ByAnnie Double Sided Tape vs Fabric Glue for Bag Making

Quick answer

For most bag-making tasks, ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is the better choice because it holds fabrics and zippers securely without gumming up your needle, while fabric glue is best for permanent bonds on hard-to-sew materials like faux leather or hardware. Use tape for basting seams and securing zippers; use glue for folded edges and areas that won't be stitched.

When you're making a bag, keeping layers from shifting is half the battle. ByAnnie Double Sided Tape and fabric glue are two popular adhesives, but they serve different purposes. This comparison will help you decide which one to reach for based on your project and materials.

How ByAnnie Double Sided Tape Works

ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is a thin, pressure-sensitive tape that temporarily bonds fabric, zippers, and stabilizers. It's designed to be sewn through, so you can baste seams and secure zippers without pins. The tape holds firmly but remains repositionable until you press it down hard. It won't leave a sticky residue on your needle or machine, making it a favorite for bag makers.

• Use it to hold zipper tape in place before sewing.
• Great for basting curved seams and matching patterns.

How Fabric Glue Works for Bag Making

Fabric glue creates a permanent bond and is ideal for areas that won't be stitched, like folded edges, appliques, or attaching hardware. It dries clear and flexible, but it can clog your needle if you sew through it before it's fully cured. Fabric glue is also useful for sealing raw edges of faux leather or vinyl that can't be sewn.

• Apply a thin line and let it get tacky before pressing.
• Test on a scrap first to ensure it doesn't stiffen the fabric.

When to Use Each for Zippers and Seams

For securing zippers, double sided tape is the clear winner. It holds the zipper tape flat and prevents it from shifting, so you can sew accurately without pins. Fabric glue is not recommended for zippers because it can seep into the coil and cause sticking. For basting seams, tape is also preferred because it's temporary and won't leave a hard residue. Use glue only for permanent bonds on areas that won't be sewn.

• Tape is ideal for zipper installation on bags and pouches.
• Glue is better for attaching decorative elements that won't be stitched.

Trade-offs at a glance

• Hold strength: ByAnnie Double Sided Tape offers a temporary hold that's strong enough for basting but allows repositioning. Fabric glue creates a permanent bond that can't be adjusted once set. Choose tape for adjustable positioning; choose glue for permanent bonds.
• Sewability: Tape is designed to be sewn through without residue. Glue can clog needles if sewn before fully cured. If you plan to sew through the adhesive, tape is safer.
• Best use case: Tape excels at securing zippers and basting seams. Glue is best for folded edges, appliques, and areas that won't be stitched. Match the adhesive to whether the area will be sewn.

Product facts

• Periwinkle's Twin - #5 Silver Nylon Coil Zipper Tape: Size #5 zipper tape is ideal for handbags, pouches, and backpacks. The teeth look like metal but they're nylon, so you can sew right over them without breaking your needles. This zipper tape pairs perfectly with ByAnnie Double Sided Tape for secure, pin-free installation.
• Cappuccino - #5 Bronze Nylon Coil Zipper Tape: Cut it to any length you need and sew right over it without breaking your needles (the teeth look like metal but they're nylon). Slides like butter, time after time. The smooth nylon coil means you can use double sided tape to hold it in place without worrying about the tape interfering with the zipper's function.

Which should you choose?

ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is best for:

• Bag makers who want to avoid pins and keep zippers perfectly aligned.
• Projects with curves or small pieces where pinning is difficult.

ByAnnie Double Sided Tape is not for:

• Permanent bonds on areas that won't be sewn, such as folded edges of faux leather.
• Situations where you need a rigid, permanent hold.

ByAnnie Double Sided Tape and fabric glue each have their place in bag making. For most sewing tasks, especially zipper installation and basting, tape is the more versatile choice. Keep both in your toolkit to handle any project that comes your way.