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A Cloth & Fabric Glue Full Guide
Oct 5, 2023

A Cloth & Fabric Glue Full Guide

What is Cloth & Fabric Glue?

Cloth and fabric glue, also known as fabric adhesive or textile adhesive, is a type of adhesive specifically designed for bonding fabrics and textiles together. It is a versatile and convenient alternative to traditional sewing for various fabric-related projects.
 

Why Use Cloth Glue? 

Cloth glue is used primarily for its convenience and versatility in bonding fabrics together, whether for quick repairs, crafting, or attaching decorative elements to fabric surfaces. It offers an accessible and easy-to-use solution for various fabric-related needs.
 

Advantages of using Cloth Glue

Using cloth glue, offers several advantages in various fabric-related projects and applications:
  • No-Sew Solution:

    One of the primary advantages of cloth glue is that it eliminates the need for sewing, making it accessible to individuals who may not have sewing skills or equipment. This is especially beneficial for quick fixes and simple fabric projects.

  • Time Efficiency:

    Cloth glue is significantly faster than sewing, allowing for quick repairs and the completion of fabric projects in less time. It's an excellent option when you need to make speedy repairs or complete last-minute projects.

  • Versatility:

    Fabric glue is formulated to bond a wide range of fabric types, including cotton, denim, silk, polyester, and more. This versatility makes it suitable for various fabric-related applications without the need for specialized needles or threads.

  • Bond Strength:

    Fabric glue is designed to create strong bonds between fabric pieces. When properly applied and allowed to cure, the bond can be durable and withstand everyday wear and tear, including washing and drying.

  • Temporary or Permanent:

    Depending on the type of fabric glue used, you can achieve both temporary and permanent fabric bonds. Some fabric glues are designed to be washable but can be removed when needed, while others provide a more permanent bond.


In summary, cloth glue offers advantages such as speed, versatility, ease of use, and strong bonding capabilities, making it a valuable tool for both quick repairs and a wide range of fabric-related projects.
 

Types of Cloth Glue

There are several types of cloth glue or fabric adhesives available, each designed for specific purposes and fabric types. Here are some common types of cloth glue:
  • Permanent Fabric Glue:

    Permanent fabric glue is designed to create a strong and durable bond that can withstand washing and frequent use. It's ideal for mending clothing, attaching patches, and other fabric applications where a long-lasting bond is required.

  • Temporary Fabric Glue:

    Temporary fabric glue is formulated to provide a temporary bond that can be easily removed when needed. It's often used for basting fabric pieces together before sewing, creating temporary fabric arrangements, or making adjustments to clothing that may need to be altered later.

  • Fabric Fusion Adhesive:

    Fabric fusion adhesive is a type of fabric glue that is known for its ability to bond fabric-to-fabric and fabric-to-other materials, such as wood or paper. It's often used in mixed-media crafting projects.

  • Heat-Activated Fabric Adhesive:

    This type of fabric adhesive requires heat to activate the bonding process. It is often used in conjunction with an iron or heat press to create a secure bond between fabric layers. Heat-activated fabric adhesive is commonly used for appliqué work.

  • Spray Fabric Adhesive:

    Spray fabric adhesive comes in an aerosol can and is sprayed onto fabric surfaces. It is commonly used in quilting and upholstery projects to temporarily bond fabric layers together for sewing or quilting.


Talking about formulation, here are some common ingredients and components that you might find in the formulation of fabric adhesives:
  • Polymer Resins:

    Most fabric glues contain polymer resins as their primary adhesive component. These resins are responsible for creating the bond between fabric fibers. Common polymer resins used in fabric glues include polyvinyl acetate (PVA) and acrylic resins.

  • Solvents:

    Solvents are used to keep the adhesive in a liquid or semi-liquid state until it is applied. They also assist in the penetration of the adhesive into the fabric fibers. Common solvents include water and various organic solvents.

  • Thickeners:

    Thickeners are added to control the viscosity of the glue, making it easier to apply and preventing it from running or dripping excessively. Common thickeners include cellulose derivatives and natural gums.

  • Modifiers:

    Various modifiers may be included to enhance specific properties of the fabric glue, such as flexibility, adhesion strength, and resistance to environmental factors. These modifiers can include plasticizers, UV stabilizers, and cross-linking agents.
     

