Tips & Tricks | Essentials > Techniques

No Sew Methods: Stitch Witchery vs. Fabric Glue

  • By OnlineFabricStore

There are two great ways to attach fabric without sewing: fabric glue or a fusible bonding tape like Dritz Stitch Witchery.

If you have a sewing machine, sewing is often still the fastest and most reliable method for many projects, but fabric glue or Stitch Witchery are great alternatives. They are also used when you don’t want stitches to show, like on curtain hems.

Different materials and fabric finishes may affect how well these products work so it’s best to test either method on a scrap of fabric before using.

Bonding Tape

Fusible bonding tape is a strip of adhesive that melts when ironed to adhere fabric together. This is a simple way to create a permanent bond that isn’t at all messy and doesn’t require drying time. It’s perfect for cotton and other fabrics that can withstand medium to high heat. It helps to use the steam setting on your iron to create the best bond.

Dritz Stitch Witchery comes in various widths and weights and it’s machine washable and can be dry cleaned.

Bonding tape is also commonly used for hems instead of top stitching so no stitches will be visible.

See our video on How to Use Dritz Stitch Witchery for more detailed instructions.

We used Stitch Witchery to make a no-sew valance. It’s also useful when matching up patterns when sewing two pieces of fabric together like in our duvet cover tutorial.

Fabric Glue

Fabric glue like Dritz Unique Stitch and Dritz Liquid Stitch are fabric glues that also provide a permanent bond. These glues are non-toxic, clear when dry, and machine washable and dryable.

If your fabric doesn’t hold up to heat well or if you don’t have an iron, this fabric glue is the best no-sew option.

Permanent fabric glue is ideal for hems, trims, appliques, patches, zippers, repairs, roman shades, and crafts. We used fabric glue to make a no-sew pillow as well as a no-sew scarf and headbands.

Hot glue is also an option, but we don’t recommend it for anything that will be washed or have lots of wear and tear. We’ve used it in plenty of decorative projects and crafts like burlap flower wreaths, felt flowers, a fabric woven wire basket, a burlap table runner, a Christmas tree skirt, and more.

See our all our glues and adhesives for more ways to attach fabric.

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