Learn all about the Fabric Mod Podge formula! Find out what it is, how to use it, and see some unique projects you can make.
Are you ready to decoupage fabric or paper to fabric and have it be permanent? And be able to wash it?! You’ve come to the right place – or formula, I should say.
Meet Fabric Mod Podge! If you’ve never used this decoupage formula before, it’s pretty cool. And let’s start by making it clear exactly what this specific Mod Podge is for:
Applying fabric or paper to fabric.
Yep, that’s it! Well, not “it,” but it’s that simple. Your regular Mod Podges are made for applying items to wood, metal, glass, etc., but this formula is used when fabric is the base.
If the process is followed appropriately, you’ll be able to wash (or hand wash as the case may be) your decoupaged items.
When fabric is applied to fabric, I feel comfortable washing my items in the gentle cycle. When paper or napkins are applied to fabric, I like to hand wash.
Mod Podge on Fabric
My favorite use for Mod Podge Fabric is applying fabric appliqués to other fabric items. For example, applying fabric cutouts to pillows, shirts, etc. However I also enjoy using this formula to prepare fabric for application to furniture.
It’s a very durable formula, so sometimes I’ll use it to coat a piece of fabric before cutting it out for some other decoupage use. It’s a nice fray preventative.
Applying Fabric to Fabric
Here’s my process for applying fabric to fabric:
- Pre-wash the fabric to remove sizing.
- Cut the design out of your fabric.
- Apply Fabric Mod Podge to the back of the fabric design.
- Place the fabric face-up on the base fabric where desired, and press firmly but gently to the surface with your fingertips.
- Apply a second coat of Fabric Mod Podge with a brush.
- Cure for 72 hours.
- Wash in cold water by hand or gentle cycle. Dry flat or line dry.
Applying Napkins to Fabric
Here’s my process for applying napkins to fabric:
- Pre-wash the fabric to remove sizing.
- Cut the design out of the napkin and discard the layers. Place napkin upside down on a piece of parchment or wax paper.
- Apply medium to the back of the design.
- Place the napkin and wax paper face-up on the fabric where desired, and press firmly but gently to the surface with your fingertips. Remove the paper carefully and press the design firmly again.
- Apply a second coat of Fabric Mod Podge with a brush, working into the napkin with a gentle, swirling motion. Clean the brush often when the ink of the napkin bleeds.
- Cure for 72 hours.
- Wash in cold water by hand. Dry flat or line dry.
FAQs for Fabric Mod Podge
What is the finish of this formula?
It is Glossy. You can see the swatch below (it’s on paper, but illustrates the look).
How do I prepare my fabric for using Fabric Mod Podge on it?
You must pre-wash, dry and iron the fabric. DO NOT use fabric softener. If using a t-shirt or a thin fabric, place a piece of wax paper inside directly under where you will be decoupaging your design.
How do I wash my project that’s decorated with Fabric Mod Podge?
The project is machine washable in cold water on the gentle cycle or by hand after 72 hours, and line dry. However, this formula will hold up best on decorative items that don’t have to be washed often.
I washed my fabric project in the washer and when it took it out it looked cloudy, what happened?
When washing your fabric to fabric decoupage project in the washer, your decoupage layer will absorb a little water and create a milky look.
Your project will be a little tender at this point, so be careful when handling. But do not be alarmed – it will fully dry to its original state.
Can I use this formula in place of sewing?
No, not for an entire garment. For an embellishment, yes. But I don’t want you to Mod Podge a shirt together and send me an email when you end up topless in public. Please don’t do that.
This formula is very thick. Can I thin it?
Yes, it’s very thick on purpose. Stir it as best you can and use a soft bristled brush to apply. Thinning it will reduce the properties, so I don’t recommend it.
I already have (Gloss/Matte/some other) Mod Podge. Do I really need this formula?
If you are doing a fabric project that you want to wash, yes. This is made to be washed, unlike the other formulas. The other formulas aren’t going to last like this one will.
Are you ready to start using Fabric Mod Podge? Try one of these projects!
