Crafting

Best Fabric Glue For Patches : Reviews and Buying Guide

Best Fabric Glue For Patches

Attaching patches to your jacket, or jeans is a good way to show off your personality. The patch can be anything, from your favorite character on a show to a favorite brand, or even a quote that you love. If you know how to attach a simple patch, the possibilities of jazzing up your clothes are limitless.

However, attaching patches to fabrics requires sewing, which is not an easy skill to master, to say the least. It takes years of experience to learn to sew properly. But what if we told you that there is a simpler way to attach a patch to a piece of cloth than using threads and needles?

With the best fabric glue for patches, you will be able to quickly attach your favorite patch to a piece of clothing that you want. It takes no skill at all, and as long as you have the right glue, it is exactly as durable as sewing. But the trick is to find the right glue. And make sure you know the difference between super glue vs epoxy when shopping!

In this article, we will give you a complete overview of some of the finest fabric glue that you can buy to attach patches to your clothes with minimal hassle. So let us get started.

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Tear Mender Instant Fabric Adhesive

Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue

E6000 Craft Adhesive

Elmer's E431 Craft Bond Fabric

Aleene's Tacky Pack Fabric Glue

Our Top 10 Best Fabric Glue For Patches 2024

The first step to attaching patches to fabric using glue is choosing the right adhesive. And since there are literally thousands of units out there these days, it can be hard to find the perfect option. But we aim to make things easier for you.

In the following section of the article, you will find our picks for the finest clothing glue for patches that can serve as a good alternative to sewing.

1. Tear Mender Instant Patches Glue

The first product that we want to feature on our list is by none other than Tear Mender, a big name in the adhesive industry. Their Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive is a great choice not only as a fabric glue but also as an adhesive to repair minor wear and tear on your clothes.

Featuring an instant bond formula, you do not have to wait around for hours for the glue to dry before you can use your cloth. Just a dash of glue where you want to apply the patch and hold it in place for about 3 minutes, and you can start wearing it. In about 15 minutes, the fabric is ready to be washed.

Not only is the drying time fast with this glue, but it is also quite durable and because of this, you can consider this as the best glue for patches on denim. After drying, the bond that it forms with the fabric will not come off even after washing. Since it is permanent glue, any patch that you attach to the fabric will stay on permanently.

We recommend you think carefully about using it if you want the patch to be temporary. The glue is made using a water-based formula. So, it will not harm your skin or the fabric in any way. It comes in a small bottle containing two ounces of fluid. The tip of the bottle is wide enough for quick application, but also thin enough that you will have good precision while using it.

Highlighted Features:

  • Only takes three minutes to dry
  • Resistant to water and ultraviolet rays
  • Comes in a two-ounce bottle
  • Non-toxic, water-based formula

2. Gorilla Waterproof Fabric Glue 2.5 Ounce

Gorilla, as a brand, is the one-stop solution to all your adhesive needs. So, it is no wonder that when you are looking for the best patch adhesive, they have something that ticks the right boxes. The Fabric Glue by Gorilla is easy to use and comes at a price that is extremely appealing, to say the least.

The unit features fast-acting formula because of which the glue forms an instant and permanent bond. However, despite its bonding strength, the fabric remains flexible even after you wash it. It does not leave any discoloration. If you do not want to take the hassle of sewing the patch, this is a great alternative. And here is a good post about attach the patched without using sewing.

With many fabric adhesives, you are not allowed to machine wash the cloth. However, the bonding strength of the unit is at such a level that even if you toss the cloth in the drier, it will not get damaged. Apart from traditional cotton fabric, you can also use it with denim, canvas, and many other types of textiles.

You get around 2.5 ounces of fluid with your purchase which should be enough to last you quite a bit if you plan on gluing patches on your clothes. It is a permanent glue that acts fast. So make sure you plan out exactly where you want to position your patch before you apply it.

Highlighted Features:

  • Instant drying formula
  • No discoloration and dries clear
  • Works with a wide variety of fabrics
  • Comes in a 2.5-ounce tube

3. E6000 237032 Craft Adhesive

E6000 is a popular choice of brand among many fabric designers. The brand produces high-quality adhesives for other purposes too. But when it comes to the fabric industry, e6000 glue for patches have gained a legendary status. If you are in doubt as to which one you want, then get this one.

