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Felt is a thick and warm material made from matted or compressed fibers. These may be natural wool, synthetic fibers, or blends. Felt is a flexible material that’s available in a wide range of colors, and it serves numerous decorative and practical purposes. For craft and DIY projects where felt is the material of choice, an essential step may be to glue the felt to felt or to a variety of surfaces such as fabric, paper, wood, metal, and more.
Since there are so many uses for felt, crafters seek effective adhesives to accomplish an array of felt-gluing projects. Read on to explore the available options and discover the best glue for the felt projects on your to-do list.
- BEST OVERALL: Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Aleene’s Always Ready Original Tacky Glue
- BEST SPRAY ADHESIVE: 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive
- BEST HOT GLUE STICKS: AdTech 8″ Mini Hot Glue Sticks
- BEST SUPER GLUE: Gorilla Super Glue Gel
- BEST FOR KIDS: Elmer’s CraftBond Tacky Glue
Photo: amazon.com
Types of Glue for Felt
The optimal type of glue for felt depends on the project. If the success of the project’s outcome depends on preserving the flexibility of the felt material, users will want to select an adhesive that does not stiffen the felt as it forms a bond. Conversely, crafters might encounter felt-gluing projects where the material is adhered to smooth, rigid surfaces. In these projects, it might be desirable to apply a glue that makes the felt more inflexible. Ahead, explore the qualities of glues for felt, including tacky glue, super glue, hot glue, and fabric glue.
Tacky Glue
Tacky glue is an all-purpose glue that performs well in a plethora of projects. When felt material is glued with tacky glue, it retains its flexible nature. This is a desirable quality in an adhesive for projects that use felt. In addition to gluing felt material, tacky glue is useful for adhesion projects with multiple types of paper, wood, fabric, ceramics, metal, glass, and some plastics.
Tacky glue is nontoxic and emits only a slight odor. Therefore, it’s safe for use around children. It dries to a clear finish, forming a strong, permanent bond. For convenience and ease of use, tacky glue can be removed from surfaces with soap and water before it dries.
Super Glue
Known for its fast set time and strong, permanent bonding power, super glue is a favorite adhesive type. Its key ingredient is cyanoacrylate, an acrylic monomer. When it dries, cyanoacrylate transforms to a plastic state.
Super glue works on felt material, but it dries to a hardened texture. As a result, the felt loses its flexibility in places where the super glue is applied. Therefore, a user might want to consider whether flexibility of the felt is an important factor for the success of the project.
Hot Glue
DIYers appreciate the convenience of hot glue dispensed from a glue gun. It works well with felt material and also paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, and ceramics. Hot glue boasts a fast drying time that helps crafters finish their projects quickly. Additionally, it provides a strong, permanent bond.
Hot glue is the best glue for felt-to-felt applications or projects where felt is glued to fabric. It does not perform well for gluing felt to smooth, nonporous surfaces such as metal or plastic.
For safety reasons, young children should not work with hot glue. There is a significant risk of burning the skin with the hot glue or with the hot tip of the glue gun.
Fabric Glue
The best glue for fabric is one that does not stiffen the material as it dries. Therefore, fabric glues are specially formulated to maintain the flexibility of the material, even after the glue is fully cured.
Similarly, the best fabric glue for felt is one that does not sacrifice the flexible quality of the felt material. Many fabric glues offer the additional advantage of preserving a durable adhesive bond after machine washing.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Glue for Felt
Felt is a colorful and attractive material that suits numerous applications. When it’s time to select the best glue for felt-to-felt applications or gluing felt to other surfaces, users might consider the specific conditions and desired outcomes of each individual project. Ahead, explore the factors to consider when choosing an effective adhesive for felt.
Drying Time
The drying time indicates the period that the user must wait for the glue to form a permanent bond. Before the glue dries, the crafter or DIYer can adjust or reposition the glued surfaces. But as soon as the glue hardens, repositioning is no longer an option.
Hot glue works well on felt, and it has an exceptionally fast drying time of approximately 30 seconds. Super glue sets up in around 45 seconds, tacky glue dries in approximately 35 to 40 minutes, and fabric glue that preserves the flexibility of felt material takes 2 to 4 hours to dry.
