How To Use Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing (10 Helpful Tips)
It is a time saver. There are certain areas where fabric glue can help you cut down on your sewing time. But the sad fact is, it is not a replacement for sewing. Even though you can use fabric glue in certain areas you still have to sew the dress, shirt, or blouse together.
One of the first lessons you need to learn when wanting to use fabric glue is that it may not work on all fabrics. When you run across those materials you have to go back to time-consuming sewing techniques to make your clothing item look good.
To learn more about how to use fabric glue instead of sewing just continue to read our article. It goes through the issue so you have the information you need to know when and where to use fabric glue.
Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing 101
Tip 1: Fabric glue is best used on embellishments that would take too long to sew.
Tip 2: Using fabric glue with your kids is one way to make the project go easier and keep your kids interested in sewing.
Can I Use Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing?
Fabric glue is very handy to have on hand. But it is not a replacement for sewing. You will still have to sew if your project is going to last a long time and look good. Where fabric glue works best is in basting, replacing pins, and helping with pockets.
Also, you can use fabric glue with appliques and adding embellishments to different articles of clothing. Those are not the only areas you can use fabric glue. If you get the permanent version, you can glue little tote bags together, hold shoes together, and even work with heavy materials like leather.
There are lots of areas in sewing where fabric glue will come in handy and shave off some time. The proper use of this product will help you have more time for other important activities like picking your children up from school.
Tip 3: make sure you get the right glue for the task that needs to be done. You do not want permanent fabric glue when temporary is called for and vice versa.
How does Fabric Glue Work?
The good news here is that fabric glue works just like any other adhesive known to man. First, you need to line up your pieces and then apply the glue. There are a few more steps in between those two but that is how simple it is to use this glue.
First, you have to make sure the fabrics you want to glue together are clean. Then you need to decide if this is a temporary or permanent glue job. After you make that decision mark your fabrics so you know exactly where the glue is supposed to go.
Then make sure you have coverage so you do not glue the wrong part of the fabric. If you do then you have another issue to solve before proceeding. Once you are ready then you can apply the glue.
Just have something heavy to apply firm pressure and let the glue cure for about 3 to 6 hours depending on what the instructions say. Wait a few days before washing the piece of clothing to make sure the bond is secure.
Tip 4: If it is easier to sew the section you are working than gluing, then, by all means, sew away.
How does Fabric Glue Dry?
Fabric glue dries just like any other glue you have used throughout your life. It takes time, pressure, and a little patience. There are two keys to applying fabric glue and waiting for it to dry.
The first key is to make sure you do not get any flue drops outside the area you want to be glued together. The extra glue can make a mess, stain, or cause a rip if the object glued to it doesn’t come off smoothly. So stay between the lines as you have more than enough hassles in your sewing project.
The second key is to apply the right amount of pressure. After you flatten the glue out evenly and place the fabrics together, you want enough weight to create firm pressure so the glue will hold.
Once that is done, you just need a little patience and let time take care of the drying process.
Tip 5: When using fabric glue on synthetic materials make sure to use a fabric glue that is designed to be stretchable and flexible.
Is Fabric Glue Permanent?
Yes and no. There are two types of fabric glue. The first type is the permanent version which lasts for a very long time. You might say it will last forever if the clothing items are treated properly
These version of fabric glue is either water-resistant or waterproof. Those characteristics help keep the clothing from falling apart in heavy rains or the wash. Permanent usually means permanent and the bond is normally very strong.
The other version of fabric glue is the temporary kind. This works for those sewing techniques that do not need to be sewn or to hold the fabric in place while you get your needle and thread ready.
The bond of the temporary fabric glue is not that great. The glue does wash off in the washing machine and should not leave a residue behind. That is good as this glue should not stain your materials if by chance some drops got in the wrong place.
Your situation will dictate what type of glue you should use. Of course, special holiday and other event costumes can use either glue. It will be up to you which one you decide to use.
Tip 6: Before buying any fabric glue make sure to read what the manufacturer wrote. There are some fabric glues that only work with synthetic materials.
