Leather is a material that’s in most of our houses these days.
Whether it’s the plush sofa that reminds us of every therapist scene in films, our beloved jacket that makes us feel like Jaxx Teller, or the coveted leather handbag we saved our extra pennies for, leather is a material that we know and love.
But, no matter how well we care for these items, accidents can happen!
A tear, scratch, or a rip and leather can need repairing! It’s no easy task, but can be rescued with some leather glue!
Great for crafting projects, repairing your loved items, and so much more, it’s a handy tool to have in your cupboard.
Designed to be strong and durable, the market has lots of options available to us now, making finding the best leather glue a difficult task.
But rest assured, the hard work has been done for you! We have combed the internet and found the best leather glue, and alongside our buyer’s guide, you too will be able to get the best glue for your needs!
Make sure to check out our FAQ section as well for any last-minute glue related queries. Happy reading and gluing!
In a hurry? Check out our top pick to grab your glue and go?
OUR TOP PICK
E6000’s craft glue is an affordable option for those looking to bond leather. The glue is industrial strength, designed to hold your pieces together.
The glue is waterproof and heat resistant as well, providing a durable hold for your leather.
The glue goes on clear but does dry white. Thankfully the glue can be painted once it’s cured. This curing can take anywhere from 24-72 hours so be sure to allow plenty of time when bonding your leather.
A longer drying time does mean you’ll need to allow more time, but it also gives you some wiggle room should you need to make any alterations or adjustments before it sets.
E6000’s glue is non-flammable and safe for the washer and dryer, a great option for those looking for the glue to use on their leather clothes.
What’s great about this glue is the flexibility you get once the glue has dried. It remains flexible throughout its use as well, with customers praising the flexibility of the glue.
Be sure to take care when replacing the cap after gluing, as it can glue shut. It’s that powerful it doesn’t know its strength!
For those after an affordable glue that will last and have the time to wait for it to dry, this is the one for you!
Pros:
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Temperature resistant
- Flexible
- Can be painted once dried
Con:
- Requires 24-72 hours to cure, not ideal for immediate use
EDITORS CHOICE
Aleene’s affordable glue is a great fast tacking glue for those looking for quick results.
The glue dries clear and offers great flexibility, a great option for those looking to glue clothes, bags, and crafting projects.
Aleene’s glue is a good choice for those crafting, as you can sew over the glue with no gumming of your needle.
The non-toxic glue provides a permanent bond that won’t stain or soak fabric when you are using it. It’s worth noting that it is not washable or suitable for dry cleaning.
The glue is easy to apply and comes with a customizable tip, allowing you to control the amount of glue you need for your project at the time.
It’s easy to apply and customers particularly enjoyed the low odor of the glue, describing it as virtual odor-free! Great for those with sensitive noses or working in confined spaces.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dries clear
- Permanent glue
- Flexible
- Very low odor
Con:
- Not machine wash or dry clean safe
BEST VALUE
Gorilla glue is popular all across the country and it’s no wonder why, as it continually delivers a super stronghold. Their original waterproof glue is a great option for those looking to glue leather.
This huge 36oz bottle is more expensive than other options, but provides an incredible hold!
The glue expands 3-4 times in size while drying, filling any pores and crevices to deliver the super-strong hold we know and love.
What’s great about this glue is it works on a range of surfaces, those creating multimedia pieces need not be surrounded by endless bottles of glue now!
The glue is temperature resistant as well, unaffected by extreme heat or cold, meaning it’s a glue you can trust to work.
Gorilla’s glue does dry brown, but can be painted, stained, or sanded once it has fully dried.
It’s worth noting that alongside its incredible bonding power, the glue is very stiff and offers little flexibility. This glue is a great option for those after a super stronghold!
Pros:
- Unaffected by extreme heat or cold
- 36 oz bottle
- Waterproof
- Super strong bond
- Expands 3-4 times in size for ultra hold
Con:
- Not very flexible
RUNNER UP
Loctite’s super glue brings professional-strength glue to your home! A super glue that dries incredibly quickly, this is great for those looking for immediate use and results.
As the glue dries so quickly the pinpoint nozzle is great, allowing for a precise and neat application that hopefully won’t need correcting.
The glue dries clear, although some may notice a slight shine which could be noticeable on some applications depending on the leather being worked with.
Loctite’s glue is resistant to moisture and freezing temperatures, it’s best to keep it out of the water as it's not listed explicitly as waterproof.
The affordable glue does not need to be clamped while it dries either, giving you the freedom to move onto your next crafting creation!
Pros:
- Affordable
- Dries quickly
- Resistant to extreme cold and water
- Professional strength at home
- Pinpoint nozzle for a precise application
Con:
- Slight shine when dries that may be noticeable on some applications
RUNNER UP
Those after an eco-friendly glue, Tandy offers a great one for you. Praised for its no odor when using, it’s a decently priced glue for joining your leather pieces.
The glue also works well with cloth and chipboard, great for those after a glue for multimedia projects.
You only need a thin layer with this glue to get its strong bonding properties, a little goes a long way providing great value for your money.
The glue will dry fully in about 30 minutes too, so great for those after a quick dry time. It will allow you to move onto your next project or get your leathers back on and on the move!
With this glue, you will need to apply continuous pressure to the joined surfaces until the glue has dried. This can be done yourself, or you could use some heavy books for example, or clamps, to keep them in place.
Customers were very impressed with the strength of this glue and found it glued their leather pieces together exceptionally well.
Those after an eco-friendly option with no odor and a strong bond should consider this option!
Pros:
- Environmentally friendly
- No odor
- Strong bonding
- Dries within 30 minutes
- Only need a thin layer
Con:
- Pressure needs to be applied while drying
Best Leather Glue Buying Guide
Not sure what the right glue is or what factors need to be considered?