Curing time is different from drying time. As a general rule, crafters should allow a felt-gluing project to cure (undisturbed) overnight before handling the materials. The curing process allows the glue to form a durable, permanent bond.
Finish Color
Most glues for felt material dry to a transparent finish. This is desirable for craft and DIY objects, creating invisible adhesion for the finished product.
Tacky glue goes on white but dries to a clear finish. Hot glues are clear as the glue sticks melt and the fluid adhesive flows onto the felt. Additionally, spray adhesives and fabric glues exhibit clear transparency once they dry.
Some glues dry to a matte finish, while others appear more glossy. Shoppers might want to read individual product descriptions to determine which glues are more glossy or matte when fully cured.
Ease of Use
Most glues for felt are available in liquid or gel formulations and packaged in plastic bottles. The caps of the bottles feature tiny openings in the applicator tips to dispense the glue onto the felt. By snipping the graduated tips of the plastic caps with scissors, users can create larger or smaller openings to dispense thick or thin beads of glue.
Spraying the glue is a practical application method for large surfaces. While spray glue is easy to apply, users must attend to providing ventilation as well as covering adjacent surfaces in case of overspray. Hot glue is an easy-to-apply adhesive, but users should exercise safety precautions around hot glue and glue guns.
When accidents happen, users can easily clean tacky glue and fabric glue from surfaces with soap and water before the glue hardens. Spray glue and hot glue do not respond to soap-and-water cleaning.
Kid-Safe
Felt is an ideal craft material for children’s creative projects. It’s soft, flexible, nontoxic, and colorful. Many children’s art and craft projects call for felt as an essential material.
The safest type of glue for children to use on felt is tacky glue. It’s nontoxic and cleans up with soap and water before it hardens. With a drying time of approximately 35 to 40 minutes, there’s time for adults to clean spilled glue with soap and water before it dries.
The well-known white “school” glue that works well on paper is not effective on felt. Instead, tacky glue offers a thicker formulation that bonds durably to felt while maintaining the flexibility of the material. For safety reasons, it’s best to avoid spray adhesives and hot glue when working with children.
Odor
Most glues for felt do not exude a noticeable odor. Tacky glue, fabric glue, and hot glue sticks are either odorless or emit such a low odor that it’s not noticeable to most users. The exception is adhesive spray. This type of glue gives off a noticeable odor until it dries. However, the dried and cured glue is odorless.
When using spray adhesive, it’s important to provide plenty of ventilation. Avoid working with spray adhesive outdoors in windy conditions. In addition to avoiding the fumes from the spray, crafters should wear gloves, face masks, and eye protection. A final precaution is to avoid smoking or open flames since the spray adhesive in the can is flammable.
Our Top Picks
Shoppers can select from among several types of glue for felt, and our recommendations include high-quality products from reputable manufacturers. We’ve assembled a list of assorted glues for diverse felt-gluing projects.
Best Overall
1
Aleene's Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive
Photo: amazon.com
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When working with felt, crafters desire to create a strong, permanent hold while maintaining the flexibility of the felt material. This fabric fusion adhesive from Aleene’s delivers on both counts. It’s even machine washable and retains its permanence and flexibility after washing.
Users can work confidently with this glue, which is nontoxic and produces only a slight odor. Before the glue dries, users can easily remove it from surfaces with soap and water.
Markings on the cap indicate where crafters should cut to modify the applicator for a thin, medium, or thick bead of adhesive. The glue dries clear, and it does not become stringy during application.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 2 to 3 minutes
- Application method: Modifiable cap opening for bead of glue thickness
- Compatible materials: Felt, fabric, plastic
Pros
- Low odor, nontoxic
- Machine washable
- Permanent, flexible bond
- Adaptable cap for application modifications
Cons
- Not for metal and other hard-surface materials
Get Aleene’s Fabric Fusion glue for felt at Amazon, Target, Aleene’s, or Walmart.
Best Bang For The Buck
2
Aleene's Always Ready Original Tacky Glue
Photo: amazon.com
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For more than 50 years, crafters and DIYers have relied on Aleene’s tacky glue for completing all sorts of adhesion projects. With its affordable cost and dependable quality, this tacky glue works well on felt as well as numerous other materials.
