Has anyone ever told you that you can put fabrics together without sewing? Well, it is possible with the best waterproof fabric glue. Adhesives in this category are designed to work on different fabric types to form a strong bond. Hence, they eliminate the need to sew or work with needles and threads. You may not know it, but fabric glues have become quite popular for their convenient design for easy application.
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Our review of the best waterproof fabric glue is a list of the best glues that you can use for fabrics without sorting through the endless list of products in the market.
Contents
Top 15 Waterproof Fabric Glue
Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive, 2 oz Bottle-Carded, TM-1
The Tear Mender Adhesive is a nontoxic and an all-natural adhesive for leather and fabric adhesive. The product is waterproof and flexible enough to bond with different materials, including the porous ones. More than use on fabrics, the product is ideal for use on vinyl and leather. The glue bonds within three minutes of application and is washable after 15 minutes. By penetrating the crevices in the fiber, it forms a permanent but flexible bond on clothes. It is also wash-proof; hence, you can machine-wash and dry-clean your cloth after use. Furthermore, it won’t harm your skin and won’t stick to hard surfaces.
Pros
- Water-based formula
- Easy to clean up
- Flexible and permanent
Cons
- Changes the color of the spot after drying
Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive, Clear,4oz
Create a permanent bond between your cloth and other embellishments with Aleene’s 23473 Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive. The product is easy to use and does not require much quantity for adhesion. Instead, it is formulated to adhere permanently and create a clear fabric fusion. It is also easy to work with and wear as it does not have a strong odor. It also does not contain a stringing formula; instead, it is flexible and will remain flexible even after washing. The glue won’t string when you use it, and after use, cleanup is fast with water and soap.
Pros
- Machine-washable
- Nontoxic and flexible
- Applies and dries clear
Cons
- Buyers who used too much notices glue marks after drying
Aleene’s 29-2 Tack-It Over & Over Liquid Glue 4oz
Aleene’s 29-2 Tack-It Over & Over Liquid Glue is a temporary-tacking glue perfect for use on cloth and different surfaces. The product is nontoxic and works as a tacky glue. It is also easy to use and comes with a pointy tip for convenient application. The glue seals the fibers, and as a result, should not be used in an area that you want to sew through. Do note, though, that the glue is very sticky and can be a pain to remove. Apart from this, it does an excellent job of holding the fabric in place.
Pros
- Tacky
- Impressive sticking power
- Thick, flexible, and consistent
Cons
- The glue can be a little too sticky for your hands
E6000 230010 Craft Adhesive, 3.7 Fluid Ounces
Another excellent glue that you will find handy for your cloth is the E6000 230010 Craft Adhesive. Designed to bond with leather, fabric, woods, plastic, and more, the product is tough and exceptionally durable. It is also flexible, versatile, and bonds easily with substrates. The adhesive is formulated with the industrial requirement, and as a result, is washable, paintable, and dryer safe. As a note of the quality, the product is made in the United States under quality craftsmanship and guarantee.
Pros
- Temperature-resistant
- Non-flammable once cured
- Dries clear and paintable
Cons
- Some customers wished it had less viscosity
Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Crafting Glue, 4-Ounce, 1-Pack
The Beacon 3-in-1 Advanced Crafting Glue is a multi-purpose glue with fast dry and an instant grab on fabrics. It is thicker than most average glues and sticks well. The glue dries clear, provided that you don’t apply it in excess. Plus, you can use it for significant and minor applications. It is also easy to clean with a paper towel. You should know that it is stringy like most hot glues, but it won’t burn you. The glue is easy to work with as it is controllable and is sturdy.
Pros
- Transparent
- Made in the USA
- Excellent hold
Cons
- Like hot glue, the product leaves long threads that may snap when it is dry
Aleene’s Original 3 Pack, 8 oz Tacky Glue, 3 Count
Products from this brand have managed to steal the most spots on our list of the best waterproof fabric glue. Not that we are surprised coming from a brand that has been around for about 50 years. Aleene’s Original 3 Pack, 8 oz Tacky Glue does not contain one, but three all-purpose adhesives with exceptional performance. The products are versatile, and the formula is such that it holds to different surfaces. The glue has an ultra-tacky and white formula that dries clear and won’t yellow your fabric. It is also easy to use as the tip is easy to cut with scissors, and you can tilt it to get small quantities on your fabric.
