I have been using glue basting for a while now and love it for FMQ. I have had no trouble with glue that has set up firm sewing through it with no difficulty. It washes right out and my quilts have been perfect. I see me glue basting for a very long time to come. I would suggest you go a bit slower when you get to the harder areas. I always slow down when I get to one. The other thing I have done is use a wet rag to soften the glue area that works too to make your machine needle go through with no difficultly, not wet just moist.