When the topic of fabric glue’s usefulness arises for fabric projects, we sure know that there are uses. Fabric glue can help in binding the fabric quickly and easily.
But can you sew over fabric glue? Most definitely, you can always sew over the fabric that is bound with fabric glue. However, it is suggested that you pin the fabric before sewing rather than binding the pieces together with fabric glue. Also, you should wait until the fabric glue is dry if you insist on using it.
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When Do You Need to Sew Over Fabric Glue?
It would help if you sewed over fabric glue when you want the fabric pieces that you have joined together with fabric glue to remain intact for a long time.
So, now that you have decided to use fabric glue for binding fabrics, an important thing to keep in mind is that different fabrics need different fabric glues to bind them.
You might also want to consider sewing over the fabric pieces that you have joined using the fabric glue because, at best, fabric glue binds the thicker fibers of the fabric. One such example of the fabric where you might want to join the fabric first and then sew over the layers is leather.
Here, the glue does the work that the pins do in the case of lightweight fabrics. It avoids the shifting of fabric and ensures smooth stitching.
How Long Will Fabric Glue Last?
Fabric glue usually lasts depending on the type of fabric glue you are using—whether it is permanent fabric glue or non-permanent fabric glue. Permanent fabric glue lasts long while non-permanent fabric glue does not.
To understand the lasting period of fabric glues, you need to know that there are two types of fabric glues in general. They are—
- Non-permanent fabric glue
- Permanent fabric glue
#1. Non-Permanent Fabric Glue
These fabric glues are best suited to use on light-weight fabrics. They are extremely beneficial as they form temporary bonds. If you require to hold two pieces of fabrics bound together only for a certain period of time, you must use this type of fabric glue.
For example, you want to create a Halloween costume. You may now use non-permanent fabric glue to create the costume and then repurpose the fabric later on to create other costumes.
#2. Permanent Fabric Glue
These fabric glues form permanent bonds. They are best suited to materials like wood and plastic. They also have their very own advantages.
The permanent fabric glue is washing-machine safe. You can easily attach decorative items to your garments using this type of fabric glue. Also, they are perfect for repair projects. For instance, your jeans are ripped, and you want to patch it up. Using permanent fabric glue, you can easily stick a patch that will remain there forever, without ever coming off.
Can You Use Fabric Glue for Yarn Project?
Yes, fabric glue can be used for yarn projects. Fabric glue isn’t the first thing that you might have thought of while doing a project with yarn. However, it is indeed a good adhesive to use for your yarn project.
An important factor for you to note is that you need to use clean yarn for the fabric glue to stick properly.
Fabric glue is the right choice because there is very little fuss, and also, your job needs less assembling.
How Long Does It Take Fabric Glue to Dry?
For the fabric glue to dry properly, it takes around 72 hours. You can continue sewing over the glue or continue working with your project after the 72 hours drying period.
Does Fabric Glue Work on Denim?
Yes, fabric glue does work on denim. However, the important thing is that you need to ensure that there is adequate glue on the denim and the right type of glue. Also, it would help if you had a patch.
You might want to use permanent glue rather than temporary glue because permanent glue is designed to hold the patch to fix the holes. Also, make sure that the glue is waterproof. This way, you can wear your denim without any worries.
The technique involved here is knowing how to apply the glue and the period you allow the glue to dry before you wear your denim. Another key is not washing the denim right away but rather giving it time so that the fibers hold strong enough.
However, if you are gluing a piece of denim to something other than fabric, then you might want to use spray glue, epoxy, or PVA glue to get the job done. These glues will hold the denim better.
The type of glue that you must use should depend on the surface you are attaching it to.
Note: Always use a tailor’s chalk if the tear in the denim is too big, and you need a large piece of denim to fix the tear. The tailor’s chalk is non-permanent and will fade away soon.
Is It Possible to Use Fabric Glue Instead of Sewing?
Sure, ways are using which one can attach fabrics without sewing. One such method is the usage of fabric glues.
There are different types of fabric glues available in the market, and apart from the liquid glues, you can also invest in the bonding tape that is fusible to attach fabrics. One example of bonding tape that is fusible is Dritz Stitch Witchery.
Fabric glues, most of them, are clear when dry and are harmless to fabrics in question. However, it would help if you were careful when using them with lightweight fabrics like silk. Fabric glue is supposed to withstand dry-cleaning, washing and also, drying.
You need to note that hot iron loosens the fabric glue, and so you should apply fabric glue to those fabrics that do not require regular ironing.
#1. Hard to Sew Items
Fabric glue is usually used on fabrics that are temporary or hard to sew. Some of the common items include scarves, pillow covers, or headbands.
Apart from these, permanent fabric glue is used for trims, zippers, repairs, patches, and hems.
#2. Decorations
Fabric glue is used for multiple decorations such as Christmas trees, table runners made of burlap, and wire baskets woven with fabric.
