Gluing Velcro: How to Attach Velcro to Fabric Without Sewing
When you’re creating crafts, Velcro can help minimize your workload hugely. Velcro works by quickly and securely fastening items together, allowing you to both attach and pull apart fabric. Securing Velcro to fabric by sewing can create a strong bond but can be labor-intensive, especially on larger projects.
That said, the question of how to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing can be hard for some traditional crafters to get their head around... here, we take a look at some of the key information you need to know to make the process a breeze.
Gluing Velcro to Fabric 101
How do You Get Velcro to Stick to Fabric?
Applying Velcro to fabric requires minimal skill, minimal effort, and minimal time (which, in a nutshell, is its beauty). The only thing you really need to think about is the best way of applying the Velcro in the first instance. Methods are variable, with the best option really depending both on personal preference and the individual job at hand.
- Sewing: for traditional crafters, sewing is often the go-to method of choice. While quicker methods exist, sewing does have the advantage of providing incredibly secure results, as well as quick, painless removal should you ever decide to remove the Velcro.
- Fabric-based tape: If you’d rather not sew the Velcro to your fabric, fabric tape can be used to great effect instead. The method uses an easy-peel and sticks technique that allows the Velcro to instantly bond to the fabric with no additional step (such as sewing, gluing or ironing) required. Simply cut the tape to the required size, peel the liner away, and stick it to clean dry fabric. Leave it to set for 24 hours and you’re good to go.
- Gluing: A popular alternative to both sewing and fabric-based tape is gluing. Fortunately, there’s a range of Velcro adhesives on the market built for that exact purpose… if you have a glue gun, you can even take things up a notch with hot gluing.
Does Self-Adhesive Velcro Stick to Fabric?
Self -adhesive Velcro will stick to many types of fabric with great success. However, there’s a caveat. Most generic adhesive-backed hook and loop products have a rubber or acrylic-based adhesive, neither of which bond to fabrics particularly well.
For crafting purposes, you’ll need to invest in an adhesive-backed Velcro designed specifically for use on fabrics. The Velcro can be bought online or at certain superstores like Walmart or Home Depot. Before you make your purchase, check the pack and make sure the Velcro is intended for use on fabric: anything else will inevitably end in disappointment and several dollars’ worth of wasted money.
Can Velcro be Glued to Fabric?
Using glue on fabric can feel slightly alien, but provided you use fabric glue, it can actually make the job of adhering Velcro to fabric incredibly quick and easy. Fabric glues won’t soak or stain your fabric and can be used on even the most delicate of fabrics like lace. Getting to grips with the right gluing technique is simple (more on which coming up), and once you’ve got it down, you find gluing a fast, flexible solution.
How to Glue Velcro to Fabric
Gluing fabric to Velcro is quick, simple, and, once you’ve got the hang of it, as easy as pie. Follow these simple tips for flawless results.
Choose a flat surface to work on.
Turn the Velcro over and apply a line of glue, slowly and carefully, from the center to the edge.
Remember that glue will spread once you stick the Velcro to the fabric, so avoid adding too much.
As you apply the glue, leave a seam allowance on either side of the Velcro. This will prevent it from seeping onto the fabric.
Check the instructions on the glue for drying times.
Leave the fabric for as long as directed, or until fully dry.
If necessary, you can add stitches later to reinforce the attachment.
Handy hint: when you pull the glue tube away from the job, you’ll often get a fine string of glue that comes with you. Keep a paper towel handy to quickly wipe up the excess.
How to Remove Velcro Glue From Fabric
Removing Velcro glue from fabric can be a hassle, but it’s not impossible. How successful you’ll be at removing the glue stain will depend both on the fabric itself and the type of glue that was used. For your best chance of success, try one of the following methods:
Citrus Adhesive Remover Method
- Peel the Velcro strip from the fabric using a plastic putty knife, a scooper, flat-edged metal or the end of a fork. Be careful to take your time and peel gently to avoid damaging the underlying fabric.
- Once you’ve removed the Velcro strip from the fabric, apply a citrus adhesive remover to the peeled part.
- To help the adhesive penetrate, use a putty knife to push the remover into the peeling edge of the strip.
- Grip the edge of the Velcro strip with scissors and slowly being pulling the peeling corner away from the fabric. As you pull the strip, continue to apply adhesive remover. Continue the process until both the Velcro and adhesive have been successfully removed.
Tip: before applying adhesive remover, spot test the fabric to ensure it won’t cause damage.
The Freezing Method
- Lift away any excess glue using a putty knife or plastic scraper.
- Place the fabric in the freezer for at least an hour.
- Once the glue is frozen solid, you should be able to simply break it away from the fabric.
- Spot clean the area with a solvent or stain remover to get rid of any remaining stains.
The Acetone Method (best for hot glue gun stains)
- Place a towel under the glue stain.
- Dip a cotton swab in acetone.
- Working from the outside of the stain to the inside, dab the glue stain with the cotton swab.
