusible interfacing includes fabric adhesive already bonded to a material. Both regular and sculpting woven interfacing are available in fusible versions, along with non—woven styles. Fusible interfacing can be used for garments, window shade backing, handbags, and other projects. It also comes in a variety of materials, including tricot, 100% polyester, and various polyester/nylon blends, and in specialized forms for different fabric weights.

Other Fusible Material. Besides fusible interfacing, there are several other products that have fabric adhesive pre-applied to a material. There are fusible fleece and fusible cotton batting for padding quilts, pillows, and other items; fusible bias tape in ¼-inch and ¾-inch (~6.4-mm and ~19-mm) widths for hemming, edging, and similar applications; fusible ink jet printable sheets for applying graphics and photos to clothing, pillows, ans so on; and fusible thread for basting, appliqué, and other applications.

Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is passionate about reading, writing, and research, and has a penchant for correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered about art, literature, and music, Mary Elizabeth is a teacher, composer, and author. She has a B.A. from the University of Chicago’s writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont, and she has written books, study guides, and teacher materials on language and literature, as well as music composition content for Sibelius Software.

Learn more...
Mary Elizabeth
Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth is passionate about reading, writing, and research, and has a penchant for correcting misinformation on the Internet. In addition to contributing articles to HomeQuestionsAnswered about art, literature, and music, Mary Elizabeth is a teacher, composer, and author. She has a B.A. from the University of Chicago’s writing program and an M.A. from the University of Vermont, and she has written books, study guides, and teacher materials on language and literature, as well as music composition content for Sibelius Software.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

banti1975

Does anyone here know how to make no sew fabric glue?

ccvora89

Glues for attaching rhinestones, sequins, glitter, and gems to fabric, washable (permanent). Where can I get this type of glue at a cheap rate and as many bottles as possible?

espbob

How can I glue polyester jersey to make a flexible bond for an infinity scarf (Buff type scarf)?

anon319241

I have a patch of an owl that I would like to attach to a sweatshirt, but be able to remove and put on another shirt without re-gluing.

anon274089

Which product works best to adhere cotton fabric to burlap? Does heat and bond work or is there something better?

anon234141

I used "Heat and Bond" adhesive for my drapes but I needed to modify them. I pulled the two items apart and I got rid of the sticky adhesive using fabric softener sheets. I placed the fabric softener sheet on the sticky part, and used the iron with the steam on high. Use your judgment for the material you have. --BGS

anon233947

I have seen boas attached to dresses, etc. I know the boa cannot be laundered, so what can I use to attach the boa so it can be removed and reapplied?

anon189627

If you are looking for an adhesive that sticks on denim and stays on wash after wash and dry cycle after dry cycle, check-out Iron Patch products. This product is available as your standard denim patch, but they also sell their adhesive in sheets to use any fabric and cut into any design. Also great for Girl and Boy Scout badges.

anon188095

I am looking for the peel and stick that they use for embroidered hat stickers. Does anyone know where I can buy it.

anon183798

We manufacture fabric adhesives, and there are a number of options available on the market that will help with some of the projects listed below.

For a permanent fabric adhesive, try Fabri-tac (available at most craft stores)

For a temporary fabric adhesive try Lapel Stick (available online and at many sewing or craft stores).

anon145729

I'm doing one prototype project where i need to make detachable multiple use cloth pocket for a men's shirt. so i have one surface to play with.

If you can suggest any material or adhesive product or tape which I'll sew on the pocket and use the other side on the shirt, I will appreciate your help and suggestions.

anon141374

I'm making children's aprons, using fabric and felt. i want to know if i can hot glue the felt on the fabric and if it's washable. thank you.

anon135041

I would like to cover a scrapbook with faux suede. What type of glue should I use?

anon133470

I am looking for a glue to use to keep my daughter's chair bottom from rolling under her belly. Any suggestion.

anon129202

capgar did you get an answer to your question?

sharon1936

how do I get fusible web glue off ultra suede?

