here's a way to use Elmers to glue baste from a blog post at Fons and Porter:
Lay the backing down wrong side up. Apply glue to the backing fabric and, using a square piece of cardboard (I USE AN "EDGE"...PURCHASED AT HABOR FREIGHT IN PAINTING SECTION. IT HAS A THIN METAL EDGE BUILT INTO A PLASTIC HOLDER ABOUT 24 INCHES LONGO , NORMALY USED TO PLACE UP AGAINST THE EDGE OF THE WALL TO KEEP PAINT FROM GETTING ON MOLDING) as a squeegee, spread the glue evenly. Place the batting down over the backing and smooth it down firmly with your hands. Apply glue to the batting in the same manner and place the quilt top over the batting. Iron the front and back of the quilt to aid in the drying and to assure all areas are flat. Trim the excess fabric and batting, including the quilt top. Now you are ready to surface stitch. Note: The glue needs to be totally dry before proceeding.
Fill two or three bobbins with your chosen thread color. This amount will usually be enough to finish a wall hanging or runner. Adjust your sewing machine to the longest stitch length. Begin sewing all over the quilt. Stitch back and forth, around and around, swirling and twirling to cover the entire quilt top. Total coverage is important, so go right out to the edges. When you have run out of thread after using up all your bobbins, survey your work. Does it look completely covered? If not, add more swirls and twirls.
Now wash and dry your stitched quilt. This is why using Elmer's School Glue is essential: It is water-soluble and will wash right out of your quilt. After the quilt comes out of the dryer, iron it flat and attach the binding of your choice.