Glue is essential to fabric collage, so over the years I’ve received lots of inquiries about how, why, and what kind of glue I use. Why don’t I use fusibles? Doesn’t the glue gunk up your sewing machine? Is it permanent? Can I wash my fabric collage quilt?
A blog post about glue was both natural and necessary to answer these questions. Once I started using video more often, I updated the post with a video tutorial, which made the process even clearer.
Quilters are overcoming their resistance to using alternative methods, such as glue. What was once a highly traditional pastime has become a playground for surface artists, painters, dyers, collagers, beaders and so on. Thirty years ago, when I first started using glue, eyebrows would raise in disbelief thinking of using glue on a quilt. Nowadays, I do believe that peoples’ definition of quilting has broadened to be more inclusive.
I don’t like rules that say what you can and can’t do. Do what what works, that’s the only rule. Glue works for me. Maybe it’ll work for you.
Fabric Collage Toolkit
Now that you know why I use glue, check out the other tools and supplies I use in the Fabric Collage Toolkit. The Toolkit page provides links for you to purchase each item as well as my own brief description and explanation of each tool or supply.
Hi good info. May I ask your opinion on Elmer’s glue?
I’ve seen many quilters use for securing backing and batting to top of quilt.
I found that when I used it (once) that it dried very stiff and I didn’t like the feel of it.