This “Always Ready” version of the original product features a wide, flat cap stand that allows the bottle to be inverted for storage. Therefore, the glue flows downward into the applicator cap, and it’s always ready to use. The drying time is approximately 45 minutes, and cleanup with soap and water is easily accomplished before the glue hardens.
The nontoxic glue dries to a clear, flexible, permanent bond that does not yellow over time. Machine washing of the glued felt material is not recommended.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 45 minutes
- Application method: Modifiable cap for thicker bead of glue
- Compatible materials: Felt, foam, wood, paper, ceramics, nonwashable fabrics
Pros
- Reliable and reputable product
- Nontoxic
- Dries clear and does not yellow
- Cap stand helps invert glue bottle for storage
Cons
- Not machine washable
Get Aleene’s Original glue for felt at Amazon, Aleene’s, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best Spray Adhesive
3
3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive
Photo: amazon.com
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For gluing a large piece of felt to any surface, a spray-on adhesive might provide the most effective application method. The 3M Super 77 Multipurpose Spray Adhesive dries quickly to produce a strong, durable bond between felt and a range of diverse materials.
Applying adhesive via an aerosol spray provides a fast method for bonding lightweight materials. With its quick drying time and ability to broadcast the glue over an expansive area, this multipurpose spray adhesive is a useful product for crafters and DIYers to keep on hand. This bottle packs 13.5 ounces for larger projects.
The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released into the air while spraying from the product’s can represent less than 30 percent of the formulation. This factor indicates a medium level of VOCs. DIYers should use this product only in well-ventilated areas. Additional precautions include wearing gloves and eye protection as well as avoiding open flames.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 15 seconds to 1 minute
- Application method: Spray from aerosol can
- Compatible materials: Felt, fabric, wood, paper, cardboard, plastic
Pros
- Dries quickly
- Forms a strong, permanent bond
- Versatile use with multiple materials
- Can broadcast the adhesive over a large area
Cons
- Aerosol spray contains medium VOCs
- Aerosol can is flammable
- Not for use around children and pets
Get the 3M glue for felt at Amazon, Ace Hardware, 3M, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.
Best Hot Glue Sticks
4
AdTech 8" Mini Hot Glue Sticks
Photo: amazon.com
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These glue sticks from AdTech fit any mini-size glue gun. The hot glue forms a permanent bond in only 30 seconds and dries to a clear finish. Projects move along quickly when using hot glue for adhesion.
AdTech formulates these glue sticks to work on both high- and low-temperature settings. With their 8-inch size, they provide convenience for users. Although many glue sticks are 4 inches in length, these 8-inch sticks allow users to continue working twice as long before pausing to replace the glue stick. This pack includes 24 sticks.
Hot glue works well on felt material, but it stiffens as it dries. Therefore, the felt loses some of its flexibility. Additionally, this adhesion method is not recommended for young children due to the safety risks posed by the hot glue material and the hot glue gun.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 30 seconds
- Application method: Hot glue gun melts and applies glue
- Compatible materials: Felt, fabric, paper, cardboard, wood, ceramics, metal
Pros
- Fast drying time
- Strong, permanent bond
- Dries to a clear finish
- Ideal for crafts, repairs, and small gluing jobs
Cons
- Not suitable for young children or unsupervised older children
- Not for big jobs
Best Super Glue
5
Gorilla Super Glue Gel
Photo: amazon.com
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Because of its strong bonding ability and fast set time, super glue is a favorite of DIYers. It works on felt, wood, ceramic, rubber, leather, paper, and more. The primary adhesive ingredient in Gorilla Super Glue Gel is cyanoacrylate, a monomer that transforms to a hard permanent plastic state as it cures.
Super glue might be the best glue for adhering felt to wood or other rigid surfaces. But it’s not an optimal choice for applications where the user desires to maintain the flexibility of the felt material.
The gel formulation of this super glue provides precise control in the application process. Additionally, it dries in only 10 to 45 seconds, so projects move along quickly. The anti-clog cap has a metal pin inside to keep the applicator tip open. Additionally, the cap is designed with an airtight seal that keeps the glue from drying out in the bottle.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 10 to 45 seconds
- Application method: Squeezing bottle dispenses glue through applicator cap
- Compatible materials: Felt, paper, wood, metal, ceramic, rubber, some plastics
Pros
- Gel formulation
- Anti-clog cap
- Airtight seal keeps glue from drying in the bottle
- Strong, durable bond
Cons
- Does not maintain the flexibility of felt material
Get the Gorilla glue for felt at Amazon, Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, or Walmart.
