Jennifer23

OMG yes - switch to spray basting! It is sooooooo much better than pinning. You won't believe how much faster, easier and better it is. I used to pin baste, and didn't think it was difficult or troublesome... then I was introduced to spray basting and I will never, ever go back!

I lay out the batting, and lay the backing over it. Then I fold back half of the backing fabric, and spray the batting (spray lightly - a little goes a long way!). Bring the backing forward a foot or so at a time, and smooth it onto the backing with your hands. Keep advancing it this way until the whole sprayed section is covered. Then fold back the other half of the backing and repeat.

Working from the middle out like this makes it easy to avoid pleats and wrinkles. Laying it out in advance (before spraying) makes sure it's centred and going to fit.

Once the backing is attached, I flip it over and do the same process to attach the front.

I was introduced to spray basting at my guild's charity sewing day, making quilts for preemies in the NICU. I haven't specifically tested how it washes out, but I haven't had any problems, and I assume the hospital would have told us if there were any concerns over chemical residues - they set the standards for the materials we used. We used 505 spray, and I haven't bothered trying other kinds because the 505 works so well.

Spray basting was an absolute revelation for me. I highly suggest you try it!

Edited to add: I took the Craftsy class "Small Machine, Big Quilts" with Ann Peterson, and she sprays the fabric rather than the backing. There are some good tutorials online (I like the one by the Australian lady who uses her ironing board to spray baste). Check out Youtube and you will see a few ways to do it, then pick a method that works for you.