Glue Stick basting
 

I am working an applique lap quilt, based a bit loosely on a combination of Pat Sloan patterns. It has four floral columns and three vertical columns with applique pieces--long vines with leaves, flowers, birds and dragonflies. My bee is helping me with the work and one lady has volunteered to help with the long vines. My questions: Instead of basting or pinning the vines (we've made bias strips) can I use a glue stick? ( Each will be a little over five feet long.) If so, will it cause any problems with the needle or sewing machine? We intend to use a small machine blanket stitch. What glue sticks would you recommend? I've read that Elmer's school glue is good...If so, which do you prefer? Ideas? The leaves and/or flowers will cross seam lines into the floral strips. At least that's what we're planning at this stage.

Thanks, Mary

I probably asked too many questions...

I haven't done any applique but I use Elmer's glue sticks quite often in my quilting. For me, it holds better than pins and will wash right out. My machine is a Janome and I don't have any problems with sewing over fabric glued with glue sticks.

Thanks, Sherri, I have a Janome, too! I guess I'll just wade in...

If your pieces are small, it might be messy using a regular glue stick. Sewline makes a narrower glue stick; it is pen shaped with the glue part about the size of a pencil eraser. it might be easier to handle with smaller pieces. The liquid washable glue would be fine too. You don't usually need a lot to hold it on...pressing helps. If you are machine stitching, it should be fine. If hand stitching, it might be harder on the fingers pulling the needle thru the glued areas. That's what I've found if I overdo it when I glue baste bindings.

Just use the liquid Elmers school glue. You don't need much, just a tiny dot dabbed along the entire vine, then position them
and give it a quick press with the iron to dry it faster. It holds great.
You don't have to glue the entire vine at once. If you feel more comfortable, glue a small section and put that in place,
then another section and so on.

I've used Elmers - no problem.

I appreciate all the suggestions. I've decided to go buy both a glue stick and a bottle of the washable and probably will only glue the serious curves. (I'm going to experiment, hence the probably.) Tartan, I usually do my stems the same way, but I already have yards and yards of 3/8 bias tape (made with the bias tool) made and since it is narrow, I wanted to try blanket stitch on both sides this time. A friend (and bee member) made the tap at this week's bee meeting.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I though I'd just do a very small wall hanging to experiment with.

or use a double needle rather than going over both sides individually. depends if the double needle would fit the width of the stems of course. have fun!!