Best For Kids
6
Elmer's CraftBond Tacky Glue
Photo: amazon.com
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The typical school glue that children use for paper and cardboard projects is not effective for gluing felt. Instead, this CraftBond Tacky Glue from Elmer’s provides the thickness needed to adhere felt material.
Safety and neatness are primary considerations when shopping for children’s art and craft materials. This glue is nontoxic and safe for contact with children’s skin. Additionally, it cleans up with water before it hardens. The no-run formula cuts down on messes.
This glue works on both porous and semi-porous surfaces, so it is a versatile choice for multiple purposes. It forms a strong, permanent bond and dries to a clear finish in approximately 30 minutes.
Product Specs
- Drying time: 30 minutes
- Application method: Squeezing bottle dispenses through applicator cap
- Compatible materials: Felt, fabric, metal, wood
Pros
- Nontoxic
- Safe for handling by children
- No-run formula
- Works on both porous and semi-porous surfaces
Cons
- Does not dry as fast as other glues
Get the Elmer’s glue for felt at Amazon or Oriental Trading Company.
Our Verdict
For gluing felt, we recommend Aleene’s Fabric Fusion Permanent Fabric Adhesive. We suggest Aleene’s Always Ready Original Tacky Glue as a budget-friendly alternative. These adhesives form strong, permanent bonds while preserving the flexibility of the felt material. Additionally, Aleene’s Fabric Fusion holds up to machine washing.
How We Chose the Best Glues for Felt
To begin our research on the best glues for felt, we read numerous articles detailing the various types of felt as well as the types of projects that call for gluing felt to felt or to diverse materials. Many of those articles include product recommendations that we considered. Then, we consulted an additional 10 articles to clarify specific points regarding the formulation and properties of glues and the recommended best practices for gluing felt.
We concentrated on adhesives that are both safe and effective for gluing felt. The factors we considered include application methods, drying times, nontoxic properties, finish appearance, and cleanup. We read and evaluated the product descriptions of nearly a dozen potential choices to assemble our final list of recommended glues for felt.
Tips for Using the Best Glue for Felt
Every crafter and DIYer wants their projects to go smoothly and to create attractive finished products. Here are tips to make your next felt-gluing project a success.
- Determine whether the felt in the finished project should be flexible or rigid.
- Determine whether the felt in the finished project needs to be washable.
- Use a glue that suits the project, based on the determinations described above.
- Cover the work surface with a drop cloth or thick paper.
- When using hot glue, spray adhesive, or super glue, it’s important to work quickly because of the rapid drying time.
- Clean up the spills and drips from tacky glue or fabric glue with soap and water before the glue dries.
- When using spray adhesive, provide ample ventilation, avoid open flames, and wear gloves, a mask, and eye protection.
- When using hot glue, avoid touching the hot tip of the glue gun, and avoid touching the glue before it cools and hardens.
FAQs
With its gorgeous colors and warm texture, felt is an inviting and useful material for numerous craft and DIY projects. In addition to sewing, gluing is a practical method for adhering felt to felt or to additional surfaces. After determining the type of glue that is needed for a specific felt project, users may have questions about how to proceed. Read on to find the answers to frequently asked questions.
Q. Do all glues work with felt?
No, not all glues work with felt. Optimal choices include either a fabric glue formulated for felt, a tacky glue, or hot glue.
Q. How do I get felt to stick together?
Use a tacky or fabric glue to maintain the felt’s flexibility, though hot glue or super glue also can bond the material. Follow the manufacturer’s directions and allow sufficient drying time for the glue to set up and cure.
Q. How do I glue paper to felt?
Regular white “school” glue won’t work here. Use tacky glue or fabric glue to adhere paper to felt.
Q. How do I glue down felt?
Super glue and hot glue are viable options for gluing felt material to rigid surfaces such as wood.
Q. What adhesive does not work with felt?
Regular white “school” glue does not work well on felt. Instead, use a thicker, tackier glue. Tacky glue, fabric glue, hot glue, and super glue work on felt material.
