What glue is best to choose for fabric and is it possible to prepare it yourself?

When making clothes, accessories or home textiles, sometimes you have to not only sew, but also glue pieces of material. For such work, you need to have a special adhesive that can be used to secure a hem to trousers, glue an applique, repair a hole on a jacket sleeve, or decorate a handbag with knitted flowers. Fabric glue is capable of providing a strong connection of pieces of fabric not only with each other, but also with any other surface, for example, wood, iron or glass. The main thing is to choose the appropriate adhesive composition and carry out the work in accordance with the instructions.

How to choose fabric glue?

The choice of textile adhesive primarily depends on the nature of the surface on which the material will be applied and the purpose of the processed product. If these are clothes or home textiles that need to be washed frequently, a waterproof adhesive that forms a strong, insoluble seam is suitable.

When gluing parts of outerwear, adhesives are used that are resistant to temperature changes and humidity changes. Since outerwear is usually dry cleaned, the adhesive must withstand exposure to chemicals.

When choosing an adhesive for fabrics, it is very important to consider the possibility of contact of the product with exposed areas of human skin. Compositions containing toxic and harmful substances are not suitable for such work.

It is especially common to glue textile elements in handicrafts.When making soft toys, colorful panels, bedspreads and pillows in the patchwork style, you need transparent fabric glue. It should not freeze instantly, so that the needlewoman still has the opportunity to correct the part that has moved.

An ideal textile adhesive has the following properties:

• has no color or odor, does not leave stains or streaks on the product;
• does not spread over the surface of the material;
• forms an elastic film that does not crack when the material is stretched;
• water resistance - can withstand washing in hot water with washing powder;
• heat resistance - does not melt when ironing the product with a hot iron.

Textile glue is universal, as it can be used for gluing natural, synthetic and artificial fabrics.

Features of using textile glue

There are several compositions suitable for gluing materials, which differ not only in properties, but also in methods of use.

• 
  Rubber. Rubber-based glue is used when working with heavy, dense fabrics, as well as for gluing fabric to glass, wood, and rubber. To obtain a strong connection, both surfaces are coated with adhesive and allowed to dry for one hour. Then the resulting film is moistened with acetone, the surfaces are pressed tightly against each other and placed under a load for 5 minutes. The product will be ready for use in 10–12 hours.
• 
  Polyurethane. This adhesive has a synthetic base and is used for gluing fabrics that differ in structure. The technology for applying the glue is very simple: coat both surfaces with the composition, apply it to each other and press it with a weight for 6 hours.
• 
  Perchlorovinyl. To join two pieces of fabric or glue fabric to rubber, wood, iron or cardboard, perchlorovinyl glue is suitable. A thin layer of adhesive is applied to the surface and after 10 minutes the parts are re-coated. Wait another 3-5 minutes, then roll the seam with a roller and press it with a press. The product can be used after 48 hours.
• 
  Nitrocellulose. A special glue that is used when joining fabric to leather. The surfaces to be glued are coated with an adhesive and left under load for 6 hours.
• 
  PVA. Universal glue that can be purchased at any hardware store. It dries quickly, does not allow moisture to pass through, is not afraid of low temperatures, and is easy to use. To obtain a strong connection, it is enough to coat the surfaces with the composition, after 2-3 minutes connect them together and hold them under load for 6 hours.
• 
  Glue for decoupage. It is a transparent fabric adhesive used in handicrafts to create decorative panels, make soft toys and other types of home crafts. Decoupage glue can be purchased at any craft store. It takes some time for the glue to set. This is very convenient, as the needlewoman has the opportunity to adjust the position of the part being glued. However, items made with decoupage glue cannot be ironed or washed, which is a big disadvantage of this product.
• 
  "Second". Particular care should be taken when gluing materials that have a natural composition. Secunda glue is designed specifically for working with wool, linen, and cotton. Despite the fact that the composition is initially white, after drying it forms a completely transparent seam and is well suited for thin fabrics.Working time – 5 minutes.

When working with adhesives supplied in aerosol form, it is necessary to observe personal safety measures and protect the respiratory system with a bandage or respirator.

Brands and cost of fabric glue

Many manufacturers of adhesives produce fabric glue, both universal and special, suitable for gluing specific materials. Here are some of the most popular formulations:

• Fensol. Rubber-based adhesive, available in aerosol form. Forms an even elastic seam. Suitable for joining fabric to fabric, cork, glass, plastic. A volume of 600 ml costs 990 rubles.
• Bison. This glue contains rubber latex, which creates a strong connection of materials that has high adhesion, resistance to humidity and temperature changes. A 25 ml blister costs 240 rubles.
  
• "Super PVA" Used for the manufacture and repair of workwear, which is intended to be used in regions with low temperatures. The glue forms an elastic seam that does not collapse in severe frosts. A container with a volume of 125 g costs 70 rubles.
• Rexant. Rexant professional hot melt adhesive, produced in the form of rods, is especially popular among seamstresses. Gluing pieces of fabric together, as well as connecting fabric with cardboard, wood or plastic, occurs in a matter of seconds. The cost of one glue stick is about 65 rubles.
  
• "Super NN". Inexpensive polyurethane-based adhesive. The adhesive is resistant to moisture and temperature fluctuations. One liter costs 415 rubles.
  

DIY fabric glue: instructions

It is not always possible to buy glue in the store, so it would be useful to know several recipes for preparing adhesive for fabrics.

Glue can only be made in well-ventilated areas. If chemicals come into contact with the skin or mucous membranes, rinse them with water and consult a doctor.

Gelatin glue

To make gelatin-based glue you will need:

• gelatin - 5 g;
• glycerol -5 g;
• flour - 100 g;
• ethyl alcohol - 2 tsp.

Gelatin is soaked and allowed to swell. Pour flour into a container with gelatin and place in a water bath. Stirring continuously, the mixture is brought to a boil, after which alcohol and glycerin are added.

Casein glue

To make casein-based fabric glue with your own hands, you need to take two substances:

• water - 100 g;
• casein - 200 g.

Pour water in a thin stream into a container with dry casein and, stirring continuously, achieve homogeneity of the composition.

When working with casein glue, it is necessary to take into account the high rate of hardening of the mixture. It is necessary to prepare exactly as much adhesive as is needed for gluing.

Fabric adhesives are widely used in the textile industry. They are used in the manufacture of awnings, tents, bags, backpacks and other items necessary for sports and outdoor activities. They cannot do without special glue when sewing clothes and in home handicrafts. Wherever possible, high-strength fabric glue replaces the needle.