A versatile, soft, self-crosslinking acrylic-based binder for general purpose applications in textiles and non-wovens. This is part of a new class of hydrophobic acrylic-based copolymers. This remarkable, APEO-free polymer is suitable in a variety of applications, especially non-wovens, textile flock and pigment printing. It offers excellent dry and wet tensile strength, and is durable to washing and dry- cleaning in non-woven applications. Additional characteristics include ease of formulation and excellent runnability