I use Elmer's school glue for basting all my quilts. I bought a good quality silicone basting brush to use to spread it on my batting. The silicone is easy to clean and no bristles to come out. I start in the middle and smooth toward each end one end at a time. If you have the Quilter SlideLock then it's perfect to smooth the quilt! A member here posted that tip and it's wonderful.