Fabric Glue?

[MysteryWho]

I'm trying to avoid sewing at all costs. Anyone use fabric glue and is there a type they(you) recommend?

[Carmelkettle]

I'm trying to avoid sewing at all costs. Anyone use fabric glue and is there a type they(you) recommend?

I've looked into this and from all the information I've come across, no glue will provide the same results as even a poor sewing job. Glue reacts differently on different fabric; can be gloppy, uneven, harden in places you don't want it to harden, messy when applied, probably get glue places you don't want glue, etc. There are some things I REALLY want made, but other than trying it myself or finding a custom tailor, from what I've read sewing is the best option. There are youtube videos of doll customizers using glue to make clothing, but I think those clothes are mainly for display, sit it once and leave it, not changing outfits or re-positioning (play)

[daz71]

even if you stick a piece of fabric onto another the glue seeps through and leaves a dark mark unless it's say pvc on lycra.

[mike69]

I wouldn't use it. I did once and it created dark areas. Plus the glue makes the material stiff.

[ZMOQ]

I agree with all of the replies. The only real use I have for fabric glue is to stop fraying on the raw edge of the fabric. Otherwise, stitching with thread is far more reliable, stronger, more flexible and better-looking than any fabric glue. And you can remove the stitches anytime to replace parts, make modifications, etc.

As mentioned by others, there are several disadvantages with glue:

1) the glue seeps through the cloth, leaving a dark spot that cannot be washed out or removed.
2) glue is not strong enough for, say, connecting a sleeve to a shirt or anything that will take any pull in opposite directions.
3) glue makes the fabric stiff at the seams. That's an advantage for miniature leather belts where you thread it through the belt buckle, but for clothing, it's a negative.
4) glue doesn't even work on cotton/polyester blends or synthetics. I tried it for hats and it was a disaster.

It's really best to learn how to sew, even if it's by hand. If you can get access to a sewing machine, the results are nicer. You don't even need to use the foot pedal or electricity. You can simply turn the hand wheel (the big wheel on the right side of the sewing machine) manually so the machine will stitch very slowly for better control.

I have never been able to sew miniature sleeves into the sleeve holes using a machine, so all of my sleeve stitches are done by hand.

[thunderbolt]

The bleed thru doesn't always happen, I've used it quite a bit with no problem. Always test it on a scrap piece before use. It works best on cotton blends, even lycra cotton. I prefer it for hemming trunks over stitching them as it looks a lot better. Unique Stitch is the one I prefer.

[MysteryWho]

Cool, thanks guys. I was planning to use it to stick some lasermego trek insignia to the shirts, that should work because it won't be visible. But clearly it can look poor depending on the nature of the project, so it seems sewing of some sort may be unavoidable.

[daz71]

Cool, thanks guys. I was planning to use it to stick some lasermego trek insignia to the shirts, that should work because it won't be visible. But clearly it can look poor depending on the nature of the project, so it seems sewing of some sort may be unavoidable.

it's really stringy too .lasermego stickers peel off so you shouldn't need to use anything.

[Carmelkettle]

Cool, thanks guys. I was planning to use it to stick some lasermego trek insignia to the shirts, that should work because it won't be visible. But clearly it can look poor depending on the nature of the project, so it seems sewing of some sort may be unavoidable.

OHH, I thought you meant for making costumes, not adding insignia. In that case most any basic glue would work - Elmers, fabric-tac, etc. I use stick glue as it won't harm or discolor just about anything, washes out, and is 'dry' so there is no mess.

[Bronxboykev]

I used fabric glue with Success on this Cape to put the yellow trim on.

Aleens fabric glue

[thunderbolt]

Nosferatu's coat is all fabric glue

and Harley's costume is all fabric glue

[Marvelmania]

In the past I used Fabri-tac with great success without any bleeding or dark spots. You just have to use a small amount.

[TrekStar]

Those look sweet, came out very nice, thanks for sharing.