How to Tape Fabric Together, to Wall, Skin, Wood, and More…
Guys always wonder what a girl’s secret is when their strapless gown stays up without any assistance. It's the same secret men have known for thousands of years. A good tape keeps many things from falling down at the wrong moment.
One of the easiest ways to tape fabric together is to use fusible tape. This little tape makes sure no stitches ruin the look of a gown or dress and is strong enough to last a long time. All you need is an iron to put the tape in place.
To learn more about fabric tapes that hold everything together, just continue to read our article. It has the information to help you use fabric tape to its fullest potential. Take a few minutes to see how you can use tape more effectively.
Taping Fabric 101
How to Temporarily Adhere Fabric
There are products that allow you to baste your fabric together without taking the time to use a basting stitch. These are often called basting tape, hem tape, and other labels. In fact, Singer makes a water-soluble tape that will disappear once you wash the clothing item you attached it to.
Then there is double-sided fabric tape that works well when you have a fallen hem or an open seam. Just snip off the amount you need, apply the tape and then press and the problem should be temporarily solved.
The good news about this tape is that it can be removed easily when you go to apply a more permanent solution. The key is not to use regular double-sided tape. You should be able to find these temporary tapes at any store like JoAnn, Michael's, or your favorite fabric outlet. Amazon has enough to last you a lifetime.
Then these rolls of tape are small enough to put in a pocket, purse, or other handbag so you are always prepared for an emergency.
How Does Fabric Mending Tape Work?
Basically, these types of tape work like any other roll of tape made for more industrial purposes. All you have to do is figure out how much you will need. Then measure out that much tape and make your cut.
Then apply the tape to one side of the fabric and when in position, close or fold the other side of the fabric over the other side of the tape. Then you need to apply heat and pressure to get the tape to stick to both sides of the fabric.
Your iron will handle that part and once the adhesive has been heated enough the melted portion adheres to your fabric. It is just like using regular tape except you need heat to make sure the tape holds tightly onto the material.
Not all fabric tape needs heat to activate it and you will have to look at the labels to see if the rolls you want need help in application. Check to make sure the roll of fabric tape will adhere to the fabric you want to apply it to.
How to Tape Fabric Together
The first step is to read the labels on the different tape options to make sure it will work on the fabric you need it to work with. When working with heavyweight fabrics, you want to use heavy-duty fabric tape. Lightweight fabric tape works best on lightweight or sheer fabrics.
The next step is to wash the clothing item you need to apply the tape. Fabric tape is like most other tape varieties in that it does not stick to dirt very well. Step three has you turning the clothing item inside out so that you are working on the wrong side of the fabric.
Once that is done, pinch your fabric at the place where your seam will lie and pin that folded fabric in place. After that is done, remove the protective layer from the tape and apply it to one side of the fabric inside that fold.
Now you move on to step four and that is where you apply iron heat but make it an indirect application. The iron can melt the tape if direct heat is applied. The final step is to turn the garment right side out again.
To remove the tape, you will have to re-apply the indirect heat till the glue comes loose.
Can You Use Fabric Tape On Skin?
It is possible and some experts say that it is a good option to use when you are wearing a very revealing outfit, yet you do not want that outfit to be too revealing. But there may be better options available.
When it comes to fashion many different manufacturers have come to the rescue of those women who do not want slips in the wrong places at the wrong time. They actually make double-sided tape that is meant to be used on both the fabric you are wearing and your skin.
This special tape is a much better option than fabric tape as the latter often needs heat to be applied correctly. There are several different types of fabric and body tape out there that you should not have a problem finding one that fits your purpose.
Even if you do not like shopping online, you can get a look at the different tapes, find the one that works best for you then search for it in your local sewing or fabric supply stores.
How to Tape Fabric to Skin
This is just like using regular double-sided tape except you are applying it to fabric and then your skin. The process is the same, just the surfaces are different. The first step is to determine where the most discreet but strategic position for those tapes to be.
Then you cut off the amount you need and apply it to your fabric first. No heat is required but you will need to press the tape firmly for a few seconds so that the tape adheres to the material.
