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
It has come out cloudy and dried the same I’m so upset I read all these instructions and the ones on the bottle and I still got this result
Hi Tessa! I would need more information. Can you please join our Facebook group so we can diagnose? https://www.facebook.com/groups/craftywithmodpodge
Hi i used modge podge on fabric (to leather). Im upholstering a chair. There seems to be a lot of dark streaks on the fabric (its been 15-20 min). Im assuming its from more glue in those areas. I did roll & flatten the fabric on so its not clumpy. Do you know if the dark spots will eventually disappear? If not, how could I fix it and is it still salvageable?
Hi Annie! I know it’s been a minute but it should have dried. I’m wondering if the fabric was thin and the couch below, dark. Mod Podge (or any acrylic medium) makes fabric slightly transparent, so then you can see the color below. This is only if the fabric is thin. A home decor weight doesn’t do that as much. It’s not dark streaks, it’s the couch showing through. If that’s the case, there’s nothing you can do besides remove the fabric and use something thicker.
Hi
Which mod podge can I use if we are painting shoes fabric and leather, so the color stays? Does it come in spray form also?
Thank you
Hi Nanaz! Mod Podge fabric isn’t necessarily meant to seal paint on leather and fabric. It works but you’ll definitely want to use fabric and leather paint that is washable (as opposed to regular acrylic paint). Yes there is a spray (Ultra) and also a spray sealer. The spray sealer doesn’t glue anything down. I would think you’d want a fabric specific spray sealer if such exists.
I am making a quilt for my daughter and I have used Mod Podge. After letting it dry for 24 hrs, there seems to be a dull look to the photo. I waited another 24 hrs and wet the photo and slightly rubbed it over photo again. Still, a dull look & maybe this is as good as it is going to get.
Hmmm. Did you use photo transfer medium? I’m not sure if you applied fabric to fabric.
Can this be used with rub-on transfers (usually used on furniture) if I use them on fabric for cushion covers?
Hi Patricia! It wouldn’t keep a rub on transfer on fabric. It’s ideally for fabric to fabric transfer primarily. There are some other uses as you can see 🙂
hii i want to seal an acrylic painting i did on a denim jacket so it will say longer, i wanted to know if this is the right product for that because i want it to be washable but also foldable (i mean it won’t crack if you fold it ;)) thank you!! also can i wash it in the machine? if so how many degrees?
Hi Noor! So my advice for this is to use fabric paint OR use fabric medium mixed in with the paint. https://renovatedfaith.com/acrylic-paint-on-fabric/
Now that it’s done, sealing over the top won’t keep the paint in the fibers. Fabric Mod Podge is made for attaching fabric to fabric and having it be washable. You might see if there’s a clear fabric paint you can use over the top. I don’t know!
This is a great blog! You answered many of my questions already. I still have two. I bought the modpodge fabric waterbase sealer to use as a stain protector for a white canvas pillbox purse. I don’t want it shiný though. Would you suggest the ‘matte’ instead. Would it work for this purpose?
I am also wondering if mod podge acts as a stiffener, for a hat with a brim. On that note would a baseball cap become stiff on the cap part?
Hi Meg! I wouldn’t use Mod Podge as a stain protector. The point of the Fabric formula is to be able to adhere one piece of fabric to another without sewing and still have it be washable. You specifically want a stain protector. I’ve been using Scotch guard as a protector pretty much my whole life but it looks like Amazon has a lot of options: https://amzn.to/3HmBBPn
In terms of the stiffener, there is a specific Mod Podge product for that: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/fabric-stiffener/
Yes, it would make the hat part stiff. 🙂
I would like to purchase Mod Podge to apply furniture. Please advise where in Hamilton
New Zealand I can purchase. It looks so effective and creative.
Hi Margo! I don’t sell Mod Podge! Plaid makes it – I’m just a blogger. Here’s their store locator: https://plaidonline.com/where-to-buy/international-distributors
Hello, Thank you so much for posting this blog, there’s lots of helpful tips and ideas. For my son’s birthday we’re doing spandex bandanas but in the center is supposed to be a metallic logo. Instead of using heat transfer (which I may end up doing) I thought about just printing the logo on sticker paper and sticking it to the bandana. Would fabric MP be ideal for this? If so would I also need to add the MP to the top of the paper sticker as well? I tried fabric glue on a test piece and the glue seeped through so I’m trying to think of alternatives. Thank you in advance.
Hi there! If the bandanas are spandex then the glue will just seep through and it will be hard to get an acrylic product to work (like Mod Podge). I’d use the heat transfer vinyl. 🙂
I’ve been creating Graffiti Jeans. They tend to fade after so many washings. I’m wondering if Fabric Mod Podge could act as a protector or sealer over top my drawings. I use various mediums, ie Sharpies, fabric markers and paint, nail polish acrylic paint, etc
Hi Jeanette! I would give it a try! This is my guide for Mod Podge and what it smears: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/using-mod-podge-with-ink-markers-pencils/
BUT this was on paper.
So if you have some denim scraps, I’d definitely do a test with your different mediums to make sure it doesn’t smear or bleed your work.