Elmer's Glue Stick - Yellowing?
 

If you use Elmer's washable glue sticks for your applique, have you ever had an issue with yellowing over time? I am currently using this method for a quilt I'm making for my daughter so it will definitely get washed...but I wanted to try it on some wallhangings and quilts that probably won't be anything but surface washed - should I be concerned about yellowing or anything funny happening over time? Thanks!

(I did do a search on this but mostly just got applique projects and pictures!)

I don't know the answer but will follow this and see what advice you get. :)

Doesn't the glue wash out?

She said she wouldn't wash the wallhangings. :)

Tartan, that is true except where she uses it on the front for her applique. I'm concerned about this also as I'm going to be working on a wall hanging that will not be washed. I guess one could wipe it off with a damp rag??

Some of the most destructive elements in antique quilts is, indeed, starch. Others are improper storage. Water, moisture and wood and wood products. Bugs are attracted to the starch. We are talking about long term storage in maybe an attic or trunk or on a closet shelf on bare wood. I dnn't have much experience with modern elements such as glue, etc. Why not wash a wall hanging before it is hung?

I think anytime glue is used for a quilt/wallhanging it should be washed to get the glue out of the fabric. Besides, when I use glue the project ends up stiff where the glue was applied. That said, using glue for sandwiching and binding has made my life so much easier.

Does fabric glue cause problems?

Hmm ... I have a small baggie of some of the leftover cuts that I decided not to use when I made a wall hanging using a glue stick. Most of the cuts have been glued before storing in the bag, but they were not washed before they were put in the bag. They've been in there a little over a year (15 months to be exact). I just checked and not even the light colors have yellowed.

BUT .... I agree with Adamae ... even if the glue doesn't yellow, it could promote some of the other problems listed above (bugs, deterioration of the fabric). I made a large wall hanging and used a LOT of the glue stick on it ... I went through several sticks!! I did however give the wall hanging a wash when I was done (a good long soak - no agitation - gentle soap). I dried mine, but you can choose to dry it flat.