Does Fabric Glue Hold Up in the Wash?
Not all fabric glues will hold up in the wash. That is because they were made not made to do that. The temporary versions of fabric glues we just described are those types of adhesive that will not hold up when you wash out clothing items.
You may not like that characteristic but there are just some sewing tasks that only require glue to be added for a short time. Once those tasks are done, you need some way to remove the glue without damaging your fashion creation.
The permanent glues that have already been talked about will hold up in the wash and they should be able to handle the treatment you and your family bring its way. The permanent fabric glue bond is usually nice and strong and holds on tight.
You want both types of glue in your sewing room as there should be many opportunities to use both types of glue.
Tip 7: When gluing natural fibers together, you want to use thicker fabric glue. This extra thickness will help prevent the gathering and tangling of the fabric.
When to use Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing
Fabric glues, whether permanent or temporary, are not designed to replace sewing. These glues are designed to be an extra sewing tool to help you out when sewing is a little tough or will be too time-consuming, like when you are applying embellishments.
These glues are not made to help you construct the whole dress, top, or whatever you are making. You will still need to do some sewing if you want the garment you are working on to last.
One of the biggest areas where you can get the most help from fabric glue is when you are sewing those tricky pockets. The glue helps the fabric remain where you want it so you can sew it in place and have it look and work just right.
Or if you do not have any pins available, temporary glue will come in handy and save the day for you. Having that glue version on hand can save you a trip to the store to get more pins.
Then when you are basting, you will find that gluing will be more convenient than other techniques.
Tip 8: if you need thinner glue you can always mix it with a little acetone to cut the viscosity so the glue flows faster. This works best on those fine fabrics you want to glue together. Other than that the thicker glue helps keep the glue where you want it.
How to Use Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing
Sewing can be tedious and a pain when you have to do quick patches or repair small holes. These two situations are best handled by the right glue version. The glue even works to hold scout badges until you have the time to sew them properly in place.
Of course, the badge sash is not worn all the time so you may be able to get away with just gluing them on the sash and forget about them. Another good place to use fabric glue is when you are needing a temporary hem.
The glue will hold the hem in place until you return home and find the time to repair the problem. As mentioned earlier, fabric glue is great when you are placing pockets. The adhesive can hold the pocket straight until you have finished the sewing part of the job.
Any time you use pins, it can delay your sewing time. You have to stop and start and then stop again just to pull the pins out. Fabric glue can save you that hassle and make your sewing time more enjoyable.
Tip 8: There are certain fabric glues that are made to stop loose threads from fraying. They are perfect for those tears and rips that contain a lot of loose threads.
Can You Hot Glue Fabric Instead of Sewing?
Yes, you can but it is said that using a hot glue gun on thin fabrics is more of a waste of time and overkill. For best results, you should wait to use your glue gun until you are working with thicker fabrics like leather, canvas, and a tarp.
Those fabrics are in need of a heavy dose of glue, one that permanent fabric glue may not be able to provide. Forget about buying the glue gun in a hardware store or taking it from your husband’s workbench.
There are smaller styles that are easier to handle available ion fabric stores in your area. These would be better to use as they are easier to manipulate and heat up. The only problem you may have is that this type of glue may create a mess even when you try to avoid making one.
Tip 9: Temporary glue is perfect for those thin fabrics that refuse to remain in place. If you can’t wash the fabric then there are many ways to remove the glue without harming the dress, etc.
Some Final Words
Fabric glue may not be a replacement for sewing but it certainly is a handy tool to have in your sewing room. It will help you out when the project has difficult areas to sew or when the fabric cannot remain where you placed it.
Also, fabric glue will smooth out your sewing by removing the need to pull those helpful pins out of their place. These adhesives are the right tool for the job and can make your sewing time a lot better.
Don’t worry about if you get any on your fingers. There are several good products you can turn to to get the glue off. One product brand is Goo Gone, an oil-based solvent that removes the glue no matter if it is still wet or has dried. It is also soft on your fingers.
Other products can be nail polish remover, a dull knife, and so on.
