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 am wondering if Mod podge Fabric would work if I brushed it on the back of a wool felt piece of art work to make it moth proof (I am trying to preserve a piece of artwork that is made from wool felt and I know moths tend to be attracted to burrowing into the back, where its dark, cuz its against the wall…)
Hi Amy! Mod Podge tends to make wool felt very crusty and stiff. It shouldn’t soak through to the front but I can’t guarantee it. I’d probably just get a spray and spray it on the back . . . it might still make it crusty but it will be a light coat, won’t soak through, and will probably deter the moths.
Using fabric mod-podge on fabric and plastic light SWITCH.Can you use it and how?
You do not need Fabric Mod Podge in this instance – however, you CAN use it. Here’s a tutorial for fabric on plastic light switches: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/decorative-switch-plates/
I want to make fabric bowls. The tutorial did not call for “Fabric” Mod Podge. Also, some of the bowls will be made with very thin or sheer fabrics. I am really confused about which Mod Podge would be best for my projects. Please help 🥴
Hi Bronnie! You will want to use Stiffy – https://modpodgerocksblog.com/fabric-stiffener/ It’s not a decoupage medium, but perfect for what you are thinking about doing. You CAN use regular Mod Podge: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/mod-podge-fabric-bowl/
However, when you mention very thin or sheer fabrics, I really feel you will get the best results with stiffy. It is not a decoupage medium but instead made JUST to stiffen things, and stiffens things harder than Mod Podge does.
Would you use this when applying fabric to glass plate of ball on to make a bowl?
No, you would use regular Mod Podge or Hard Coat. I mean you *could* use this, but it’s really only essential when applying fabric to fabric so that you can wash it.
Hello!! I have been decoupaging oyster shells with cocktail napkins and want to now use fabric. I have silk that I want to use Fabric Mod Podge to the oyster shell but am scared I will ruin silk! Do you have any suggestions?!?
It won’t ruin silk but it’s going to make it kinda crusty. If you have another piece of silk that you can test with – I’d do that. It will work but I want to make sure you like the outcome. It will darken it too!
I am going to cover some wooden furniture with fabric,do I cover the fabric with fabric modge podge and then apply it to the furniture with furniture mod podge?
Hello, I want to mod podge paper to fabric to make black out curtains for bedroom. Would I use the fabric mod podge and what type of fabric would be best for this purpose? The curtains would be hanging down with vertical folds.
Hi there Z! I would suggest using black fabric rather than paper (then yes, use Fabric Mod Podge). You can get relatively inexpensive fabric from JoAnn. However if you want to use paper, yes, you’d still to use Fabric Mod Podge. However you wouldn’t be able to wash them, because the paper would just come off.
Should you use fabric mod podge or regular mod podge to glue a fabric shower curtain to a canvas picture frame? Thank you in advance😁
Hi Debby, since it’s going to be on the wall, you can just use regular Mod Podge. You really only need to use Fabric Mod Podge when you need the item to be washable, for example putting an applique on jeans.
tried on cotton fabric. when dry feels gritty
Hi Lynn! Acrylic products do give fabric a bit of a rough texture. It will loosen with time and use and hand washing 🙂
I used copied pictures on to iron on transfer sheets. Then I put iron ons onto fabric squares to make a photo memory quilt. I was wondering if the fabric mod podge would help seal and protect and seal the iron on transfers? The iron ons said they would seal them selves but I am looking for something to add protection to the photo iron ons on the blanket. Any thought or suggestions?
Hi Stephane! I don’t recommend that because it’s not really meant to seal fabric in that way. It’s meant to glue fabric to fabric, or like on a fabric table where you can put a sealer on top.