Pros
- Safe and nontoxic
- Ultra-tacky performance
- Dries strong and permanent
Cons
- It doesn’t dry very quickly
Aleenes Fabric Fusion Adhesive, 8-Ounce
Another product by Aleenes, the Fabric Fusion Adhesive, comes in any easy to use 8-ounce bottle. The glue is flexible and has a consistent texture. It also comes with an instruction that lets you get the best out of every use. Not that you’ll need much of it since the glue is straightforward to use. It is also machine-washable; hence, you can use it on a fabric you intend to wash. It also offers a permanent bonding solution and works better than sewing. It is handy, especially if you want to join fabrics but don’t know how to sew.
Pros
- It dries well and stiff
- Machine-washable
- Clear, water-based solution
Cons
- Not best for fleece
Dritz Original Liquid Stitch, 4-Fluid Ounce
The Dritz Original Liquid Stitch is another sewing machine in a bottle. The product is an ideal alternative for sewing as it saves time and energy. You can use it as a permanent adhesive on patches, hems, zippers, appliques, and more. The glue is dryable, machine-washable, and has an impressive bonding capability. It is a little on the thick side; however, it does not stain fabrics. The glue is water-soluble until it dries, and once it does, it is durable. Plus, the tube is large and is easy to use.
Pros
- Works on thick coats
- Will endure multiple washes
- Dries clear and flexible
Cons
- A little hard to squeeze out of the bottle
Gorilla Clear Glue, 5.75-ounce Bottle, Clear (Pack of 1)
The Gorilla Clear Glue is a non-foaming glue that will bond to virtually any surface, including a fabric. As the name implies, the product is versatile and strong. It is also easy to use and forms a clear coating on the surface. The glue is packaged in a bottle, and a cap is attached to the nozzle for protection and convenient application. It also dries hard but is slightly flexible
Pros
- Crystal clear
- Non-foaming
- Strong
Cons
- Not a quick glue but holds well
GEAR AID Seam Grip WP Waterproof Sealant and Adhesive
The GEAR AID Seam Grip WP Waterproof Sealant and Adhesive is handy for sealing rugged and tough fabrics like outdoor fabric and tents. The glue is available in different bottle sizes; hence, you can always get your money’s worth. It also cures into a flexible rubber feel and flexes with the fabric. Besides fabric, it also bonds to polyester, vinyl, leather, canvas, and more. Two applicator brushes aid application for convenient and clean use. It flows out well, and the result is a mixture of thick, tacky, tough, glossy, and flexible.
Pros
- Dries clear
- Permanent
- Flexible
Cons
- The smell made some buyers lightheaded
Elmer’s E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue, 4 oz, Clear
The E431 Craft Bond Fabric and Paper Glue by Elmer is ideal for use on ornaments, decorations, home decoration projects, and other handmade gifts. By implication, you can use it for different crafts and art projects on your fabric. Manufactured in the US, the product dries clear, and washing does not affect its adhesion. It is permanent and will stay flexible. It goes on white but dries like thin, flexible rubber.
Pros
- Strong adhesion
- Stays flexible
- Dries clear
Cons
- The glue is thick; hence, a little hard to work with
Beacon Adhesives FT8OZBOT12 Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive, 8-Ounce clear
Fast dry, flexible and fast grab are few characteristics of the Beacon Adhesives FT8OZBOT12 Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive. The product has a clear gel-like appearance and doubles for more use than on fabric. It has a fast grab time, and as a result, sets up with ease. It also dries until it becomes clear on the fabric. It bonds with the top layer of your fabric fiber. As a result, it might not be best for delicate fabrics. Likewise, you might need to launder heavy fabrics for effective results.
Pros
- Handy for seam reinforcement
- Adheres fast
- Strong and tacky
Cons
- Not recommended for dry cleaning
Tear Mender Instant Fabric and Leather Adhesive, 16 Oz Bottle, Tg-16
The Tear Mender Adhesive is an instant durable bond that adheres, dries, and forms an instant, flexible bond on materials. Not just this, the result is usable and wearable within three minutes from the application and washable after fifteen. It forms a permanent and lasting bond on fabric and is UV-resistant. As a result, you can use it for outdoor fabrics; rest assured that they won’t fade. The glue is formulated with non-toxic natural latex that is acid-free. As a result, it is safe for use.