Types of Fabric that can be Glued

Different types of fabrics may require specific types of fabric glues or adhesives for optimal results. The choice of fabric glue depends on factors such as the fabric type, the intended use, and whether you need a temporary or permanent bond. Here are some common fabric types and the recommended types of fabric glues for each:
  1. Cotton and Cotton Blends:

    • Recommended Glue: All-purpose fabric glue or permanent fabric glue.

    • Use: Cotton fabrics are versatile and can be bonded with a wide range of fabric glues. Permanent fabric glue is suitable for long-lasting repairs and projects.

  2. Polyester and Synthetic Fabrics:

    • Recommended Glue: All-purpose fabric glue or permanent fabric glue.

    • Use: Fabric glues that work well with synthetic fabrics are suitable for polyester and blends. Ex: APO / APAO / Polyolefin Based Hot-Melt Adhesive series, PUR / Polyurethane Based Hot-Melt Adhesives

  3. Nylon:

    • Recommended Glue: Permanent fabric glue or fabric glue designed for nylon.

    • Use: Nylon can be challenging to bond due to its smooth surface, so specialized fabric glue may be necessary. Ex: APO / APAO / Polyolefin Based Hot-Melt Adhesive series, PUR / Polyurethane Based Hot-Melt Adhesives

  4. Leather and Suede:

    • Recommended Glue: Leather glue or suede glue.

    • Use: Leather and suede require specialized adhesives designed for these materials. Ex: APO / APAO / Polyolefin Based Hot-Melt Adhesive series, PUR / Polyurethane Based Hot-Melt Adhesives

How to Choose the Best Cloth Glue for You? 

Choosing the best cloth glue for your specific needs involves considering several factors, including sheer strength, color, water resistance, heat resistance, open time, and setting time. Here's how to make an informed choice based on these factors:
  • Sheer Strength:

    Consider the type of fabric and the intended use. If you need a strong, permanent bond, opt for a fabric glue designed for high sheer strength. Check product labels and descriptions for information on shear or tensile strength, which indicates the adhesive's ability to withstand forces that can cause fabrics to slide against each other.

  • Color:

    If the color of the adhesive is important for your project, look for fabric glues that dry clear or in a color that matches your fabric. Some glues are specifically designed to dry transparent or with minimal color change. Some fabric glues offer a choice of colors, allowing you to select one that blends seamlessly with your fabric.

  • Water Resistance:

    Determine whether your fabric project will be exposed to water or moisture. If so, choose a fabric glue labeled as water-resistant or waterproof. Keep in mind that some fabric glues may offer limited water resistance, while others provide a high degree of protection against moisture.

  • Heat Resistance:

    Consider whether your fabric project will be exposed to heat or hot conditions. If heat resistance is important, select a fabric glue designed to withstand high temperatures. Pay attention to the adhesive's heat resistance rating, which can vary among products.

  • Open Time:

    Open time refers to the period during which the adhesive remains workable after application. Longer open times can be advantageous for complex or large projects, as they allow more time for positioning and adjusting fabric pieces. Check the product label or description for information on open time. Some fabric glues may offer extended open times, while others set quickly.

  • Setting Time: 

    Setting time refers to the time it takes for the adhesive to fully cure and create a strong bond. Faster setting times can be beneficial for projects that require a quick turnaround. Review the product information to determine the expected setting time. Some fabric glues may dry within minutes, while others may require several hours or more to fully set.

 

Tex Year Cloth Glue Recommendations

PUR / Polyurethane Based Hot-Melt Adhesives: Functional Clothing Laminating Adhesives
  • R6920H: Fabric + Fabric <General> Ideal for lamination of water repellence and normal materials.

  • R6935: Fabric + Film <High Water Repellence> Ideal for material with level 4 water repellence or above and for difficult-to-bond substrates, such as, nylon, taffeta, and Taslon.

  • R6940: Fabric + Film <General-Soft> Ideal for material with level 4 water repellence or above and for difficult-to-bond substrates, such as, nylon, taffeta, and Taslon.

  • R6942: Fabric + Film <Flame Retardant> Characterized by high flame retardant, which doesn’t allow PUR films after curing to be flamed by fire. Ideal for lamination of water repellence material to flame retardant material.


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