I do not like to use sprays in general because of my asthma. I did try basting with thread and needle using boards one time at a quilt show, it was taught by Sharon Schamber. I really wasn't that hard and it worked pretty well. I found some videos on it just doing a search for "basting a quilt using boards" I think the method is also similiar to using the pool noodles but I think the boards might be better because of their weight and sturdiness in keeping everything straight. Now I do have a long arm so I really don't baste much except on very small quilts.