As you know, jeans go through much wear and tear throughout the day. Although denim is built for harsher environments, it is still susceptible to tears and holes that could appear in the fabric. This issue is expected, so there is a reliable and straightforward solution available: fabric glue.
So, what is fabric glue, and why should you use it to repair your jeans? Fabric glue is an adhesive, versatile product that lets you laminate different fabrics together without using a needle and thread. You can choose to invest in either non-permanent or permanent fabric glue.
This article gives you a complete rundown of the full benefits of fabric glue, the key things to consider before making your purchase, and the top five fabric glue products on the market.
Table of Contents
What is the Best Fabric Glue for Denim?
Check out our top recommendations for fabric glue for denim.
1. Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive
The 8-ounce Beacon Adhesives fabric glue is a unique option that offers a variety of different uses. One of its top benefits is that you can buy one bottle to patch clothes while also using it in other situations, such as wood, beads, shoes, and drapes. The company also offers 4- and 2-ounce bottles.
Beacon’s product makes the list because it dries quickly. For the times when you need a quick fix, this fabric glue comes in handy. You can patch up your pants much more efficiently, which allows them to take shape easier. The crystal adhesive is suited for flexibility and can pair with trims to stop frying before you begin to cut.
Pros
- Versatile solution fixes a variety of fabrics and surfaces
- Crystal adhesive provides durability and flexibility
- Multiple bottle sizes
Cons
- Easy to make a mess
- The solution tends to bubble after each use
2. Tear Mender Fabric and Leather Adhesive
The Tear Mender is developed by one of the most trusted brands in the industry. It is made with non-toxic and natural materials, but it also offers a permanent bond to make sure your designs and patches keep forming after you place them. The adhesive also comes with waterproof capabilities, meaning you can send it through the washer without worrying about the bond deteriorating.
Many average types of fabric glues tend to harden and flake after wearing jeans. The Tear Mender solution is made to prevent this, which prolongs the lifespan of your jeans. This product is also UV resistant, which adds to its long-term durability.
Pros
- The durable bond provides long-lasting results
- Waterproof and UV resistant
- Water-based formula
Cons
- The solution has a short shelf life and goes bad fast in the bottle
3. Permatex Fabric Repair Kit
Permatex provides an effective fabric glue solution with its kit, which repairs clothing, carpet, furniture, and automobile upholstery. The kit contains two cups of air-dry fabric adhesive, seven fabric repair compounds in different colors, a spatula, screen apparatus, a mixing bottle, and an instructional card.
The repair process with Permatex takes just twenty minutes, and it restores the clean design you are looking for. Not only is this pack inexpensive and useful, but it comes with the most popular colors and textures to complement the wide range of uses.
Pros
- The full kit provides the much-needed tools
- Multiple colors and textures are available
- Effective for a wide range of uses
Cons
- Colors are hard to match with a lot of fabrics
- Does not work as well for larger holes
4. Aleene Quick Dry Fabric Fusion Adhesive
The main benefit of Aleene’s adhesive is found in its name. It is quick to dry properties after application makes for a quality product. Aleene claims that it dries five times faster than the industry average. The water-based solution not only dries quickly and clearly, but it also creates a permanent bond between embellishments and fabric.
The product is also eco-friendly because it is made with non-toxic materials. A bonus of the fabric glue is that it does not have a smell. That way, you can apply it with your fingers for an easy and odorless fix. The Fabric Fusion is an ideal solution for a wide array of fabrics, including flannel, leather, jersey, and cotton.
Pros
- Eco-friendly
- The flexible formula works on a variety of fabrics
- The solution dries quickly and efficiently
Cons
- Customers complain the solution is too sticky
- The container does not always provide a smooth application
5. Dritz Liquid Home Unique Stitch Adhesive
The Dritz fabric glue is known for its compact, 1.25-ounce bottle. A benefit of this bottle design is that you can efficiently apply the glue to jeans without making a mess of your hands. You squeeze the bottle like toothpaste, which makes it optimal for quick fixes and emergencies. The smaller bottle also yields a much more affordable price.
Compared to other options on the list, the Dritz establishes a much more durable bond, meaning you can confidently put your jeans in the washing machine without adhesive deterioration. Because it is a water-soluble sticky solution, it will clean up with water before it begins to dry.
Pros
- Easy repair process
- Wide range of colors and textures
- Lasts several washes
- Full kit provides all the necessary tools
Cons
- Does not work well for heavy-duty clothing
- The solution gets flaky easily
The Winner for Best Fabric Glue for Denim
Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive
You cannot go wrong with any of the products on the list, but our top pick for the best fabric glue for denim goes to the Beacon Fabri-Tac Permanent Adhesive. We loved its versatility to not only patch clothes but also apply solutions to shoes, drapes, and upholstery. Its fast-drying properties deliver a reliable solution for emergencies, but its crystal adhesive also provides a much more consistent shape in the long run.
Can You Use Fabric Glue on Denim?
Yes, you can utilize fabric glue on denim to patch up any holes. You will find a variety of quality brands to help you. The optimal type to use is liquid-based fabric glue, which only requires a thinner application across the surface. You want to keep it light so that the fabric glue does not cause the denim to become too stiff.
There are many benefits to using fabric glue. It is the perfect DIY solution for people who are inept at sewing. The versatility of fabric glue is what makes it such a trustworthy product. Not only is fabric glue durable, but it is washer friendly. If you must fix your clothing quickly and efficiently, fabric glue takes minutes to implement.
Fabric glue is also beneficial when attaching pockets to jeans. Instead of utilizing pins to fix the fabric in please, you can temporarily apply the fabric glue. If the fabric does not hold up in one place consistently, you can also use masking tape to hold it in a position until the gluing process is complete.
How Do You Glue Fabric to Denim?
Before you choose the best fabric glue for denim, you must understand how to use it. After you choose a quality glue, you should decide on the intended purpose. If you are repairing an older denim jacket, then you want to focus on a permanent and waterproof glue. For quick basting projects, it would be best for you to use a temporary glue that washes out quickly.
Once you make these decisions, the rest of the process is easy. It is similar to applying regular glue to attach multiple paper pages together. Before you start, please ensure there is a reliable backstop to prevent staining on the clothes. A stable surface also avoids gluing the pieces together at the incorrect spot.
After you confirm where to put the glue, you should immediately align the pieces. Once you complete this step, you will then apply solid pressure and allow it dry. If your fabric glue bottle is not a tube with an attached needle nose, you can also use a brush to spread the glue evenly.
Read more
5 Best heavy fabric sewing machine
I am Miller, author of the Sewing feature web. I am excited to have you here. As a passionate sewer, I want to share my knowledge and experience with others by providing helpful tips, tricks, product reviews, and more. My goal is to provide readers with honest content that helps them in sewing.