This particular option is a multi-purpose glue that works on a variety of surfaces. Not only does it adhere fabric to fabric, but can also work perfectly with materials like wood, ceramic, and metal. In fact, it is the best glue for patches on leather. We, however, will leave that for you to decide.

The glue is photo-safe and can withstand any water or ultraviolet exposure. Though its photo-safe design might not be of much use to you if you are planning on using it for fabrics, its resistance to other elements will surely come in handy. After drying, the glue leaves no discoloration on the textile.

This single pack of adhesives gives you around 2 ounces of fluid. But if you need more, it would be better to invest in the two or three-pack bundles. Considering the quality and performance this adhesive delivers, there is a pretty good chance that you will be coming back to it even after it runs out.

Highlighted Features:

  • Industrial-grade bonding strength
  • Compatible with a wide variety of surfaces
  • Non-flammable, photo-safe, water and ultraviolet resistant formula
  • Comes in a 2-ounce tube

4. Elmer’s E431 Crafting Glue

Elmer’s craft glue is a good choice for many arts and crafts projects. But this particular model is also just as capable of gluing fabrics. So, whether you are planning to use it for a home décor project, gluing patches on fabrics, or even curtains, Elmer’s E431 is a fantastic option to go with.

This glue works perfectly on fabrics and paper making it an ideal choice for any sort of arts and crafts project. It dries instantly and leaves no discoloration. And since the glue is waterproof after drying, it makes a fantastic clothing glue for patches.

Similar to most other fabric glue out there, this one is also a permanent adhesive. So, you should think carefully before applying it. Though you can reposition the glue or even wash it off when it is in its liquid state, once it dries, it will be hard, if not impossible, to remove it.

As we said, for the price, the unit gives you a lot more adhesive. So, you can buy a couple of them for the price of one two-ounce bottle of glue by another brand. Those who like to use iron on patches will be happy to know that it also works as a great iron on patch adhesive.

Highlighted Features

  • Comes at an affordable price
  • Comes in a one-ounce bottle
  • Precision nozzle for accurate application
  • Works with both fabric and paper

5. Aleene’s Tacky Pack Fabric Glue

Do you want to take your craft to a professional level? Well, then you need a lot of glue at a good value price. And when it comes to value, nothing comes close to Aleene’s Tacky Pack Fabric Glue. It comes with a couple of different adhesives for patches for different purposes.

Remember, you are not paying for one, but five different fabric adhesives. Each of the glues are permanent but has different unique properties that make them quite useful in a practical sense. For instance, the Jewel-It glue included in the pack is more suitable for gluing embellishment to your fabric.

When it comes to bonding strength, each of the adhesives in the pack delivers superior strength. They dry quickly and after drying, the glue remains flexible and stretchable. You can wash your cloth without any fear of the glue getting wet and loose.

Each of the bottles in this pack contains around .66 Fl. ounces of adhesives. So you should be all set for a good time even if you use adhesives on fabrics pretty frequently. And since the price of this bundle is so low, you can simply buy a new pack when you run out. I’ve also found that crafters that love fabric glue projects also love transfer paper crafts. If that’s you, check out our list of best iron on transfer paper to get started.

Highlighted Features:

  • Comes as a bundle of five adhesives
  • Each bottle contains .66 Fl. ounces of adhesive
  • Flexible and permanent bond
  • Comes at an attractive price

6. Beacon Fabri-Fix Craft Adhesive

For our next product, we want to look at the brand Beacon, with one of their best glues for patches on denim. To be frank, though, they have a couple of good products that you should check out. However, if you do not have the time, the Fabri-Fix should serve you just fine for any patch gluing projects.

This permanent glue for patches on fabrics also works on leather just as effectively. So you can also use it to do any shoe repairs should the need ever arises. It is also used quite extensively in lace, trims, and in some cases also wood. As you can see, versatility is one of its strongest suits.

Its drying period is also quite admirable and since it is water-resistant, you can wash your fabric as soon as it dries fully. Typically, it should not take more than thirty minutes. You can also use the glue for various arts and crafts projects because of its thin and precise applicator nozzle.

