Known for making life easier, it has uses in all kinds of projects, including those involving fabric.
You’ve probably thought about trying some in one of your own projects, but wondered what fabric Velcro sticks to?
The adhesive backing of Peel and Stick Velcro adheres to lightweight fabrics such as cotton, polyester, blended materials and nylon.
The hook side of all Velcro fasteners will adhere to any fabric consisting of small loops, such as wool, fleece, velvet and some felts and knits.
Different types of Velcro work better on different fabrics, but there’s more.
Depending on your project, you may want to go a completely different route.
Quick Navigation What fabric does Velcro stick to? How to stick Velcro to fabric How to stick Velcro to fabric without sewing How to sew Velcro to fabric Does Velcro stick to felt? Choosing the best Velcro for your project Alternatives to Velcro to fabric How to fix Velcro, that won’t stick How to remove Velcro from FabricConclusion
The sticky back velcro is made to stick to:
Most lighter fabrics
Iron-on Velcro is made to work with:
Most coarser fabrics
The hook side of the hook and loop fastener snaps or sticks to:
Most fabrics are made with “small loops”
How to glue Velcro to fabric
How to glue Velcro to fabric
Adhesive velcro comes in two variants.
Peel-off or stick-on velcro works just like a sticker and adheres to most lightweight fabrics.
It’s the fastest and easiest of the options, but not the most durable.
This type of Velcro can only be washed in a washing machine in cold water.
The second variant of adhesive velcro is iron-on velcro.
This velcro takes a little longer to adhere, but should last longer than the sticky back velcro.
It is best for thicker fabrics that are not suitable for a sticky back or cannot be sewn easily.
Of course, velcro sewing will take the most time, but it will give you the strongest application.
You can also machine wash your project as much as you like and this velcro will still hold.
Of course, there is also a fourth option, that you simply stick the Velcro yourself.
The results will be similar to using iron-on Velcro.
Additionally, once the adhesive or iron-on velcro dries in place, it can also be sewn on with a heavy duty needle for a more durable finish.
How to attach Velcro to fabric without sewing
Instructions for peeling and sticking Velcro
Make sure your fabric is clean and dry.
Peel off the backing and press the Velcro firmly into the fabric.
Make sure to work the glue into the fabric as best you can.
You can use a spoon to help push it in.
Wait 24 hours before using the substance.
Instructions for ironing on Velcro
Wash and dry the fabric before using Velcro.
Heat the iron to the highest setting.
Remove the Velcro backing and place on the fabric.
You will be ironing on the back of the fabric with the velcro underneath, so you may want to pin it in place.
Do not use the iron directly on the Velcro, otherwise it will melt.
Press down with the iron and move back and forth for about 90 seconds.
Pay attention to the even distribution of heat and prevent the fabric from burning.
If your fabric is delicate, you may want to use a pressing cloth between the iron and the fabric.
Wait 24 hours before using.
Instructions for gluing Velcro
Use a freshly washed and dried fabric.
Use fabric glue for best results.
Apply just a thin line of glue to the center of the back of the velcro.
You don’t want to use too much or it can ruin your fabric.
It will expand as you press it into the fabric.
(You can use hot glue on some fabrics.
Work the glue firmly into the fabric and Velcro to ensure it stays in place.
Follow the instructions on the glue for drying times.
How to sew Velcro on fabric
Instructions on how to sew on Velcro
Cut the Velcro to the desired size and shape.
Do not sew on the adhesive backing or iron-on Velcro until it has set and dried.
You are most likely to break the needle, so use a heavier needle and thimble.
If the glue has not dried, glue the needle with glue.
Will Velcro stick to felt?
There are many projects involving Velcro and felt.
Felt is a great fabric to use with velcro because it is made of many small loops of fabric, which allows the hook side (thick side) of the velcro to stick easily.
Of course, if you want to use an adhesive back or iron-on felt velcro types, you can do that too.
Works with all types.
Choosing the best velcro for your project
The most important thing to ask yourself when choosing the right Velcro for your project is how durable does it need to be?
What use will your project have?
For the most permanent solution, we recommend a classic sewn-in velcro, but ironing usually gets the job done.
You’ll also want to consider ironing on the Velcro if you don’t want the stitching to show through your fabric.
If your project is more of a simple solution, such as a temporary hem, then Velcro is definitely the way to go.
Velcro alternatives for fabrics
There are many pros and cons to using velcro on your projects, and while velcro is probably the easiest option, it may not be the best.
Namely, Velcro can catch on some fabrics and trap them.
It depends on what you want to do with your project.
Magnetic contacts could be better.
Play around with different ideas and see what works best for you.
How to fix Velcro that won’t stick
If you can’t get the adhesive to stick to the Velcro, make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
If your fabric was not freshly washed, there could be some residue on it that would prevent the glue from sticking.
There are often chemicals from dyes on newly purchased clothing that can interact with the adhesive and prevent it from adhering.
So be sure to make sure your fabric is clean before sticking on the Velcro.
Make sure you really press the glue into the fabric.
Using a spoon, as mentioned before, smooth it out while pressing.
This generally works, just make sure you apply enough pressure.
The sticky back velcro can only handle a cold water wash or else it will fall off.
As previously mentioned, this variety of velcro is not usually meant to be a long-term solution.
If you didn’t let your project sit for the required 24 hours, the glue may not have had enough time to fully adhere to your fabric.
Elastic fabrics usually do not work well with adhesive Velcro.
Make sure the fabric you are trying to use with the Velcro is not too stretchy.
Finally, if it’s not just the actual velcro, make sure it’s free of lint, hair, or debris.
How to remove Velcro from fabric
Some types of velcro are much easier to remove than others, so keep that in mind when choosing the velcro to use for your project.
A sticky back velcro will usually be the easiest to remove.
Simply peel off as much as possible with one hand while holding the fabric down with the other.
You can slide the plastic card under the velcro and try to pry the rest out if needed.
Just be careful not to tear the fabric.
If any sticky residue remains, it should come out with a wash or with a little warm water and detergent.
Alternatively, a hair dryer or heat gun works to loosen Velcro adhesive on non-synthetic fabrics.
The velcro iron will be a bit more complicated.
The best way to loosen the glued joint is the application of heat.
You can use the iron to gently move back and forth across the fabric to heat the glue.
Pull off the Velcro and fabric while it’s still warm.
You can also use a hair dryer and pull out the velcro the same way you did with the sticky back.
You will have to try to melt and peel off any residue left behind.
You can use newspaper for the leftovers and heat them with an iron.
You can then rub the fabric with mineral spirits to try to remove the residue.
Mineral spirits probably won’t damage your fabric, but I would still only use them as a last resort.
The Velcro stitching is easy to remove if you have a seam ripper.
Just pull the Velcro back as far as possible without damaging the fabric and reveal the stitching.
You can also use scissors or a sharp knife to do this, but it’s much easier with a seam ripper.
Many fabrics can be used with velcro, so you can create endless fun projects!
Whether you’re sewing your child’s Halloween costume or simply keeping the shirt collar where it should be, Velcro can become your go-to.
How have you used Velcro in your fabric projects?
Growing up, I loved exploring fabrics and textures and always had a project in progress.