I use pins and have successfully quilted kingsize quilts (120 x 120). Secret with the pins is to leave them open until you have an entire section "pinned." Then I use a pair of needle nose plier to close the pins. Also I no longer "roll" my quilts (I FMQ using my DSM). I "puddle" the section to be quilted and since I've used this method, the backs come out fine.

I like the 505 spry basting works every time. back first then the top ,I do it in sections on a table,it works.

A while back, someone on this board talked about spray starch and an iron to sandwich the quilt. I am in the midst of doing a QAYG in panels. The starch method has worked well for me. It has held the pieces together very well and the starched back slides well under the presser foot.

I really like spray basting. I'll admit, there is a very small amount of fumes, but it's not like I'm sandwiching ten quilts a day...maybe just one a month...if I'm extremely industrious. The thing I like about the spray basting technique is that you can lift and reposition the fabric if needed. That really comes in handy for me and has helped me to eliminate any puckers. It doesn't gum up my needle either.

~ Cindy

Does the Elmer's Glue method of basting make your needle gum up when quilting?

I haven't had any problems with the needle getting yucky. I like to glue baste before i go to bed, then the sandwich can sit over night to make sure everything is completely dry. It's being heat dried with the iron but sometimes i get a little clumsy and put too much glue on. Thick glue spots are harder to sew through but my machine manages ok as long as i don't go too fast.

From South Australia and don't know what 'School Glue' is?????

Its a PVA glue (polyvinyl acetate) that's made for kids so that it can wash out easily.

It's a washable white glue used a lot in schools because it is non-staining and washes easily out of children's clothes. Here is a link to it on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Washabl...dp/B000Q3KHCM/

Quilters who use it for basting sometimes buy it by the gallon:
http://www.amazon.com/Elmers-Washabl...dp/B001SH7UVQ/

If Elmer's brand isn't available where you are, it is likely that any similar type of washable glue used by school children will be similar.

thank you so much, sister quilters...I knew you all could tell me what to do..........I am going to try both the spray glue and Elmers and see which works best for me...I do appreicate all of you SO much...........