- As the glue transfers from the fabric to the cotton swap, change the swab for a clean one and continue to work your way to the center of the stain.
- Once the glue is removed, wash the fabric as normal.
Depending on the fabric and glue, some stains simply can’t be removed, no matter how hard you try. If all the above methods fail to deliver the results you want, you may have to consider either giving it up as a lost cause or find a way to repurpose the fabric.
Can You hot Glue Velcro to Fabric?
Hot glue is a great option for gluing Velcro to fabric. The method is very similar to using standard glue, with a few tweaks here and there:
- Prep your fabric before you start.
- Switch on the glue gun and let the glue heat (unless you want a sticky mess, don’t apply before the glue is hot and free-flowing).
- Once the glue has heated to the optimal temperature, apply the glue directly to the Velcro in thin lines, leaving some space on either side of the Velcro to allow for the glue to spread without seeping onto the fabric.
- Apply the Velcro to the fabric using light pressure.
- Leave to dry.
What Fabric Does Velcro Stick to Best?
Velcro will stick to most fabrics but not all. Fabrics that work best with Velcro have either a series of small loops on the surface or a pile the Velcro can “grab” onto.
Typically, you shouldn’t have any problem in attaching Velcro to:
- Wool
- Fleece
- Loose-looped felt
- Looped nylon fabrics
- Some microfiber fabrics
- Velvet
- Some knit fabrics
When applying hook sided Velcro to certain fabrics not listed above, bear in mind the constant attaching and detaching can stress the fabric and cause it to develop an unsightly fuzzy appearance.
Which Side of Velcro Goes on Fabric?
Velcro hook and loop fasteners come with two layers: a hook side and a loop side. When the two side are pressed together, the hook clutches hold of the loop to form a tight, secure bond.
Hook: the “hook” side of Velcro is the rougher, more rigid side of the material. “Hook” is the side that catches onto the “loops”.
Loop: the “loop’ side of Velcro is the softer, smoother side.
Which side goes where depends on what you’re attaching, but generally speaking, the rough “hook” side should go onto the fabric. So, for example, if you’re making curtains, the “loop” side should go onto the valance, and the rough side of the fabric adhesive should go onto the curtain material.
What to do if The Velcro Adhesive Isn’t Sticking?
Finding out the adhesive you’ve chosen isn’t strong enough to bond the Velcro to the material can be frustrating. Depending on the surface you’re using to stick the adhesive to, you may find the Velcro adhesion is stronger than the adhesive, which will make the adhesive come away before the Velcro. If this is the case, you may need to reinforce the adhesive with stitching, nails, staples, or a stronger adhesive (again, the supporting technique you use will need to be tailored to suit the surface in question).
What to if Velcro Stops Bonding
After a while, you may find the Velcro on your fabric loses its secure bond. Usually, this happens when lint or debris gathers on the Velcro and stops the hooks from latching onto the loops.
Even the most high-quality Velcro can be affected, but fortunately, it can usually be restored to its original condition with a quick clean.
Cleaning Velcro With a File Card
Hold one end of the Velcro’s hook side securely against a flat surface top.
Using the file card, brush away from the hand holding the Velcro using long, even strokes.
Work in one direction to avoid pushing the dirt back into the hooks.
Tip: If you don’t have a file card to hand, you could use the same method with a pet brush or a toothbrush instead (although neither are quite as effective).
Cleaning Velcro With Duct Tape
Cut a small length of duct tape and hold it securely between the index and middle fingers of one hand. The sticky side should be facing outwards.
Using your other hand, secure the Velcro against a flat surface.
Roll the duct tape down the length of the Velcro with firm, even strokes.
Replace the duct tape with a new piece once it becomes covered in debris, and continue until all debris has been removed.
Is Velcro Adhesive Waterproof?
Whether or not a Velcro adhesive is waterproof will really depend on the type you use. If you’re using Velcro on a garment (or indeed, anything else that may come into contact with water), check the label of the adhesive before making your purchase: adhesive designed specifically for fabrics will typically be waterproof (as will industrial adhesives) but it’s always best to double-check first to avoid a disaster down the line.
Best Adhesive for Attaching Velcro to Fabric
The best adhesive for Velcro really depends on the type of fabric you’re using and the type of project you’re creating.
Self-adhesive Velcro is a great option for most types of material (although be careful to choose a Velcro specifically designed for fabrics, rather than any old type you find around the house).
Glue is quick, convenient, and strong (although on the flip side, it can be tricky to remove).
Even after you’ve chosen your preferred method, you’ll still need to choose your product wisely. Although the options and brands available are almost endless, the easiest way to ensure the adhesive is fit for purpose (especially if you’re using a self-adhesive tape) is to check the options available from Velcro itself.
Believe it or not, Velcro isn’t a product, it’s a brand name (what we think of as Velcro is simply “hook and loop fastener”). Velcro carries a number of adhesives that are specifically designed to tackle the job of securing Velcro to fabric, along with a variety of Velcro’s that range from sticky back (no sewing required) and sew on (sewing obviously compulsory).
