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 watercolored a cotton canvas bag.
I’d like to know if I could use modge podge fabric product to help seal and protect the art work?
Or if you have any suggestions what to use.
Thank you
Hi Gayle! Mod Podge is a waterbased product, so it’s going to make the watercolor bleed in fabric. Honestly I wouldn’t touch the bag. If you would have used fabric watercolor or a fabric medium with the watercolor, that would have been ideal. But on cotton canvas, I just feel like anything waterbased is going to cause that watercolor to bleed.
I used mod podge fabric to seal a ribbon lined fabric folder that I dyed using resin ink. The resin ink was coming off onto my fingers when I would touch it, so I thought this would seal it in. However, now it’s sticky! Do you have a suggestion on how I can get rid of the stickiness?
Hi Donielle! You can spray clear acrylic sealer over the top to do that. Fabric Mod Podge is really meant to attach fabric to fabric and make it washable . . . I know Mod Podge is a sealer, but with this formula, it’s a little different.
How can I get a matte finish on my baseball hat using fabric mod podge?
Hi Debbie! You don’t want to attach fabric to fabric which is what Fabric Mod Podge is used for – but you don’t really need a decoupage medium either. I’d use an archival spray like this: https://www.culturehustleusa.com/products/coat-the-mattest-mattifying-protective-membrane-240ml
I want to paint on canvas shoes with acrylic paint and was wondering if fabric mod podge was the right way to seal it or should I use another mod podge?
If you aren’t decoupaging fabric (or something else) on, there’s no reason to even use Mod Podge. I would use fabric paint and then whatever sealer fabric painters recommend. People do use Mod Podge to seal canvas shoes sometimes but I think there are better products when Mod Podge isn’t involved.
Thanks for the helpful information! I wondered if you have applied MP fabric to stretchy fabric (much less porous than spandex)? I’d like to stencil a design on a thick, sports top, adding glitter to the MP. I’m planning on stenciling while the fabric is stretched, any tips you might have?
Hi Corrie – I would get a fabric paint with glitter, even if it’s clear glitter fabric paint, to do your project. Mod Podge isn’t going to work with spandex well. You’re going to have to look for something specific for stretchy or latex fabrics.
Hi.
I have some mats, bought in Singapore, of light, silk -like fabric. I’m thinking of making them into a bag. I’m wondering if Mod Podge fabric will give a bit more durability and protection?
Hi Annette! The Mod Podge will darken the silk and stiffen it but you won’t like the results cause it will feel crusty. Mod Podge Fabric isn’t really a fabric protectant, although it’s an added layer of protection for putting fabric on wood for example. But when it comes to fashion, bags, etc. the best application is fabric to fabric so you don’t have to sew. It’s not a good fabric sealer.
Can i put it on a shirt to copy the design for a blanket without cutting up the shirt? Does it ruin the shirt?
Hi Andie! It’s not a transfer medium and it will ruin the shirt if you use it on the top.
Is there a Mod Podge I can use to apply cotton fabric to faux leather jacket and faux leather boots?
The Fabric MP is what you’d want to use! https://modpodgerocksblog.com/diy-patchwork-jeans/
Hi there! I am needed to create sparkly converse for my daughter who is going to be a flower girl. Would fabric mod podge be the best to use as the shoes are canvas? It will be regular craft glitter that I will be applying (white, gah!!). I need them to be ridiculously sparkly!
Additionally, after glitter is applied, do I top coat once dry?
Thank you so much!
Hi Ashley! I did them here: https://modpodgerocksblog.com/diy-glitter-shoes/ Check it out!
Hi! I have painted a sweatshirt using fabric paint and lipstick. I want to seal the design and have read that this can be used as a sealant. Would this work on top of fabric paint for sealing?
Hi there! The application for Fabric Mod Podge is to attach fabric to fabric and have it washable. There isn’t really a Mod Podge I would recommend for this. I would simply follow the heat setting and care instructions of the fabric paint.