Kris P

I spray baste. I pinned my first quilt and nearly gave up quilting. Then read about spray basting here. Nearly 40 projects later (mainly throws and twin sized) I am still very happy with the June Tailor basting spray I pick up at JAF with a coupon. A can will last at least 2 twin sized quilts and saves me hours on my hands and knees and several trips to the chiropractor.
In winter, I baste downstairs on a folding banquet table after throwing down an old sheet. In the summer, I'll often set up the table outside in the shade and spray away.

WMUTeach

I struggled with just pinning and tried the basting spray. It works for me but I do pin very lightly just because I want to. I pin about every 10 - 12 inches. Mostly assurance for me and it will depend on the size of blocks and how I am quilting. I have never had the quilt, batting and backing move or come apart with the spray baste. I just have continued to "pin lightly."

citruscountyquilter

I use washable glue to baste so I don't have to deal with the extra expense, fumes and over spray issues that spray basting has. On a large quilt I will put a few safety pins around the edge because I don't want the edges to get caught on the machine and stretch or pull apart seams. Other than that I don't use any pins. On a small project like a table topper or place mats where I am doing less wrestling with the sandwich I don't use any pins.

EllieGirl

I pin after I have sprayed and smoothed everything out. Then I leave it for about 12 hours. It's worked so far!

maminstl

just thought of something here - I am a fairly new quilter, and have never pinned - ever. I hand basted my first little quilt, then discovered the spray, and have never looked back. So, the idea of pinning for extra security has never occurred to me.

EllieGirl

I used a ventilator mask. It's a L94, I think. I have severe asthma and the fumes will trigger a flare for me. I spray, then leave the room for several hours. I use the dining room so it can't be closed off, but after about 20 minutes the smell is gone.

Mommomjoann

Recently I seen an article on the internet about a lady made a mistake and used Nigaria firm spray starch. She realized it after she had spray her table runner with it. It worked!!! You must iron it after you spray it on both sides. It does stick together! I bought a 14 oz. can for $ 1.99, so much cheaper than the 505 spray. I really don't know how it would work on a large piece though, but I'm happy with the results on a small wall hanging, table runner or even placemats. By the way, it sews beautifully through the machine!!! and washes right out!

quilterpurpledog

I like to use Elmer's and find that it quick to do. I add about 10-15% water to the glue so it is easier to squeeze the bottle. I also find that thinning it down allows me more control and the stream coming out is finer. The method is quick. I use big binder clips and masking tape to hold the layers taut to the table. I have never had puckers on the back. When I begin the quilting process I use Bottom Line by Superior to stabilize by stitching in the ditch around all blocks and some patches in the blocks. I like it far better than any invisible thread I have ever tried. Then I do my decorative motifs. I sometimes mark with Crayola washable markers or chalk. After completion I wash away all of the 'construction aids'. I might add that after I stabilize all the blocks by stitching in the ditch I also sew around the perimeter of my quilt about 1/8 inch in. Rough cut away all the excess backing and batting and reduce bulk in handling. This last stitching disappears into the binding area.

littlebitoheaven

Once I spray-basted, I never pinned again. My last quilt, which was a Jelly Roll Race quilt with Minky backing worried me. I was afraid that spray basting might not work. I used a product in a Pink and White can (not here with me and don't remember the name) which I bought at my LQS. I was very careful to spray the edges of the top (no batting involved). It attached beautifully. The edges never moved (never had that happen before using 505 or Wal Mart brand). It made FMQ on my domestic so much easier.

callen

I also do the same. I use Spray 505 & it works very well but I still like to add a few pins but nothing like if you were just pinning the whole quilt.