Best Fabric Glues for DIY Mending

Did you know that there is another way of patching clothes other than sewing? Yes, fabric glues can also do so and even put pieces of fabric together. Here we provide our list of the 5 best fabric glues for DIY mending, that way the next time you wish to repair clothes or attach fabric despite not having a sewing machine, you can reach for the glue.

However, you need one of the best glue for wool fabrics or cotton or nylon, or other various materials. Failure to choose well may lead to the detachment of the pieces within no time or wreck the fabric. If that’s the case, how do you decide what’s the best glue for wool or any other material?

Fortunately, this article answers that question and much more. It also discusses the best fabric glues for fleece, nylon, wool, and other fabric types. So, if you want to buy the best glue for wool fabric, and other materials, and how it goes down, keep reading.

Why Choose Fabric Glue Over Sewing?

Fabric glues can substitute sewing, but why go for it despite probably being more familiar with the latter than the former?

• First and foremost, unlike sewing, both professionals and novices can use fabric glue with ease.
• Besides buying the fabric glue, you don’t need anything else, including the sewing machine and its accessories.
• It is hassle-free since there are glues that don’t need anything, including heating before use.
• Fabric glue fixes clothes and fabric quicker than sewing. Therefore, it is ideal for even a last-minute repair.
• It is also ideal for a wide range of repairs, including attaching patches, fixing hem, securing pockets, and attaching decorative accessories, including jewelry and embellishments.

What Are The Various Types Of Fabric Glues?

When you embark on buying fabric glue, you will come across many types. They include:

• Permanent Fabric Glue

As the name suggests, this glue will survive even after a long time despite many washes. The bonds they form are robust, long-lasting, and permanent. Equally important, they are washable and waterproof hence ideal for repairing clothes.

• Temporary Fabric Glue

The name says it all. They are suitable for attaching fabric temporarily. These glues are also water-soluble and easily wash off after use with the help of soap and water.

• Heat-Set Fabric Glue

Its design doesn’t allow it to stick on your garment without heat. Therefore, since it can’t dry itself, you have to use heat printing or iron to do the job.

• Cool-Set Fabric Glue

They save you the agony of using a heat printing machine or iron hence easy to use. On the contrary, it will dry on its own.

• Washable Fabric Glue

These glues will not come off even after washing it.

• Non-Washable Fabric Glue

You cannot afford to wash the clothes after applying this glue unless you plan to get rid of it.

• Spray

If you have a massive project, this type is quite suitable. That’s thanks to its aerosol spray bottle that makes it easy to use.

• Non-Spray

They come in a plastic bottle or a tube and are among the popular types of fabric glues.

It is important to note that one fabric glue can fall under several categories. For example, a permanent one can also be washable, cool-set, and non-spray.

5 Best Fabric Glues for DIY Mending: Our Top Picks

There are different fabric glue available in the market. These are among the best hence worth considering when buying one.

#1 Tear Mender Instant Fabric And Leather Adhesive

Having been in existence for almost a century, this fabric glue is worth every penny. Its durability is at another level to the extent that you can wash a freshly glued garment after 15 minutes, and the glue will remain intact.

It is water-based, acid-free, and non-toxic hence environmentally friendly. Did you know that it only takes three minutes to attach two pieces of fabric with this glue permanently? That’s quite efficient, and it also saves you time, making it the best glue for wool and other materials.

What fabric should you use it on? It works on fabric and leather, including both outdoor and indoor clothes. After all, it is UV-resistant and waterproof, thus ideal for home goods, sporting gear, upholstery, clothing, and leather.

It comes in various packages to cater to different budgets. The price is also pocket-friends, and the results are excellent.

Pros

• It is ideal for various fabrics. 
• It saves you time since it dries after a short period, 3 minutes to be precise.
• The fabric glue is non-toxic and environment friendly               
• It is also UV resistant and waterproof, thus suitable for outdoor garments

Cons

• Some may find its smell quite strong.

#2 Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive

It is one of the best fabric glue when there is a need to do repairs. It works perfectly on various textiles, including blended fabrics, linen, and cotton. Are you a beginner in this sector of using fabric glues? If you are nodding, this is a product worth trying out due to its ease of use.

