Felt is a soft, fuzzy fabric that’s used in everything from kids’ crafts to professional decorations. But to make your felt project last, choosing the right glue is important. This guide will help you find the best adhesive for felt, so your projects stick well, stay safe, and look amazing.
What Is the Best Adhesive for Felt?
When it comes to sticking felt, not all adhesives work the same. The best adhesive for felt depends on what you’re making. Some glues work better on fabric, others are best for wood or plastic. You want a glue that dries clear, holds strong, and won’t soak through the felt. Products like fabric glue, hot glue, and spray adhesive are the top choices. For large crafts, spray adhesive saves time. For detailed work, fabric glue gives you more control. And for fast projects, hot glue dries quickly.
Using the right glue means your felt sticks well and doesn’t make a mess. Whether you’re working on a school project or decorating for the holidays, using a strong, safe adhesive makes a big difference.
Why Felt Needs Special Glue
Felt is a unique material. It’s made by matting and compressing fibers together, not weaving them like other fabrics. Because of this, it soaks up liquid more easily and can lose shape if the glue is too wet. That’s why you can’t just use any glue from your junk drawer. Some glues will bleed through, leaving hard spots or stains.
Another reason felt needs special glue is its texture. Felt has a fuzzy surface that doesn’t stick well to all types of glue. Adhesives made for fabric, foam, or porous surfaces are more likely to work well. The goal is to find a glue that holds tight without damaging the softness or flexibility of the felt.
Different Kinds of Glue You Can Use on Felt
Not all glues are the same, and choosing the right type can make your project easier and cleaner. There are three main kinds of glue that work great on felt:
Fabric Glue for Felt
Fabric glue is one of the best and easiest options. It’s designed to work on soft materials like cotton, wool, and felt. It dries clear, stays flexible, and doesn’t leave stiff patches. It’s ideal for sewing alternatives, small crafts, and even wearable felt projects. Look for non-toxic and washable fabric glues if you’re making something for kids. Brands like Aleene’s Fabric Fusion or Beacon Fabri-Tac are popular because they bond well and don’t create a mess.
Hot Glue for Felt Projects
Hot glue guns are great for fast drying and strong bonds. Hot glue sticks to felt quickly and works well with other materials like wood, foam, or plastic. It’s especially good for building 3D shapes, holiday decorations, or classroom projects. But be careful: the glue is hot and can burn fingers, especially with kids. It also dries very fast, so you have to work quickly. Once it dries, it creates a thick hold that keeps felt pieces in place.
Spray Adhesive for Big Felt Areas
When working with large felt sheets, like for bulletin boards or backdrops, spray adhesive is a great option. It gives an even coat over a big area, helping you lay felt flat without wrinkles. Choose a spray glue that’s made for fabric or foam, and spray it from a distance of about 6 to 8 inches. It dries fast and doesn’t bleed through the felt if used lightly. Brands like 3M Super 77 or Elmer’s Spray Adhesive are often used for crafts and design boards.
Easy Ways to Stick Felt Without Mess
If you want to keep things neat, go for glues that don’t drip, spread easily, or dry clear. For less mess, use a glue stick or a fabric glue pen. These tools help you put glue only where you need it. Lay your felt pieces flat and press gently with your fingers or a roller to avoid bubbles.
Also, use wax paper or a plastic sheet under your felt to protect your table. Don’t overload your felt with glue; a little goes a long way. Work in a ventilated area, especially with spray adhesives. Most importantly, let your glued felt dry completely before moving it. This helps the glue set properly and makes your project last longer.
How to Use Glue on Felt the Right Way
To make your project successful, it’s important to glue the felt properly. Here’s how:
- Clean your surface: Whether you’re gluing felt to wood, paper, or fabric, make sure the surface is clean and dry.
- Test the glue: Try it on a small piece first to see how it reacts with the felt.
- Apply thin layers: Too much glue can soak through felt. Use thin, even layers and spread the glue using a brush or your fingers.
- Press and hold: Once you place your felt, press down gently. Hold it for about 30 seconds to help the glue bond.
- Let it dry: Leave your project untouched for a few hours or overnight, depending on the glue.
Following these steps will give you a stronger hold and a cleaner finish.
Best Glue for Felt Crafts and Kids’ Projects
Kids love working with felt because it’s colorful and soft. But not all glues are safe for children. Let’s look at some great options for fun, safe, and clean felt crafting.
Kid-Safe Felt Glues
For kids, safety comes first. Choose non-toxic, washable glues that are easy to use. Look for products labeled child-safe or AP Certified Non-Toxic. Brands like Elmer’s School Glue, Aleene’s Tacky Glue, or Crayola Washable Glue are perfect for little hands. These glues dry slowly, giving kids more time to place pieces. They also clean up easily with water.
Easy to Clean Glues
Craft time can be messy, but the right glue makes clean-up easier. Glue sticks, washable liquid glues, and low-temperature hot glue guns are good choices. Look for glues that don’t stain clothes or surfaces. Avoid industrial or strong chemical glues when working around kids.
What Glue Works Best for Felt on Wood, Plastic, or Fabric?
Sometimes you need to stick felt to other materials like wood, plastic, or even glass. Each surface needs a special kind of glue:
- Felt to wood: Use hot glue, wood glue, or strong craft glue like E6000. Hot glue works best for fast results.
- Felt to plastic: Use hot glue or fabric glue that works on smooth surfaces. Avoid regular school glue, which may not hold.
- Felt to fabric: Fabric glue is best. It keeps both materials soft and is washable.
For all surfaces, always test a small area first to make sure it bonds well and doesn’t bleed.
Tips to Make Felt Stick Longer
Want your felt project to last? Here are some helpful tips:
- Clean surfaces first to remove dust or oils.
- Use enough glue to hold, but not so much that it soaks through.
- Press and hold each piece for at least 30 seconds.
- Let it dry completely before using or moving the project.
- Store projects flat to prevent bending or peeling.
These small steps can make a big difference in how long your felt crafts stay together.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right adhesive for felt is the key to successful, long-lasting projects. Whether you’re using fabric glue, hot glue, or spray adhesive, the most important thing is using it the right way. Always match the glue to the material and purpose of your craft. If you’re working with kids, go for safe and washable options. For professional projects or mixed materials, choose glues with strong bonding and clear drying.
Now that you know what works best, you can stick felt confidently—without the mess or stress. Whether you’re gluing felt to wood, plastic, or fabric, this guide makes it easy for anyone—even a 10-year-old—to create something amazing.