What Type of Craft Glue Do You Need?
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A detailed die cut, neat cardstock layer or carefully placed embellishment can quickly be spoiled by the wrong adhesive. Wet glue may cause paper warping, a wide applicator can make precision work difficult, and a weak bond may leave your finished project lifting at the edges.
Our craft glue collection includes glue pens, glue tape rollers, double-sided tape, glue dots, foam pads, adhesive sheets, PVA, tacky glue, all-purpose glue, textile glue and hot glue sticks.
Choose a glue pen for intricate details, a tape runner for clean paper layers, foam pads for raised designs or wet glue for larger surfaces.
The best craft glue depends on the material, the size of the area and the finish you want.
Always check the product instructions before use. Testing a small amount on an offcut will help you assess its drying time, finish and adhesion.
Read our guide to the different types of craft glue for more help choosing an adhesive.
A craft glue pen applies a controlled thin line, making it useful for detailed paper crafting. Glue pens are well suited to:
Use a few dots or a light line rather than too much glue. This helps prevent adhesive spreading beyond the edges.
Vellum requires extra care because glue can show through the sheet. Test it first and place small dots behind printed sections or embellishments where possible.
Glue tape is a dry, tidy option for paper-based crafts. A glue tape roller applies an even strip without the drying time of wet glue, so you can continue working straight away.
Tape runners are useful for matting cardstock, attaching photographs, making invitations and building scrapbook pages. As they contain no moisture, they can also reduce paper warping.
For gift boxes, pockets and interactive card mechanisms, strong double-sided or red liner tape may offer better adhesion. Double-sided adhesive sheets are useful when you need to cover larger surfaces or detailed shapes evenly.
Glue dots are a quick way to position small embellishments without waiting for wet glue to dry. They work well with lightweight toppers, bows and decorative details.
Foam pads and foam sheets add height between layers, helping sentiments, frames and card toppers stand out. Choose the thickness according to the amount of dimension you want, and place the pads evenly so the finished layer remains level.
The best craft glue for card making depends on the part of the card you are assembling.
A tape runner works well for flat paper and cardstock layers, while a craft glue pen gives you more precision for detailed die cuts. Foam pads create raised layers, and glue dots help position small embellishments.
PVA, tacky glue or all-purpose glue may suit thicker decorations and larger areas, but apply only a small amount to limit excess moisture. Acid-free adhesive is worth considering for photographs, scrapbook pages and keepsake cards intended for long-term storage.
Browse our card-making supplies to find papers, dies, stamps and decorative elements for your next project.
PVA glue is commonly used for collage, decoupage, papier-mâché and general paper crafts. Many formulas dry clear and can be spread across paper, card, wood and other suitable materials.
Tacky glue has a thicker consistency that can help hold embellishments and layered pieces in position. All-purpose glue is a useful option for projects that combine several materials, although you should always check the surfaces listed on the bottle.
Apply wet glue in a thin, even layer. Too much glue can increase the drying time and cause lightweight paper to buckle.
Glitter glue combines adhesive and sparkle in one bottle. Use it to add dots, borders, lettering and decorative highlights without handling loose glitter.
Apply a thin layer and leave the project flat until fully dry. Thick applications may take longer to set and can spread beyond detailed lines.
Hot glue sticks are used with a compatible glue gun to create a fast-setting bond. They can be helpful for artificial flowers, fabric decorations, wood pieces and thick embellishments that need more support than paper adhesive can provide.
The nozzle and melted glue become very hot. Work on a heat-resistant surface, keep your fingers away from fresh adhesive and supervise younger crafters. Refer to the NHS guidance on burns and scalds for first-aid information.
Test hot glue before using it on unfamiliar materials, particularly plastic, glass, metal or ceramics.
A specialist textile or felt glue is the best starting point for many fabric crafts because it is designed to adhere to fibres.
It may suit felt shapes, trims and decorative appliqué. Hot glue can work for non-washable fabric decorations, while certain PVA products may be suitable for lightweight textiles in mixed-media work.
Check whether the adhesive is washable, flexible and suitable for the thickness of your material. Test it on a hidden area first.
Keep scissors, applicators, protective sheets and other useful tools nearby so you can position each layer accurately.
Explore our craft essentials and tools to prepare your workspace.
Choose a glue pen for precise details, glue tape for neat layers, foam pads for added height or wet glue for larger areas. Match the adhesive to your material, follow its instructions and test unfamiliar combinations first.
Shop craft glue, tapes, foam pads and adhesives today to give every layer, die cut and embellishment the hold it needs.
Craft glue is an adhesive used for projects such as card making, scrapbooking, decoupage and fabric crafts. It is available as wet glue, glue pens, glue tape, glue dots, adhesive sheets, foam pads and hot glue sticks. The right choice depends on the material, bond, drying time and level of precision required.
Some craft glues are similar to household glue, but many are made for a particular material or application. They may offer a finer applicator, clearer finish, reduced moisture or stronger adhesion on certain surfaces.
There is no single best glue for every craft. Use glue tape for flat paper, a glue pen for detailed die cuts, foam pads for raised layers, PVA for decoupage, textile glue for fabric and hot glue sticks for heavier decorations.
Use only a thin layer of wet glue and spread it evenly. For flat paper and cardstock layers, a dry adhesive such as a tape runner, double-sided tape or adhesive sheet can help prevent warping.
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