Thread: My experience with Glue Basting.

Good morning everyone! Yesterday, I began sewing the seams for my Double Irish Chain quilt blocks. I wondered to myself while cutting the fabrics if I would have any problems. Two of the fabrics that I had chosen were very light weight. I am a scrap quilter who has been lucky (thats putting it mildly) enough to have recently been given a retired quilters fabric stash, as she can no longer quilt and her family had no interest. Quite a few pieces of her stash are a very light weight material, but some wonderful colors; so even though, I anticipated some trouble and had never worked with this type before; I cut it with a passion and was excited to see what happened on this "adventure".

Thanks to the board and all of their wonderful tips and beautiful quilt creations and various styles, I have been stepping out of my comfort zone and trying many new things and really focusing on improving my entire quilting experience. Here a while back, I chose to use some tape to mark my 1/4 inch seam line on my Singer; which does work FABULOUSLY. But, being a pinner I have run into issues with my pins and the tape. Nothing pertinent, well at least not until the pin, tape and thin fabric intertwined. LOL. I was ending up with puckers and snags like crazy. By the time I finished the first seam, I knew I had to find a solution.

One of the things I am working at improving is really nice seam lines, you know the ones that actually do line up and meet together so wonderfully. Sitting on the side was my bottle of Elmers Washable School Glue that I have used in applique. I hem hawed at the thought of glueing every seam. But, it was the only thing I could really come up with. So, I gave it a go.

I am sure that it has been mentioned on the board in the past; but I am sorry, I just do not remember for sure...so if I am stepping on toes or anything, please forgive me. I am just so thrilled with the outcome of this method of Glue Basting. For me, it will always be the perfect solution. I just placed a small dot at each seam line, matchine the seams (which was far better than my pinning could ever achieve), place the iron down, press and hold for a few seconds, lift and move down the row.

Wow, instantanious (spelling) super duper results. LOL. It really did not take any longer than pinning and I completed all 17 blocks yesterday. I wanted to share a few photos, that hopefully will demonstrate the accuracy and ease of doing this. Because, really....you have got to try this if you encounter any issues like I did.

Sorry, I carried on forever. Just excited to share my experience and hope that it helps anyone one else facing similiar issues. Thanks again each and every Board Member who posts tips and tutorials, photos and ideas. They really do help!

Originally Posted by franc36

Thanks for sharing this technique! I plan to try it. I'm glad you included the photographs. When I read your information, I pictured much more glue and wasn't interested. After I saw how little you used, I think it is a great idea. I am going to use Roxanne's. Glue-Baste-It. Thanks!

I hope that when you try it you have as much success and happiness as I did. It really is simple and does not take but a tad bit of extra effort and time. I have never used Roxannes Glue, but have heard nothing but positive feed on the product.

Originally Posted by noahscats7

Why would you spend extra money instead of just using Elmers? With back to school upon us a bottle costs $0.50 and I'm sure the one you mentioned is more than that. I have some placemats with the binding glued on that are still holding strong after19 months.. Really do need to sew it down tho and finish them. LOL

So glad that you mentioned the 19 months....I had no clue as to how long it would hold, because I usually wash as soon as the project is finished. Usually, I am a one project at a time quilter so projects do not sit for long periods of time. In the last couple of months though, I actually have a couple quilting projects, one hand piecing project and a cross stitch project....no wonder I am not getting much accomplished. LOL. Hope that you take the time and finish your project soon, but if not it will be there another time.

Originally Posted by Lady Diana

Roxanne's "Glue Baste It" glue is Elmers. So buy the great tip or first bottle of Glue Baste It, then refil with Elmers. Now is a great time to purchase Elmers School glue, the price will go up after Back to School.
D in TX

We are going into town later and I know I am going to be buying some Elmers Washable School Glue. LOL.

Originally Posted by Jratcliff

I did not know that. And to think I've been spending big bucks for Glue Baste It all this time. This is huge as is this tip. I am starting a new quilt today and will definitely give it a try.
Thank you!

I know I was stunned when I read that earlier. Have a great time creating your quilt and trying the glue basting.

Thanks for posting this - I'm a non-pinner, but I can see myself trying this with an intricate pattern. Just recently tried spray basting an entire quilt and wondered why on earth I used to spend hours hand-basting. This old dog is learning new tricks!