Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Wahid
Fabric glue is not a single product. It ranges from flexible, washable formulas to heavy-duty industrial bonds.
Permanent fabric glues (often polyurethanes) flex with the material, while Super Glue (cyanoacrylate) turns brittle and can chemically burn cotton fibers.
Not all “strong” glues are fabric-safe. In adhesive manufacturing and textile repair, using the wrong type causes stiffness, staining, and bond failure after washing.
I ruined a vintage denim jacket by trying to attach a patch with standard super glue. It dried into a hard, scratchy white lump, and the patch fell off in the first wash. If I had used a flexible permanent adhesive, that jacket would still be wearable today.
Stop guessing in the craft aisle. Keep reading to find the perfect adhesive for your specific project—whether you are hemming pants, fixing upholstery, or bonding fabric to wood.
Types of Glue for Fabric Projects
Choosing the right glue depends entirely on the material and how long you want the bond to last.
Permanent Fabric Glue (The Standard)
If you need a bond that survives the washing machine, you need “Permanent Fabric Glue.” Unlike standard white school glue, these formulas are designed to remain flexible when dry. They stretch with the fabric rather than cracking.
Most permanent glues require 24 hours to cure fully. They are ideal for hemming pants, attaching patches, or repairing seams where sewing isn’t an option.
- Best For: Hemming, clothing repairs, and patches.
- Key Attribute: Flexible and washable.
- Full Guide: Types of Glue for Crafts
Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) – Warning!
Many people grab Super Glue for a quick fix, but this is usually a mistake. Cyanoacrylate adhesives create an exothermic chemical reaction when they touch cotton or wool. This releases intense heat that can actually burn the fabric fibers and even your skin.
Furthermore, Super Glue dries into a hard, brittle plastic. It will scratch your skin and crack instantly if the fabric bends. Only use it for non-porous embellishments (like metal to plastic), never for fabric-to-fabric bonding.
- Warning: Can cause chemical burns on cotton.
- Read More: Super Glue vs. Fabric Glue
Hot Glue (Great for Crafts)
Hot glue is excellent for porous materials like felt, burlap, and ribbons. It creates a mechanical bond by seeping into the fibers and hardening as it cools. However, it is heat-sensitive. A hot glue bond can melt or weaken if you put the garment in a hot dryer or leave it in a car on a summer day.
- Best For: Halloween costumes, felt crafts, and temporary fixes.
- Key Attribute: Fast drying but not heat-resistant.
- Comparison: Super Glue vs. Fabric Glue
Specialty Glues: Gorilla & Heavy Duty Options
Sometimes you need industrial strength. Here is how popular heavy-duty glues perform on fabric.
Gorilla Glue on Fabric (Does it work?)
Original Gorilla Glue is a polyurethane adhesive that expands 3-4 times its size as it cures. While incredibly strong, this expansion makes it messy for delicate fabric work. It can bleed through the weave and leave a permanent, hard stain.
Pro Tip: Always test on a scrap piece of fabric first to see how much it expands before applying it to your main project.
If you must use it, opt for the Gel version or clear formulas specifically marked for fabric, as they control the expansion better than the original brown liquid.
- Best For: Heavy canvas, tarps, or outdoor gear repairs.
- Key Insight: The “Original” formula expands and hardens; use with caution.
- Detailed Review: Does Regular Gorilla Glue Work on Fabric?
- Product Battle: Gorilla Glue Gel vs. Regular
Bonding Fabric to Other Materials
Gluing fabric to itself is easy; gluing it to wood or glass is where most people fail.
How to Glue Fabric to Wood
For upholstery projects or covering furniture, typical fabric glue is too thin. Instead, use Spray Adhesive or Contact Cement. These create a tacky surface on the wood that grips the fabric instantly without soaking through and causing stains.
- Best For: Reupholstering chairs, lining drawers, or headboards.
- How-To Guide: How to Glue Fabric to Wood
- Technique: Best Way to Adhere Fabric to Wood
Gluing Fabric to Glass & Plastic
Smooth surfaces like glass and plastic offer nothing for the glue to “grip.” Regular white glue will peel right off. For these projects, you need an acrylic-based jewelry glue (like E6000) or a specialized spray adhesive designed for non-porous surfaces.
- Best For: Decorating jars, window treatments, or plastic crafts.
- Glass Guide: Best Glue for Fabric to Glass
- Plastic Tips: Does Original Gorilla Glue Work on Plastic?
Washability & Dryer Safety: What Survives Laundry?
Before you start your project, consider how you will clean it. Not all bonds survive the laundry cycle.
- Permanent Fabric Glues: Designed to withstand washing machines and dryers after a 24-72 hour cure time.
- Hot Glue: Will survive a cold wash (inside a garment bag), but will melt in the dryer. Always air dry hot-glued items.
- Spray Adhesives: Generally dry-clean only or spot clean. Immersion in water often dissolves the bond.
- Super Glue: Technically waterproof, but the brittle glue will crack and crumble due to the tumbling action of the washer.
Fabric Glue vs. Sewing: When to Use Which?
Fabric glue is a tool, not a magic wand. Use this chart to decide if you should glue it or sew it.
| Feature | Fabric Glue | Sewing (Thread) |
| Strength | Medium–High (varies by brand) | Very High (Physical bond) |
| Flexibility | Medium (Can stiffen fabric) | High (Moves with fabric) |
| Washability | Variable (Check label) | Excellent |
| Time Required | Fast (Minutes) | Slow (Hours) |
| Best Use Case | Patches, hems, crafts, upholstery | Seams, structural clothing, zippers |
- Full Comparison: Fabric Glue vs. Sewing: Which is Stronger?
How to Remove Glue from Clothes (Mistakes Happen)
Spilled glue on your favorite shirt? Don’t panic, but act fast.
Removing Super Glue & Gorilla Glue
Acetone (found in nail polish remover) is the enemy of Cyanoacrylate. Dabbing a cotton ball soaked in acetone can dissolve hardened super glue. Warning: Acetone can bleach colors or melt synthetic fabrics like acetate, so test a hidden spot first.
Removing Hot Glue
Thermal shock is the trick here. Put the item in the freezer for an hour. The cold makes the hot glue brittle, allowing you to often peel it right off. Alternatively, Isopropyl alcohol can break the bond of hot glue without damaging the fabric.
Conclusion
The success of your project depends 90% on choosing the right bottle.
- For Clothing: Use a Permanent Fabric Glue that stays flexible.
- For Upholstery: Use Spray Adhesive or Contact Cement.
- For Crafts: Use Hot Glue, but keep it out of the dryer.
Avoid Super Glue on cotton at all costs. With the right adhesive, you can create professional-looking bonds without ever threading a needle.