Check out our handy buyers guide to become a savvy glue shopper!
Staying Power
Leather is a material that needs a very strong bond to glue it in place, so make sure you go for a glue that can hold it in place. Glues that are labeled as leather glue should be able to hold the leather in place.
Look out for glues described as having a superior hold, or are made from polyurethane for that superior long-lasting hold.
Resistant
If you’ve gone to the trouble of gluing these pieces together then chances are you want them to stay in place. Some glues can be affected by water and extreme temperatures, not ideal if you are using leather glue on clothing for example.
Look out for weather-resistant glues, as well as ones designed to survive extreme heat or freezing temperatures to ensure nothing will undo your hard gluing!
Flexibility
Flexibility is really important for those gluing leather clothing to ensure fabric can still move and perform as it usually would.
Cement glue won’t provide as much flexibility as other leather glues so it’s important to consider how much movement you will need from the pieces before purchasing your glue.
Durability
The leather and what you have bonded to may well wear over time, and it’s important to choose a leather glue that is durable enough to withstand minor wear and tear to avoid the need for reapplication.
Ease of Application
To save yourself time, and sticky hands, look for glues that are easy to apply, especially if you are new to leather crafting.
Some glues will be easier to work with than others, be sure to check out our recommendations for those easy to use ones!
If you are new to bonding leather, a glue that takes some time to dry may be a good option as it will allow you some extra time to make adjustments before the glue dries.
Some glues also come with easy to use, or adjustable nozzles, allowing you to better control the glue as you use it! Excellent for beginners and professionals alike.
Types
There are a few types of glue that will work on leather, it’s important to check which one will be most suitable for your needs.
Leather Glue
Aptly named, leather glue is specifically designed for leather. They are normally white and will dry clear, making them useful across a wide range of leather colors and finishes.
These glues tend to be flexible as well, making them great for leather clothing. The glue tends to provide good strength and durability, making it a good option for leather craft projects or repairs.
To use, generally, apply the glue to one surface and press it into the other surface you want to glue it to. Leather bonded with leather glue will not pull apart easily, providing you with added security.
Super Glue/Gorilla Glue
These glues are available in a range of formulations for different needs. Looking at their original, or commonly available, they are effective at joining leather.
You may not get as much flexibility or longevity as you would with a leather specific glue but for smaller patchwork, it should suffice.
Those working on finer leather pieces might see the glue once it dries, so it’s better to opt for a specific leather glue for discretion and added flexibility and longevity.
Craft Glue
There’s a lot of different craft glues available on the market. Generally, they only offer a light hold when used on leather. This will not be ideal for everyone, but for those looking to sew leather, this may be a great option for you.
It will dry quickly, be tacky, and should provide enough hold to keep the leather in place will you sew. If needed, you should still be able to move the material apart.
Craft glue is a great option for those after a temporary fix rather than a permanent solution.
Contact Cement
Contact cement provides a very strong bond, great for those looking to permanently join material. It is so strong that after using it if you try to separate the leather, the leather fibers will tear before the glue will separate!
Contact cement requires you to apply it to both surfaces you want to join, with an even application for a smooth adhesion. It’s a super-strong option, great for a permanent fix.
Price
The price of leather glue can vary in price depending on the brand and size of the glue. Be sure to have a clear budget in mind before you begin your search and stick to it as much as possible.
Some brands such as Gorilla Glue can become quite expensive, depending on which glue, so those on a budget may not find this the most suitable.
The size of the glue bottle will also vary the price. Usually the bigger the bottle, the more it's going to cost.
These can sometimes work out as better value for money, so it's always worth looking for a bigger buy or multi-pack option if you are going to need a lot of glue.
Those looking for a one-off glue, or small amounts for projects will probably be okay with the smaller, more standard-sized bottles of leather glue.
There are lots of great options to suit every budget, be sure to check out our more affordable recommendations too!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some bases still not covered?
Check out our FAQ section to answer your final questions!
What is leather glue?
Leather glue is glue designed to stick pieces of leather together. This can involve a permanent bond between the pieces or temporary hold, for example before sewing the pieces together.
There are several types of leather glue, so be sure to find the one which best suits your needs.
Can I use fabric glue for my leather?
Generally, fabric glue does not bond that well with leather.
For a temporary fix, during sewing, for example, it will suffice. However, for gluing patches of leather together, or leather clothes, a glue designed for leather will provide better results and a longer-lasting fix.
How do I glue leather pieces together?
Those looking to join 2 pieces of leather together should be able to follow instructions on their chosen glue.
Generally speaking, this rough guide should help. Be sure to check the leather glue for detailed instructions, or online tutorials can be very helpful!
Your leather will have two sides, a rough flesh side which is rough, and a smooth outside side. Usually, you will glue the two flesh sides together, so that you are left with a smooth side on both sides of your piece.
It won’t always be an option to glue both flesh sides together, with sandpaper to roughen the side up and help the glue stick.
Place the glue on the desired area and then attach the other piece to the glued area. It’s worth taking some time at this stage, especially if you are new to gluing leather to avoid any errors.
Some glues won’t begin to dry immediately, so you can make some adjustments, otherwise, it's important not to touch the glue to avoid getting it on your hands (you may want to consider gloves if you are concerned about getting glue everywhere).
Some glues require clamping to keep the pressure on them while they dry, while others only need to be left for 30 minutes or so. Be sure to check the instructions to ensure you follow the right procedure.
Some glues can take up to 72 hours to cure, it's best to leave them on a flat surface and ensure they are fully dried before moving them. Once this is complete, if the glue is suitable you can paint or stain it.