Leave me your questions in the comments – I’ll answer them as best I can. I’d also love for you to check out these other formula guides:
Brushstroke • Dishwasher Safe • Extreme Glitter • Gloss • Glow in the Dark • Hard Coat • Matte • Outdoor • Satin • Sparkle • Super Matte • Dimensional Magic • Photo Transfer Medium • Puzzle Saver • Stiffy • Ultra
I want to adhere fabric to wood then add another coat of mod podge as a seal coat. Can I do than and be able to damp clean it later? What type of mod podge would be best?
Hi Max! If you want to damp clean it, I’d use a brush on sealer like Minwax Polycrylic. Use the Mod Podge to attach the fabric, seal with the Mod Podge, then a top coat of the Poly to make extra durable.
Can I use this mod podge to stick or seal glitter onto tulle?
I would use regular Mod Podge for that since this isn’t something you would want to wash. I’d mix the glitter and Mod Podge and apply it as a mixture as opposed to just applying the Mod Podge and sprinkling the glitter on. It will dull it a bit but it will stick better. Having said that, might you want to use Glitter Blast or a spray? I’m not sure if you’re sticking the tulle to something.
which mod podge would you recommend if I am using a temporary tattoo on a fabric facemask to wear in public and I want that tattoo to become permanent
I would use Fabric Mod Podge!
Help! I heat pressed an image to a pillowcase. The image took me three hours to weed. I started to color it in with the fabric markers I just bought and they are bleeding through the lines in the image. (I just started it and I’ve only used one color so far.) I would like to know if I could apply the fabric mod podge to the image and then use the fabric markers over it?
Hi Diana! I’m not really sure – I’ve got an article about using Mod Podge with markers, but I haven’t tested it with fabric markers. Do you have a scrap piece of fabric you can use for a test? That is what I recommend.
Hey, I used it to hem the sleeves of a shirt that I made a short sleeve and the fabric has a sort of darker color to it, will that last? If it does I’ll just paint over it since I painted art on the collar so no worries
Hi there! Yes, it will last. It does make fabric darker.
I’m pregnant and want to cover a vinyl roller blind with fabric for the new baby room. I don’t want to use spray adhesive because of the VOCs and other toxins. Would Mod Podge work? I don’t know if there are any funky interactions between Mod Podge and vinyl. I’d also like not to have to go over the face of the fabric with the glue so the shade looks like plain fabric, not fabric with a plasticky coating. Am I asking too much of Mod Podge? 🙂
Hi Kar! Yes, there are funky interactions between Mod Podge and vinyl. It’s *probably* not going to work. Also the Mod Podge is going to soak through the fabric more than likely, so you would need to top coat it. Having said that . . . I’d have someone spray adhesive it for you!
Hi I would like to use the fabric mid podge on robes for bridesmaids for my daughters wedding. I don’t really want to cut the tags off and wash the robes since they will be gifts. Is there any way to clean/remove the sizing in the one area only ?
Not that I know of . . . having said that, how stiff are the robes? Usually I’m working with fabric on bolts which is quite stiff and definitely needs to be washed. I don’t think they put as much sizing in clothing that hangs on the racks, so I think you’d be okay. The bolted fabric at the craft store seems to be the most stiff!
I NEED to know the actual INGREDIENTS (CHEMICALS) in the different modge podge products… PLEASE! I’ve tried everywhere i can think of to get this info.
Thanks
They are called MSDS sheets and you can get one for Mod Podge here: https://plaidonline.com/customer-service/safety-data-sheets/mod-podge
In the future if you need one for a specific product from Plaid, ask them here: https://plaidonline.com/about/contact
Thank you!
This is EXACTLY what I need. I have been dreaming of starting a blog for over 5 years and have taken steps forward and backwards and am a little intimidated by some of the technology ( and that fact that I already have a very demanding day job). Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. I also have a question about the fabric mod-podge. I would like to afix some muslin I stamped onto card stock for some handmade cards. Would this be a good formula to use or would it matter? I enjoy your blog!
It wouldn’t matter! If fabric is the base, this is a good formula – for washing purposes. If it’s a card and not being washed, you’re fine using regular gloss or matte or satin. 😀
I want to try and do this with a pair of canvas shoes. Making a summer pair of shoes. Do I have to wash and the shoes first?
Thanks
Hi Rosemary! Shoes don’t usually have the same chemicals sprayed on them to make them not wrinkle on racks . . . and the stiffness of the shoe helps with the smoothing. So I think you’re fine not washing them! Of course if they are used and dirty, I would wash them if possible 😀