It is permanent hence do not have to worry about repairing it now and then since that can be a waste of time, money and pretty annoying. Did you know that you can also use it to mend a crack on your couch or chair? That’s right since it also works on heavy fabrics, including upholstery.

Costume makers and fashion designers commonly use it. That speaks volumes regarding its durability and quality. It is also versatile and suitable for leather, lace, trims, glass, and wood, just to mention a few.

Pros

• It has a light formula; hence neither stains nor soaks your material
• It is also easy to use even when working on hems due to its convenient application bottle
• You don’t need to heat it before use; hence saves time and effort
• It is also durable, washable, and acid-free

Cons

• It is not safe to dry clean it since the water weakens the bond over time.

#3 Permatex 25247 Fabric Repair Kit

From rips to tears and holes to burns, this fabric glue can easily fix all that. Equally important, it works on various types of fabric, including clothes and upholstery. For convenience, its package comes with fabric repairs in various colors for different needs.

Did you know that it is one of the few, if not the only fabric glue recommended during car repairs? It is also ideal for repairing automobiles and carpets. You have all the necessary tools for the job which are part of your package. They include a screen applicator, mixing bottle, and spatula.

Its formula enables it to create strong bonds regardless of whether the two materials are the same or different.

Pros

• It can withstand even harsh weather conditions hence perfect for indoor as well as outdoor use.
• It can also withstand a temperature of as high as 170 degrees Fahrenheit
• The fabric glue also becomes clear upon drying completely 
• Its package is a complete repair kit
• You can also use it on various fabrics and surfaces.

Cons

• It may not be ideal for relatively light fabrics.
• The seven colors are great but not enough to match all the colors out there.

#4 Odif USA 505 Spray And Fix Temporary Fabric Adhesive

Sometimes, you want to stick two pieces of fabric but not forever. If that’s the case, this temporary fabric glue will not disappoint. Therefore, if your hemming or quilting isn’t final, it comes in handy in case you need to change it later on.

Its lack of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) makes it environmentally friendly. It is also important to note that it is odorless, acid-free, and non-toxic. Once you want to get rid of it after use, I couldn’t imagine an easier way to handle it. It is as simple as using water and dish soap.

Pros

• It is non-toxic, acid-free, odorless, and environmentally friendly
• The users will have an easy time applying it
• It is also temporal and easy to get rid of after use
• It is pretty helpful when positioning, basting, quilting, and using applique

Cons

• You cannot use it on embroidered fabrics.
• Do not use it for permanent repair because it will disappoint.

#5 Dritz 401 Fabric Glue

It is a glue stick meant for fabrics, easy to use, and gets the job done perfectly. Are you a crafter, DIY, quilter, or sewer who needs to position fabrics temporarily before creating the final piece? If the answer is a resounding yes, this fabric glue is a sure bet.

Therefore, the next time you want to position zippers, ribbons, appliques, trims, and fabric, remember this lifesaver. Equally important, never forget that it is temporary. Interestingly, it is also non-toxic without any chemicals or acids as ingredients.

Its formula makes it dissolve in water, and that’s how you remove it with ease after use. All you have to do is wash it with soap and water, and it will be gone in no time.

Pros

• It is easy to use even for a novice.
• It is non-permanent just in case that’s what you are looking for
• The fabric glue stick is one of the best options for positioning
• It is also water-soluble and easy to wash off after use

Cons

• For someone looking for a permanent fix, this is not the best choice

5 Best Fabric Glues for DIY Mending – Things To Consider

With the many options available in the market, how do you narrow them down to one fabric glue for wool or the fabric you intend to fix? How do you determine the best glue for wool? Some aspects can be of great help.

What are these factors you need to consider when buying fabric glue? Let’s take a look at them.

• Type Of Fabric Glue: Permanent Vs. Temporary

Some needs require permanent fabric glue, whereas “temporary” glue is the ideal option for others. Therefore, identify whether you want to purchase a permanent one or a temporary one. Once you have the answer, be keen only to choose one that matches your need.

Quilting, crafting, sewing, and DIY projects often require gluing the fabric temporarily. Under such circumstances, buy a temporary one. On the other hand, if you are looking for a permanent repair, it goes without saying the ideal choice.