It's on a beaded wall hanging, can't toss it in washing machine. Ordinary washing doesn't take glue off.

anon100520

what is the best way to attach a sequined/beaded applique to chiffon material?

anon95863

How do I remove the glue from the iron on two way tape? I want to take out the hem on my cotton drapes. I can get the tape off, but I'm wondering how to get rid of the sticky glue film left behind.

anon91744

does anyone know what i can use to bond spandex to spandex quickly and permanently? even though it's not halloween?

anon82371

use unibond impact adhesive. It is perfect for every fabric even leather.

anon75231

i am trying to find the right type of fabric glue to use on a manchester united soccer top. the plastic strip down the back has started peeling off from the rest of the material. what type of glue should i use for this? Thanks, NerishaB

anon63798

Can anyone help with heat gluing or sewing nylon rip-stop together, as well as any places that do it in the UK? Thank you.

anon58175

I am looking for a glue that will stick name tags on shirts and be easily removed and used again several other days.

anon48536

Im looking for adhesive fabric paper for printing.

anon44237

I have silk curtains, and a small fold part exposed to the sun is disintegrating.

Is there a fine adhesive web backing sheet, with glue on one side that I could iron on to reinforce the fabric? The hemming tape would work except that it has glue on both sides.

Dammika

what are bonding tape types?

anon39972

I require glue for sticking paper board with fabric/foam. Require in liquid form because we have machine whereby this liquid has to be sprayed using machine. This is for leather goods industry where we make wallets, check books etc.

anon37147

I am trying to attach ladies hankies 8x8 squares to make a small quilt for new granddaughter, anyone have any ideas ( very old thin hankies )that will be a keepsake. Should I use fusible web and a backing? Need help!

anon36102

How do I remove the glue from the iron on two way tape. I want to take out the hem on my cotton drapes. I can get the tape off, but I'm wondering how to get rid of the sticky glue film left behind.

capgar

does anyone know how remove fusible bonding from fabric after it's been steamed on?

anon25897

I'm looking to connect two cotton based fabrics together using an iron. I'm looking to create a water proof layer between the two so that liquids can't seep from one layer to the other.

Any suggestions how I can do this or what type of fusion materials can give me this desired outcome?

Oh BTW it has to be machine washable as well.

Thank you.-Gene

juliablanden

Hi, I am attempting to make a tennis ball fancy dress costume!!! and need a strong glue that will stick foam together. Any ideas/suggestions?

lorich

I am trying to adhere red felt letters to the back of a polyester wind suit for Halloween. I want the adhesive to be temporary so that the suit can be worn without the letters after Halloween.

I don't know what kind of adhesive to use - or if I should lightly stitch them into place. I am afraid of leaving a residue on the material once it is removed or leaving holes in the fabric. Help...

tamytamv

I need some kind of fabric adhesive for some costumes I am making. I am new at this so your help is appreciated. I have a piece of lightweight cotton material. I need some kind of adhesive that will be on this strip of material that can be permanently adhered to denim. I need it to be permanent and wash resistant. Is there anything I can apply to the cotton strips then they could take these strips pull off a paper protecting the sticky side and adhere it to the denim permanently without ironing and sewing? HELP! I have been to every fabric store looking for answers. Tammy

marilynk

I want to find an adhesive that can be added, in powder form, so that when mixed with cloth, metallic fibers and a small amount of water will adhere to ceramic bisque, will stick and become hard.

I'm thinking that this result could also be achieved if the adhesive were "washed" into the fibers and then dried and ultimately when water was added you could achieve the same result.

Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

anon10528

anyone know how to remove fabric glue?

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    • Fabric glue comes in washable and non-washable varieties.
      By: chas53
      Fabric glue comes in washable and non-washable varieties.
    • A can of spray-on fabric adhesive.
      By: difught
      A can of spray-on fabric adhesive.
    • Fabric adhesive is used in craft projects to bond pieces without sewing them.
      By: eldadcarin
      Fabric adhesive is used in craft projects to bond pieces without sewing them.
    • Hem tape is activated by a hot iron.
      By: Pixelot
      Hem tape is activated by a hot iron.
    • Padding glue may be used to install carpet on stairs.
      By: digerati
      Padding glue may be used to install carpet on stairs.