The adhesive is fully free of any acid, so discoloration is never an issue with it. You get two ounces of fluid with your purchase in a small bottle. The price for the unit considering its performance is quite reasonable. If you want ta high-quality fabric glue, this can be an excellent investment.

Highlighted Features:

  • Works on leather, fabric, and even wood.
  • No discoloration after drying
  • Dries clear and fast
  • Waterproof and permanent adhesive formula

7. Dritz Original Liquid Stitch

If you are a DIY enthusiast, then you might be forgiven if you never heard of Drits. However, among professionals, the brand is a staple of quality and efficiency. Despite its relatively higher price tag, most professional fabric designers opt to go with the Dritz original Liquid Stitch for its powerful bonding strength.

In fact, the bonding strength of this unit is to sewing. Once it dries, the strong and permanent bond it creates between fabrics will not come off at all. So, if you are gluing patches on your cloth, they will stay on long after you stop using the outfit.

Not only is the bonding strength superb, but it is also highly resistant to water or other effects that typically remove or loosen adhesive from fabric. After drying, you can easily toss your outfit into the washing machine. The glue will stay strong and powerful without any complaints.

The only issue you might have with the unit is its price. For only two ounces of fluid, not everyone wants to spend this amount of money. But if you want quality, then this option is unbeatable. If you are opening a small business and want to apply patches on your fabrics, we recommend this unit whole-heatedly.

Highlighted Features:

  • Excellent bonding strength
  • An adhesive made for professionals
  • Fully waterproof
  • Contains two ounces of adhesives

8. GEAR AID Seam Grip Waterproof Adhesive for Tents and Outdoor Fabric

We are nearing the end of our list, but that does not mean you will find any lacking in the quality in the products we showcase. Coming up next is a fantastic fabric glue by the brand Gear Aid that not only works well on garments but can also patch up tents and other outdoor fabric gears you may have.

As you might imagine, if the glue is strong enough to repair a tent, it is definitely strong enough to keep your patch mounted on your cloth. Once it dries, nothing can phase the durable bond between the fabrics. This is why it is such a good choice for most repair projects.

The adhesive in reality is a two-in-one product. It contains both glue and a sealant in the formula. So, after the glue dries, it is resistant to water, temperature, or even the ultraviolet rays coming from the sun. In all essence, it is as permanent as a glue for iron on patches can get.

You get two separate tubes with your purchase, each tube containing around an ounce of fluid. So, you can keep one tube tucked away until the fluid in your first tube runs out. and even though you are buying two separate tubes, the price is equivalent to only one tube of adhesives.

Highlighted Features:

  • Supreme bonding strength
  • Comes as a pack of two
  • Includes a waterproof sealant in the formula
  • Each tube contains one ounce of glue

9. Aleene’s Quick Dry Fusion Fabric Adhesive

We have already established that Aleene’s does not mess around when it comes to producing high-quality adhesives. If you liked the previous option that we reviewed by the brand but want something a bit simpler, then perhaps their Quick Dry Fusion Fabric Adhesive might be more to your liking.

This glue is just as adept at gluing patches to the fabric as it is at gluing embellishments. It has a quick-drying formula and fuses the fabric five times faster than any comparable unit. And the bond that it creates is permanent and is not removed after washing.

In addition, the glue has no odor, or color, which is what you always want from an adhesive that you are planning to apply on fabrics. It is flexible even after drying and will not cause irritation if it comes in contact with your skin. Frankly, there is little to nothing worth complaining about with this product.

With your purchase, you are getting around 1.5 Fl. Ounces of glue which though not the highest, is still more than some of the other adhesives in this price range. The tip of the glue is tailored to give you good area coverage and precise application so that you never waste it.

Highlighted Features:

  • Extremely fast drying formula
  • Strong and permanent bond
  • Clear, flexible, and odorless adhesive
  • Fully waterproof and washable

10. SINGER 00184 Sew No More Patch Adhesive

Everybody who loves sewing knows the name of SINGER. And it is quite surprising that a brand that is all about sewing came up with its own alternative for this type of task. Amusing as it may be, it is still hard to overlook just how good their Sew No More Fabric Glue is.

