How Long for Water Soluble Fabric Glue to Dissolve?

Liquid and Stick Glue

• Water-soluble fabric glue in liquid or stick glue form can be applied to the back of appliques or trim. Use liquid or stick glue to test the positioning of items such as patches, buttons and lace appliques. Doing so gives you a sense of how the finished piece will look without making a permanent commitment. This kind of fabric glue can be applied directly from the container and is ideal for adding multiple small items over a large area. It provides the longest lasting temporary bond of the water-soluble fabric glues, and it dissolves in a washing machine's regular cycle or with an overnight soaking in a tub or basin.

Fusible Glue

• Fusible fabric glue is designed primarily for applique work. For example, you could trace an image onto the paper backing of the fusible web sheet and then iron the sheet to adhere it to a fabric. Then the applique is cut out along the marked lines and ironed into place. The fusible glue holds the applique in place until it can be permanently stitched.This temporary adhesive lasts until the item is washed or submerged in water for a short period of time, which is about 10 minutes for most brands.

Spray Glue

• Spray-on fabric adhesive is the most temporary of all of the water-soluble fabric glue types. It is used to hold several layers or fabric together in order to quilt them without shifting. Spray-on fabric glue is in an aerosol can, and a thin, even layer is used to adhere two fabrics together. It provides a light bond similar to static cling; and the glue can be removed instantly by peeling the fabric layers apart and spritzing them with water to dissolve the glue.

Considerations

• One kind of water-soluble glue may be best for one project, but another kind may be best for a different project. Testing a fabric glue on a small scrap of fabric before you use it is advisable if you are not sure how the glue will wash out.

  Water-soluble glue is an effective choice when updating a plain pillow, throw or other textile with a holiday motif. Simply adhere decorative items with the glue, and then wash the textile after the holiday passes to remove the decorations.