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
Can Fabric Mod Podge be used as a fabric medium with acrylic paint? I’m wanting to create a fabric paint to use on canvas shoes, but do not have any fabric medium. Thanks so much!
Hi Jennilynn . . . it doesn’t work exactly the same way because it’s thicker. I think it would keep the paint attached to the fabric, I wouldn’t know the ratios to add. You could try it but it would be an experiment!
I have a question about flexibility. Once you adhere paper to fabric using fabric mod podge, does it retain its flexibility? I’m trying to figure out the best way to adhere paper to canvas so it can be easily rolled up without wrinkling the images on it.
Hi Alena! Honestly it sounds like you need a spray adhesive more than a decoupage medium! Especially since you won’t be washing it – MP Fabric is more about attaching fabric to fabric so you can wash it, and you don’t have to sew. I think you could use a spray adhesive on the paper, smooth it on the canvas, and then roll it up just fine without wrinkling.
I’ve been making iron-on patches using Heat and Bond Ultra, and I’m looking for something to apply to the front of the patch to improve its durability. Would Fabric Mod Podge do that, and would it hold up to the heat of an iron?
Mod Podge will definitely melt if an iron is applied, as will an acrylic products. I’m not sure what a good product is since I don’t really do much embroidery (or patch making, however you are doing it). I would check with the heat and bond folks to see how durable it is! Maybe you don’t need anything else or maybe they can recommend something!
Is there a way to remove very bold modge podge and reapply to an older crochet project that has badly lost its shape?
You could try it! that’s going to be tough – but here’s my guide: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/how-to-remove-mod-podge/
Can you sew through it with a sewing machine??
No – it will gum up the needle!
Hi. Can I Mod Podge fabric to an old vinyl shade? Or will it not work on vinyl?
Hi Bonne! It’s . . . 50/50 that it will work on most vinyl. I would use Super 77 aka spray adhesive 🙂
I want to put a copy of a handwritten recipe on tea towel ,will fabric mod podge work for this ? The iron-on transfer didn’t look so good.
I would like to know if you can use htv over fabric that I put mod podge on
Hi Cathy! Hmmmm – that is a good question. I don’t know the answer to it, honestly. I know you can’t use it over the top. Mod Podge and vinyl don’t work well together . . . and if you have to use an iron, it might melt the Mod Podge. Honestly what I would do is put Mod Podge on a sample piece of fabric, let it dry, then use HTV over the top and see what happens.
can you mod podge a napkin to a color t shirt or only white TIA
I just bought the modgepodge fabric and the outdoor, want to make a patio basket using a wicker base and covering it with fabric will the outdoor modgepodge work to help seal the fabric and make it somewhat moisture resistant
You can use the Outdoor to apply the fabric to the basket – you don’t need the Fabric formula! You’ll want to apply the fabric to the basket, then get another more waterproof sealer instead to put on top. Something brush on or spray on. That will protect the decoupage and help with water resistance.