After that, place your clothing item on and stick the tape to your skin where it will do the most good. To make sure the tape sticks to your skin, keep that area free from creams or moisturizers as well as dirt and grime.
Also, do not apply the tape to those areas where you might have a rash. spore, skin disorder, sun damage, sunburned skin, or open cuts. Also, if you have a family history of skin depigmentation you should avoid using fabric to skin tape.
Finally, if you feel any burning sensation remove the tape immediately.
How to Tape Fabric to a Wall
The first step is to avoid using heavyweight fabrics. These materials usually weigh too much for a tape to effectively hold in place. Then you will need about 3 extra feet of fabric added to your measurements as you will need to make adjustments for outlets and other wall items.
Then cut the fabric into strips so it is manageable. Trying to tape a whole wall of fabric is hard to do and will create more problems than you want to deal with. Once you have your strips, use masking tape to hold the fabric in place, making sure that once the fabric is up it lies straight and flat.
If you are working with the cut edge, fold it over so the tape won’t fray the material. If you do not want the tape to show, you should use double-sided tape and place it on the fabric first so that when you are done the fabric is straight, tight, and with no bulges.
Most often, people use corn starch to hold the fabric to the walls and only use the tape to hold it in place till the wall is painted with that ingredient.
How to Tape Paper to Fabric
Double-sided fabric tape should do the trick. Some people use fusible webbing but if you do not want to go to that trouble or expense try double-sided fabric tape. Or you can use regular double-sided tape to do the job. You have a lot of leeway here in the type of tape that you use.
The key is to get the right tape for the fabric you are adhering the paper to. The adhesive should work on paper with no problem. But if you are not sure, you can always use liquid glue.
Or you can try experimenting with scrap fabrics and waste paper to see which tape works best for your project. Invisible tape should work as well and that way no one will see that you used tape to get the project done.
Again, any tape you use should be compatible with the fabric the paper is being attached to. Just about anything will stick to paper so play around a bit and get the best product for your project.
How to Tape Fabric to Wood
You are going to have the same amount of freedom with wood as you would have with paper. Wood allows for a lot of glues and tapes to be applied to it without losing any adhesion power.
The problem you will run into when taping fabric to wood is if the wood is painted and the reason for taping fabric to the wood is for a temporary purpose. The type of tape you use can peel the paint off the wood if you are not careful. You need a special tape that won’t peel the pain when you go to remove the fabric decoration.
Then there is the problem of time. The longer the tape stays on the wood the harder it is to get off. Environment and atmospheric changes in your home or office tend to make the tape stick more tightly as time goes on.
These risks apply to wood that has had wallpaper placed over it. Check the labels to see if there are any warnings about the type of surface you cannot apply the tape to. if it says do not apply to wood or fabric or similar words then move on to your next selection.
Can You Use Fabric Tape to Hem Curtains?
The quick answer is yes you can. The longer answer is that the type of fabric tape you use should be made for the weight of the curtain fabric. That means you need to know that weight and then read the labels to make sure your selection is strong enough to hold the hem in place.
You do have lots of options. If you only need a quick hem to get those curtains up before your guests start to arrive, a semi-permanent or temporary tape will handle the task. Or you can go with the no-sew strategy for along time and use permanent tape.
It is up to you and your purpose which style of fabric tape you use. For heavyweight curtain fabrics make sure to go with a heavy-duty fabric tape. When you use temporary tape, many options will wash out when you take the time to clean them.
Application is like any hem application for a dress, skirt, or pair of pants. There is no special hemming method to use when using fabric tape on curtain hems. Just take your time, be careful, and measure twice before applying the tape.
Some Final Words
A tape is every person’s friend. It is small, compact, and can easily be put into fabric emergency kits. It is there when you have a fashion malfunction and should save you from any embarrassing situation.
All you have to do is find the right fabric tape that will handle the fabric you are wearing. Then use proper fabric to skin tape when you want to be seen as sexy. Protect your skin when your risque outfit needs extra holding power.