These decorations do not require a regular wash, and therefore, they can be hot-glued, though that is not the option for the other fabrics.
#3. Embellishments
Embellishments like sequins and rhinestones are best added with fabric glue rather than sewing through them.
Fabric glue does wonder when adding embellishments.
#4. Projects with Kids
Are you making fabric or a craft project with kids? Then, you know that it is much easier to handle kids around fabric glue rather than around a regular sewing machine. Also, kids of any age can be easily taught to use fabric glue safely.
Though this may not result in the cleanest ever project, the kids will have fun rather than getting frustrated with thread and needle. Therefore, fabric glue is the best option for doing projects with kids.
#5. Emergencies
Do you need to repair a skirt’s ripped hem, and you don’t have the time to take out the needle and thread? Well, your first bet would be to use the fabric glue!
It is fast, efficient, and it does the job.
In the case of the ripped skirt hem, you can use spray glue, and the glue will last a good few hours.
At the time of washing, the glue will come off, and later on, you can repair it leisurely when you do have the time to do it.
#6. Uncommon Materials
At times, you might not be working with fabrics. You may be working with materials such as vinyl or plastic. Having the right needle, machine, and the right thread is important to sew through these materials.
Rather, you can begin using fabric glue and avoid sewing through these hard and thick materials, which will dull and eventually result in the breaking of your perfectly good machine needles.
Fabric Glue vs. Sewing – Which Is Better?
While comparing fabric glue and sewing, fabric glue takes the upper hand as binding fabrics are usually much safer, easier, convenient, and faster, especially when you want to combine the things that not require to wash a lot.
Fabric glues give you an option to provide you with a temporary or a permanent bond. You can decide by choosing whether you want to use temporary glue or permanent glue. Also, fabric glue lets you bind heavy fabrics together like denim and leather, as it can be hard to sew over them.
Read also: Fabric Glue vs. Sewing
Does Fabric Glue Washout?
A larger percentage of glues can only hold for a short time period after wash. I recommend that you limit the usage of fabric glues on fabrics that you want to use for long because, after each wash, the glue tends to lose its strength.
When you attach fabrics with fabric glue, you need to wash them with care.
You shouldn’t be using hot water to wash any garment piece you have made using hot glue as the glue will be melted when it comes in contact with the hot water. This glue will get locked in the fibers, and the one thing that releases this glue is heat.
Read also: How Fabric Glue Reacts When Washed?
What Type of Glue Can Be Used on Fabric?
For the types of glues that can be used on fabrics, different classifications are present, depending on the glues class.
There are temporary and permanent glues. Most of them are washable.
#1. Liquid Stitch
Are you looking for an awesome branded fabric glue for sticking your fabric pieces together? If so, the most common suggestion that you will hear of is Liquid Stitch. It dries up pretty clearly, and fasts, and you can use it without having to worry about it getting in between the pattern, color, or design of the fabric.
Now, are you looking for more options for fabric glues? Here they are—
#2. Bacon Fabri-Tac
This is one of the permanent glues, and also, it is the one for beginners. It is best suited for all types of surfaces. The only downside of this glue is that it has a powerful scent, and it is quite thick.
#3. Plait Delta Sobo Premium Craft and Fabric Glue
This is yet another type of fabric glue that makes a permanent bond, and that is non-washable. Now, it is best suited for upholstery and heavy materials. Also, it is clear when it is dry, and so you can apply it with confidence.
It is recommended that you not use it on materials that are often washed like denim or coats. This is not a fabric glue that is machine washable.
#4. Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive
This fabric glue is best when it is used on leather. It is easy and simple to use because the additional glue can be lifted with a finger and then rolled and disposed of.
The bond with this glue is permanent, and you can dry clean and wash the surfaces and materials used. Now, the leather that is bound with this glue remains permanently bound.
#5. Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Tape
This is an easy method to stick pieces of fabric together when compared to sewing and other glues. It is a fabric glue tape, and it offers a quick fix.
The fabric glue tape is temporary as it gets less and less sticky with time. Also, it cannot be used with heavy fabrics.
Sew Through Fabric Glue: Tricks that Help
For strengthening the bond, you can sew over the fabric glue.
It is recommended that you use glue spray that is temporary and waits for glue spray to dry up completely, and then sew through the fabric so that there is minimal damage caused to the needle and the sewing machine.
While the glue holds fabric together, it makes the needle skip a few steps or get gummed.
Therefore, ensure that you wait for the fabric glue spray to dry up completely before you even take your fabric near to the sewing machine.
Final Words
Now, you understand that you can sew over fabric glue. The only condition that comes into play here is that you have to wait to dry up completely. Make sure that you choose the right kind of fabric glue for the fabrics you are attaching, and also, do consider the intent with which you are using the fabric glue before you even use the fabric glue. This way, there will only be successful projects.