Pros
- Nontoxic formula
- Durable and flexible
- Indoor and outdoor use
Cons
- It will soak through thin fabrics
Aleene’s 15592 FLEXABLE Stretchable Glue 4OZ. 36.CS, Multicolor
Unlike any that we have reviewed above, Aleene’s 15592 FLEXABLE Stretchable Glue is formulated for stretchy fabrics. Thanks to its flexible drying formula, the product is ideal for embellishing, repairing, and improving your decoration. It also dries clear and is permanent. As a result, it is washable and won’t crack with wear or movement.
Pros
- Machine-washable and permanent
- Dries clear
- Nontoxic
Cons
- Dries a little stiff but stretches
iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive 2.1 FL OZ
Coming in the last place on our list of the best waterproof glue for fabrics is the iCraft Fabric Fuse Liquid Adhesive. The adhesive is handy for fast and easy fabric crafting projects and embellishments. Besides being a quick, permanent bond, the product is washable and is nontoxic. It also dries clear and won’t become stiff. Instead, it remains flexible and dries clear. We recommend that you wear a disposable rubber glove since it is sticky.
Pros
- Holds fabric fast
- Easy to apply in a precise amount
- Washable
Cons
- Sticky and can be messy
Factors to Consider Before Buying Waterproof Fabric Glue
The Type of Glue
Fabric glues are of different types. However, waterproof fabric glue will only work on fabric. You can substitute it for tacky glue since it is a form of multi-purpose glue. Plus, they are not limited to use on fabrics alone. Hence, confirm if you want to use the glue for just fabric or more surfaces than fabric.
The Drying Speed
Drying speed refers to how long it takes for the glue to dry on your fabric and form a strong bond. As you can expect, it varies from one product to another. The drying speed also determines how long you should wait before you can wash your fabric. Although there is no set rule with this, it will help if you choose a fast-drying glue, especially if you are impatient for a result. On the other hand, you can opt for a slow-drying glue since the longer it takes to dry for a stronger the bond.
Drying Quality
Some glue dries clear while others dry milky. Clear of transparent glue is the best option if you want it to stain your fabric. Another thing to consider is the drying quality and effect over an extended period. Some glue will discolor your fabric and change color over time. Hence, the dry clear, and non-yellow adhesives are the best quality.
Adhesive Strength
Glues vary in stickiness and adhesiveness. Hence, they perform differently in terms of bonding strength. The glue must bond well with the fabric unless you don’t want it to last. You can either choose between a super-strong adhesive and a less strong one. Fix fabrics that will be exposed to frequent washing and tear with super glues. You can use other less strong glues for areas that you won’t touch as often or wear with use.
Flexibility
The glue should remain flexible after setting if you plan to wear the fabric after application. If the area is too rigid, it will restrict your movement. Hence, the glue must allow the fabric to stretch and expand lightly.
Health and Concerns
Glues, like most adhesives, contain ingredients and chemicals that can be harmful to human health. Hence, it is essential to check the ingredients used for labels on toxicity and acid levels. There should be some information on the safety level. We recommend products sourced from natural ingredients since they are environmentally friendly. Apart from this, check for odor; use a product with a strong chemical smell outside or in a well-ventilated area.
Packaging
All the products we have listed above are either packaged in tubes or bottles. Hence, you can choose either based on your preference. However, you should consider the means of applying the glue to your fabric. The applicator should allow convenient application. If it is not, you will have a hard time applying the glue, especially if it has a strong chemical smell.
Washability
We have reviewed waterproof glues because they can be worn in any condition and are washable. However, not all glues have waterproof quality. Glues like this will dissolve when you wash them. Therefore, be on the lookout to buy only waterproof glues.
Value Pack
Some glue products come in a pack of two or three while others come in a single package. More products in a single package allow you to do so much more with a single purchase. However, you should be careful not to substitute quantity for quality. Depending on how much you need, buy a product that will support usable function, and still maintain a strong bond.
Conclusion
The best waterproof fabric glue finds application in repairs, dressmaking, upholstery, and a host of other applications. They are also an excellent alternative to sewing and conventional needle and thread fixing, especially if you don’t know how to do it. An excellent product like this must set in quickly, adhere only to the surface, and stay on strong to withstand daily or repeated use without coming off. We have highlighted some of the best products in the market with features that will help you get value for your purchase.