The feature that we love most about this adhesive is that it does not bleed through color. So, if you are attaching patches on colorful fabric, like a patchwork-skirt, you do not have to worry about any form of weird discoloration. It dries completely clear. Just make sure you do not apply too much of it.

Its bonding strength is also quite admirable. Applying just a dash of glue to the fabric is enough to form a powerful and permanent bond within a couple of minutes. However, you should take caution when putting it in the machine for a wash. To be on the safe side, you should only hand wash your clothes after using this glue.

The adhesive comes in a small bottle containing around .75 Fl. Ounces of liquid. Its formula contains no acid, so it is not toxic at all. However, it is completely waterproof and non-flammable so you will be able to use it on fabric without any issues. Overall, it is a great choice if you want to avoid sewing patches on fabric.

Highlighted Feature:

  • Non-toxic, non-flammable formula
  • Clear and transparent after drying
  • Comes at an affordable price
  • Comes in a .75 FL. Ounces bottle

Best Fabric Glue for Patches: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Fabric Glue for Patches

Buying fabric adhesives can be quite tricky. Since fabrics are a soft material, you cannot just use any glue on the market and expect it to work. There are some pretty specific boxes you want to tick if you want to get a proper fabric glue that gives you quality results.

In the following section of the article, we will give you a quick rundown of some of the things you want to consider when you are looking to buy the best patch adhesive on the market.

Bonding Strength

The first thing you want to consider when you are buying fabric adhesives for patches is the bonding strength of the glue. Fabric adhesives can be either permanent or temporary. If you are attaching patches to the fabric for an art project and want to take it off later, consider going with temporary adhesives.

However, if you plan on wearing the cloth regularly, temporary adhesives are not a good idea. They will fall off after a couple of days, and you need to clean the spot where you applied the glue carefully. In that case, going with permanent glue is much better as it will stay on indefinitely.

Drying Time

You also need to think about how long it takes the glue to dry properly. With glues that you want to apply to a piece of fabric, you want as fast drying time as possible. If the adhesive takes around an hour to dry up, it is probably not a good idea to use it on your garments.

Some adhesives take drying time more seriously than others. With some products, you will be able to start wearing the cloth within a minute or so. On the other end of the spectrum, some adhesives may take up to 20 minutes to dry fully. We recommend going with the one that dries up sooner rather than later.

Quantity

Are you planning to use fabric glue for your personal hobby, or do you want to take your craft to a professional level? In either case, you should take some time to think about the amount of adhesive that you are buying for the money. IT would help you get the most value out of your expense.

Adhesives are usually measured in fluid ounces and the greater the number, the better. However, you should also think about the shelf life of the adhesive. Even if you get a large quantity of glue, it can only last a limited time period. After that, the rest of the glue will become useless unless you store it in perfect condition.

Flexibility

A fabric glue should be soft and flexible even after drying. But not every manufacturer takes this matter seriously. That is why most of the cheap knockoff fabric glues on the market get hard and rigid after drying. You want to avoid using this type of adhesives on any piece of garment.

The issue with it is that once the glue hardens and becomes hard, you will feel uncomfortable wearing the cloth. It might feel itchy and can scratch your skin. All of the adhesives we mentioned in our review will stay flexible after it dries up. So you will be able to wear your outfit without any discomfort.

Elemental Resistance

By elemental resistance, we mean water and temperature. A fabric glue must be made water and temperature-proof for it to be worth its salt. Otherwise, you will not be able to wash the cloth without removing the glue in the process. So make sure you check the water resistance capacity of the adhesive before buying it.

Some adhesives on the market are so strong that you can even put the cloth in a washing machine and the glue will not be affected. These adhesives can be a good choice if you want your patches to stay on through anything. As long as the adhesives have some level of water resistance, you should be fine.

Odor free

Some adhesives after application leave a damp smell on the fabric. Though the smell disappears after a couple of washes, it can make it difficult to work with it. and let’s face it; Nobody wants to deal with a weird smell as they work. It can get quite distracting.

If you want the best work experience, get an odor-free adhesive. There are many different options out there in the market that are designed to be completely odorless. Typically, any adhesive that has this property, advertises it pretty openly. So, if you do not see it listed in its description, take that as a red flag.

