The 9 Best Fabric Glues
This wiki has been updated 20 times since it was first published in February of 2018. Fabric adhesives come in handy for anyone looking to make changes to a garment without having to sew, such as when adding a patch or a pocket, fixing a hem, or attaching sequins, rhinestones, or other embellishments. Our selection of these glues includes powerful varieties that can reliably replace a needle and thread, as well as those designed to provide only a temporary hold. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Editor's Notes
February 24, 2021:
While fabric glue has come a long way over the years, it isn't a category that sees fast-pace change. After researching the options currently on the market, we decided that the items already on the list continue to be the best choices out there. Many of them come from well-established brands that have proven to be reliable, which is good news for long-term professionals and hobbyists who like to find a formula that works well for their needs and stick with it.
We did move Dritz Liquid Stitch to a higher place on the list than it previously occupied. It reliable creates a permanent hold that can stand up to both a washing machine and a dryer, plus it is available in a variety of other versions that are well-suited to more specific needs, such as a dry cleanable formula and "Fabric Mender," which is designed specifically for repairing rips and tears.
October 16, 2019:
Fabric glue comes in handy for myriad crafts or when you want to alter a garment without sewing a single stitch. Some formulas are made to provide a permanent solution, while others are designed for when you only need a temporary hold. Joining our selection today are Gorilla Hot Sticks, which are made for use with a high- or low-temperature glue gun. As such, they’re capable of bonding delicate materials like cloth or foam, as well as hard surfaces like metal or glass. They’re sold in a pack of 45, and their glue will dry in less than a minute.
Also coming on board is Dritz Liquid Stitch, which can be used to bond hems, patches, zippers, and more, and you can count on it staying intact when you launder the garments in the washing machine and dryer. What’s more, it’s also well suited for adding embellishments to your craft projects.
Making its departure today is the Bish's Tear Mender, which does not dry clear, making it an impractical solution for mending or bonding many types of fabric. In addition, its relatively short shelf life means a large portion of it will likely go to waste for anyone who uses it only occasionally.