What Is The Best Fabric Glue For Patches? (6 Gluing Tips)
Don’t count fabric glue out. Its strength and durability make it a good sewing tool to use. Fabric glue can withstand numerous washing and drying cycles and that makes it a great product to use whenever the situation calls for its use.
What is the best fabric glue for patches? The best fabric glue for sewing patches would be the waterproof kind. Not every fabric glue you come across will have that quality. If the patch is not temporary, then you want to use the glue that is waterproof. That way the patch will remain throughout the wash cycle.
To learn more about fabric glue and its uses just continue to read our article. It is filled with tips and information that help you use the glue in better ways. Also, you may find some top brands that should help you complete your sewing project.
Gluing Patches With Fabric Glue 101
Tip 1. Always clean your fabrics before apply fabric glue. Scotch tape doesn’t stick to dirt and grime and neither does fabric glue.
Tip 2: When drying those fabrics before you glue them together, do not use dryer sheets or fabric softener. These two items leave an oily residue behind that may make it hard for the glue to adhere to the fabric
Can You Use Fabric Glue for Patches?
Yes, you can. Since a majority of patches are made from fabric, it would be a wise choice to use glue specifically designed to handle fabrics. In fact, fabric glue is said to hold tighter than iron-on patches.
It is much simpler than ironing or sewing and gluing will save you the time you need for other responsibilities. The process is quite simple as well. Just spread the glue on the patch, apply it to the shirt or dress and so on and let dry.
That is all there is to using fabric glue. The key is to make sure to put enough weight on the patch until it dries. That way you get a better hold and the patch should stay on through rough laundry cycles.
Tip 3: Just so you know, some fabric glues will stain linen and satin. So before you do the patch, test the fabric and glue on a spot that won’t be seen by anyone.
Does Fabric Glue Work On Patches?
Yes, it does and several good brands on the market are designed for patch work. Aleene’s has two good fabric glues you can use, the first is Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Glue and the second is Platinum Bond Super Fabric Textile Adhesive.
Both versions need about 2 to 6 hours to dry and about 3 days before you wash the fabric you have applied it to. Then there is Beacon Craft Products Patch Attach which allows you to iron the patch right after application.
In 15 minutes the patch should be ready and you can wear your clothing item right away. Just be careful as fabric glue containers do not hold a lot of glue. You may only get enough for between 5 to 10 to 20 patches depending on the size of the patch you are working with.
Tip 4: When testing your glue, make sure to use the thinnest possible layer. This helps cut down on any staining occur and also minimalize any rippling.
Does Fabric Glue Work On Iron-On Patches?
It is possible to use fabric glue on iron-on patches. With iron patches, once the glue has been activated it is hard to reactivate it again. That is where fabric glue comes in handy. It can help seal the iron-on patch when it has lost its adhesive power.
There are a lot of brand name products that will help you with this task. Stitch Withery and Dritz liquid stitch are just two of those brands. Iron-on patches may seem easy and convenient but if they are applied to clothing areas that are always under stress, then they do not last that long.
Adding a layer of fabric glue may help make them more secure and make it easier to apply the iron-on patch. This technique comes in handy when the fabric you are patching doe snot hold up to heat that well.
Tip 5: make sure to use a piece of cardboard to flatten out the glue as you apply it. If you don’t flatten the glue, it can cause ripples to appear in your fabric. You can repeat this procedure as often as you need to.
How to Use Fabric Glue for Patches
It is not hard to use fabric glue and this adhesive works like just about every other kind of adhesive you can use at home or on the job. The basic instructions are as follows:
First, lay your fabric nice and flat. You do not want any ripples, etc., marring your clothing item
Second, apply a layer of glue to the area of clothing you want to place the patch. Then apply a layer to the back of the patch. Make sure to smooth out the glue so that ripples do not enter into the process.
Third, make sure when you put the patch on the fabric that all glue areas match up and there is no cloth with glue sticking out from the patch.
Fourth, add weight. Make sure it is enough to press the patch and fabric together. You need firm pressure to make sure the glued areas adhere to each other
Fifth, let dry and do not wash for several days.
To get the best bond you need to apply glue to both the patch and the fabric. Doing one side only may leave weak spots that your washing machine and dryer can exploit.
Tip 6: Do not stretch the fabric that you are gluing the patch too. If one little area of the fabric does stretch then you lose the look of the garment and you may look a little sloppy when you wear it in public.
What is The Best Fabric Glue for Patches?
We have already mentioned a few good brand names but they are not the only brands that are really good with adhering fabric and patches together. Here is a list of some more brands you may have success with using:
- 1. Plaid Delta Sobo Premium Craft and Fabric Glue - it is not made to be waterproof so you can wash the fabric you apply it to.
- 2. Roxanne Glue Baste - this adhesive is for temporary use and its best applied when you are basting.
- 3. Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive - this is a glue that is a rare breed. Its specialty is leather and other heavy fabrics.
- 4. Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive - they say it is good for beginners as it bonds with just about any fabric you are working with. It even works on plastic and wood.
- 5. Permatex Body Shop Heavy Duty Headliner and Carpet Adhesive - when you are working with upholstery, it pays to have a top glue on hand to save on your work.
- 6. Supplies Clear Glue Liquid Silicone - it's an all-round glue that is versatile, flexible, and great with fabrics and metals.
This list is just going to get you started in finding the best glue for you to use on your sewing projects. It is best to let your sewing project determine which glue you use and when to use it.
Best Fabric Glue for Scout Patches
Just about any of the already mentioned brands will be good for scout badges. The key to using the right glue is to make sure that it can be washed. Temporary glue will not hold up in the wash or the dryer so read the package carefully before buying.
Some people say that the glue gun is the best way to attach scout badges but if you do not have one then maybe Badge Magic is the best choice. Or you can try E600 Glue for its industrial strength.
Fabric Glue for Hat Patches
Patch Attach may be a fine option and if that doesn’t work for you or the store doesn’t carry any, a quick search at Amazon should provide you with ample suggestions that provide the hold you are looking for.
Most of the above-named glues, save for any temporary ones, should do the trick. Hats, after all, are made from fabric. The trick is to make sure the glue is waterproof so the patch doesn’t come off in the rain.
Some Final Words
Fabric glue is a good way to save time and place patches on fabric. The gluing process is simple and a lot easier to do than sewing or ironing. There are different fabric glues for different sewing tasks, and some are also colored, so read the labels carefully. You do not want to come home with the wrong fabric glue.