Translucency

If you have used adhesives in the past for different projects, you already know about the discoloration problem. Some adhesives, after drying, can leave a yellowish residue that just does not look good. And when you are working with fabric, it is a strict no-no.

So, make sure the fabric adhesive that you get to apply the patch is completely translucent after drying. It needs to be clear and should not interfere with the color of the fabric. Some adhesives can bleed through the fabric, which is also something that you should check before buying.

Safety

A little-known fact about glue, that you probably did not know if you use it occasionally, is that it can often be toxic. If the adhesive contains acidic elements in its formula, not only does it smell bad, it can also emit fumes that can be harmful to your respiratory system.

Generally, it is a good idea to simply avoid these types of adhesives when you are looking at fabric glues. However, if you absolutely have to use it, make sure you are wearing a safety mask to protect yourself from the fumes. It can cause long-term problems in your body.

Ease of Use

Adhesives, as you no doubt have seen from our list, can come in either a bottle or a tube. It might not seem too much of a big deal, but the truth is, applying it from a tube is much easier than using a bottle. However, the trade-off here is that most of the time, tubes contain less glue and have a limited shelf-life.

So, you need to decide which one is more important to you and decide accordingly. If you want to use the glue to attach patches occasionally, then using tube-style glue might be a good idea. However, for regular use, going with a bottled glue gives you more value for the money.

Tips To Safely Use Patches Adhesive?

Using glue to attach patches to fabrics is a much easier job than sewing. However, there are still some challenges to it and if you do not know what you are doing, you can ruin the entire looks of your outfit. To make things easier for you, here are a couple of tips to properly apply the fabric glue.

Clean The Fabric

The first tip that we want to give you is a simple one, yet one that many overlook. Before you apply adhesive to a piece of fabric, you need to dust it off. You want to get rid of any loose dust or dirt from the surface of the fabric as it can interfere with the adhesive.

Test The Glue

Even if the adhesive you are using does not cause any discoloration, you want to test it out beforehand. Take a small piece of fabric that you do not use and apply a bit of glue on the surface.

Then wait a bit and see if you find anything to worry about after the glue dries. Testing out the glue before applying is always a good idea.

Add Weight

After you have applied the glue and placed the patch on top of it, you want to add an extra bit of weight over the patch. It would keep the patch pressed against the glue until it dries. The firm pressure from the added weight will make sure the adhesive sets properly.

Avoid Stretching

Once you apply the glue, you should never stretch the fabric. Remember, when you are stretching the fabric, you are essentially stretching the glue too. This can reduce its strength and effectiveness quite severely.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use glue for iron on patches?

Iron on patch is a type of heat pressed patch that does not require adhesives to stick to the fabric. You can simply attach them to cloth with the help of a regular hand iron. However, some people also use adhesives while attaching this type of patch to ensure that they will not fall off and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

2. How long do fabric glues take to dry?

Well, it depends completely on the adhesive that you are using. Typically, fabric glues can take anywhere from two to twenty minutes to cure fully.

3. Can I wash the fabric after applying fabric glue?

Fabric glues are in most cases waterproof. That is why you should have no issues with washing the fabric after the glue has dried fully. To be on the safe side, do not wash the fabric for at least a couple of days. This would ensure that the glue has dried completely and will not come off after washing it.

4. Can I use superglue as iron on patch glue?

Using superglue on fabric is a terrible idea. For one thing, superglue typically is not waterproof. So, it will come off after just one wash. But in some cases, the superglue might even damage your fabric.

5. Is it better to use temporary or permanent fabric glue for patches?

Well, it depends entirely on your requirement. If you want to take off the patch after a couple of hours, then there is nothing wrong with temporary glue. But with permanent adhesive, removing the patch is not as easy. AS the name suggests, it offers a permanent solution.

Final Thoughts

Fabric glue can be the perfect alternative to sewing with needles and threads if you are using the right one. With the best fabric glue for patches, you can apply just about any type of patch without worrying about it falling off.

We hope our article could arm you with enough ideas about the top products in the market. By now, you should be able to pick one out for your needs without too much trouble.

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