I found this tip on basting elsewhere. I haven't tried it yet.
"I've just learned this and wanted to share. I think it is my favorite tip ever. When basting your quilt, leave thread attached to spool after threading your needle, thus eliminating all that cutting and threading. Can't wait to try it myself. - Peggy in Illinois"
No doubt you'll need to cut the thread from the spool periodically to keep from having to drag so much through the basted area. Still--it would be quicker than cutting a lenght before basting, I'd think.