• Safety

As you use the fabric glue, how safe is it to your health? That should be a priority hence the need to choose the ones that are safe to use. They should be acid-free and non-toxic for the sake of your health. Nevertheless, always wear hand gloves when using them.

• Versatility

Why buy a glue that works on only a particular fabric, when you can get another one that works on several surfaces? That’s why you need to choose versatility any day. It is possible to find one that works on different fabrics, glass, wood, leather, and other surfaces.

To be on the safe side, always check the details of the fabric glue before buying it.

• Flexibility

Can you imagine fixing the seam of your clothes with rigid fabric glue? It will most likely look weird and can even scratch you when wearing the garment. That’s why you should choose one wisely, especially if you are fixing something you use often.

Ensure that the glue you use remains flexible and soft even after drying. It shouldn’t even be scratchy to avoid making you comfortable or hurting you.

• Drying Time

How long does the fabric glue take to dry after applying it to your clothes? That’s an answer you need to have before choosing the best fabric glue for wool or any other need. A glue that dries fast may be a lifesaver when your garment needs an emergency fix.

Nevertheless, one that takes pretty long to dry may not be that bad. It has stronger bonds than its counterpart, making it worth the wait. So, as you choose one based on drying time, put the two aspects into consideration.

• Water Resistance

As you are well aware, you are buying glue or adhesive to be used for fabrics and clothes. Then, of course, there is a high chance it will need washing and possibly often. For that reason, it would be wise to buy water-resistant fabric glue so that it remains intact even after washing.

However, for temporary uses, one that’s not water-resistant is the best. After all, you will need to wash it eventually.

• Strength

When it comes to forming bonds, some fabric glues form stronger than others. Therefore, ensure that you buy one that has the strength that suits your needs. For instance, the strength of the glue ideal for automotive and upholstery should be more than that meant for clothes.

• Quality

The quality also differs from one fabric glue to the other. For you to get the value of your hard-earned bucks, always go for one that serves its purpose right. Preferably, settle for fabric glue from a reputable brand.

5 Best Fabric Glues for DIY Mending FAQs

Is it safe to use fabric glue on any fabric?

As a result of their design, fabric glue is ideal for use on any fabric. That includes even the most absorbent ones, including cotton, jersey, linen, viscose, and jeans. However, you must choose the one most suitable for the fabric you need to fix or one that works on all fabrics.

Never forget that the best glue for wool might not be ideal for nylon, fleece, or other materials. Nevertheless, it is possible to find a glue that works on basically every fabric. Others even work on non-fabric surfaces such as wood and glass.

How do you apply fabric glues to clothes?

To fix your garment using fabric glue, follow these steps.

• Ensure that the fabric is clean and dry. If that’s not the case, it would be advisable to wash it first and dry it thoroughly.
• Apply the glue on the clean, dry fabric
• If you have to attach something else to it, don’t do it immediately but rather let it stay untouched for several seconds.
• Leave it to dry. It can be anything between 3 minutes and 24 hours on average, but you should follow its manufacturer’s guidelines.

What if you spill fabric glue accidentally?

If you intend to remove fabric glue that has already dried, you can use a paint scraper. However, if it is just an instance of pouring more than the necessary amount, go for acetone.

Can Super Glue Be a Good Substitute for a Fabric Glue?

It may work, yes, but there are high chances of regretting it in the future. Due to its formula, it is quite rigid, making it hard to work with. It is also hard to miss in case it is somewhere visible. The worst part is how it makes the clothes feel uncomfortable since it isn’t flexible.

5 Best Fabric Glues for DIY Mending: The Conclusion

It is high time you gave up on sewing, especially if you are not an expert. After all, fabric glue is a better alternative with its long list of benefits, especially if you are a novice. There are also various types of fabric glues for different needs.

Some are the best glue for wool, whereas others will work best on other options. From permanent to temporary, cool-set to hot-set, washable to non-washable, spray to non-spray, use the one that’s right for you and more so your needs.

Dritz 401 is the best fabric glue stick, whereas Permatex 25247 is ideal for upholstery. Tear Mender Instant is the best permanent fabric glue, most suitable for leather, and dries fastest. Odif USA 505 Spray and Fix takes the lead in the temporary category.

Last but not least, Beacon Fabri-Tac is the best choice for beginners.