How to Make Fabric Glue

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Things You'll Need

  • 12 tbsp. water

  • 4 packets gelatin

  • 4 tbsp. white vinegar

  • 4 tsp. glycerin

  • Small saucepan

  • Whisk

  • Sterile mason jar

  • Potholder

Fabric glue is a lifesaver in craft projects that would otherwise require a sewing machine. Whether creating pillows, clothing or fabric-covered cards, fabric glue can save a lot of time and hassle. If you are out of fabric glue and having trouble locating it in a store near you, you can make your own easily with ingredients you probably already have in your crafting cabinet.

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Step 1

Heat the water to a boil in the saucepan over high heat. Remove from heat, placing the pan on a potholder so that it does not damage your counter or tabletop surface.

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Step 2

Whisk in the gelatin until it dissolves, breaking up all clumps.

Step 3

Add vinegar and glycerin, stirring for five minutes to ensure thorough incorporation and a smooth texture to your glue. Carefully pour into a sterile mason jar and allow to cool just until warm to the touch. The more it cools, the more it will gel.

Step 4

Re-warm the jar slightly in a pot of hot water when using the glue at a later date. This helps loosen up the mixture and makes it easy to work with.

Tip

Mix gelatin until all clumps are dissolved; clumps will affect the texture and hold of your finished product.

Fabric glue should be applied to a seam in small sections away from the hemline to avoid having excess emerge from the hem's sides.

Apply the glue using an eyedropper or an empty squeeze bottle with a very narrow tip.

Warning

Ironing the seam will heat up the glue and may cause it to weaken.

Placing the fabric in the laundry machine may cause the glue to wash out.

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