I use Elmer's washable school glue only! It works wonderful for basting along with heat pressing. I use it for binding esp. around curves, it works wonderful for mitered corners and I love to use it for putting in zippers!

I have used it for binding, but not for basting. Could you tell me how you use it for basting? Do you just put a spot every few inches? And do you do it on the back, then put the batting down and then do it on the batting and place the top on that, and then press?

The quote is about using Elmer's washable school glue for bindings, etc. Elmer's washable school glue is never used for basting quilt sandwiches. Some people are talking about using Elmer's ***spray adhesive***, a completely different product, for spray basting quilts. The original poster does not recommend the latter because the spray adhesive is permanent; it does not wash out the way the washable school glue does.

Elmers school glue is starch based and is washable. Works Great.

Elmer's school glue works great
 

Elmer's School Glue is starch based and washes out well. I've used it and it keeps the binding in place so you can make perfect corners.

((((((((((sigh.........))))))))))

You can't say that Elmer's washable School Glue is never used to baste quilts with when several have said that they do in fact use it for that purpose. Thank goodness, many have been stopped from using Elmer's spray adhesive.

Can you please direct me to the posters who say they use Elmer's washable school glue to baste their quilt sandwiches together? I would really like to learn more about this technique.

Go to the 1st page. I counted 6 who used it for basting.

Can we make a distinction between "basting" and "binding"? Basting is putting the entire quilt and it's layers together. Some people use pins, some use thread, some use the gun that shoots plastic anchors, and some use spray adhesives made specifically for basting the layers. Using the school glue to tack down binding or applique is something entirely different. I was trying to warn people NOT to use Elmer's Spray Adhesive because it is permanent, will not wash out, and will most assuredly ruin your quilt. Many of you seem to be confusing basting an entire quilt with using the school glue or glue sticks to baste an entire quilt. I cannot imagine attempting to baste an entire quilt with school glue OR glue sticks, particularly since there are some fine sprays out there made just for that. Recently I have turned to Dritz with very good results and you can buy it with your 40% coupons at Joanns. Please ladies, let's get on the same page!!

A Poster asked me to come back to this thread and explain how I use SCHOOL glue to baste my quilts. By basting I mean putting together the "sandwich". Top, batting, and backing are put together SCHOOL glue. Have never used spray glue.

I don't have the room to lay out a quilt to baste. I have a huge kitchen floor, but I also have 5 cats and 2 dogs. “Sandwiching” on the floor? Not happening. My design wall is made from corrugated plastic---old political posters. I use straight pins to pin up my blocks/quilt. I also use it to layout my work as I make the quilt "Sandwich"

First I pin up my backing. I stretch it taught and pin it down.

Next I pin my batting over the backing. I always make sure I have 3 extra inches of backing on all 4 sides (I usually do a “fold over” binding but that’s another post)
I then unpin one quarter of the quilt (I can do up to a full size on my wall) and apply a thin lines of SCHOOL glue about 3 inches apart up and down on the backing. I then fold the batting back into place, give it a pat, and let it set for a few minutes to set. I then do the same thing with the other 3 corners.

After the glue dries (about 30 min) I stretch my top over the batting and pin into place. I unpin on corner of the top, apply a thin line of SCHOOL glue about 6 inches apart from side to side on the batting, pin the top back down, give it a little pat, wait a few minutes and do the other 3 corners. I make these lines farther apart to keep the glue from being too thick in areas. (just like you get when a lot of seams come together)

I’ll let the quilt dry for an hour and then quilt it. Bind it. I’ve never had a problem with the needle going through the sandwich and glue.

When I’m done, I pop my quilt in my regular Home Depot Special washer on the gentle cycle cold water and wash as usual. All the glue is gone when I’m done.

I’m sure the same thing could be done over a table with a plastic tablecloth over it or even on your vinyl flooring, it’s got to be mopped anyway.

I love it! Thank you for sharing this! I can't wait to try it! I'm not having luck with any spray attaching to one of my sandwiches and I sent my hubby out for safety pins today. Luckily, he didn't do it, so I can ask him to get me some school glue instead!!!

Wow. That's the first time I have seen this method described. I wonder if it works equally well with different types of batting. Suppose some test sandwiches would work that out.

I'll continue with 505 since it's always worked for me and it's very fast, but it's interesting to hear about other methods.

I am definitely going to try this next time. I have 2 questions for Coyotemagic:
1. Do you use the regular nozzle that comes with the Elmer's School Glue or do you use the fine one that Sharon Schamber uses for bindings?
2. Are you careful not to use glue right on top of another glue line in the lower section? I don't know if my question is clear. You make a 3"x3" grid of glue between the backing and the batting, and a 6"x6" grid between the batting and quilt top, right? I assume that you are careful that these grids are not on top of each other--I think you said something like that, but it wasn't entirely clear to me.
Thanks for taking the trouble to explain this--it sounds like something that can save a lot of sore knees and backs.
Carol

Thank you ladies! This method works best for me and I've been doing it for years. I've tried "pin basting"---kept running over the danged things and breaking my needles. I tried the "basting gun"--poked holes that were to big for my liking. I tried the old tried and true thread basting----too slow.

1. Do you use the regular nozzle that comes with the Elmer's School Glue or do you use the fine one that Sharon Schamber uses for bindings?
I use the plain ol' orange nozzle that is on the top of the bottle

2. Are you careful not to use glue right on top of another glue line in the lower section? I don't know if my question is clear. You make a 3"x3" grid of glue between the backing and the batting, and a 6"x6" grid between the batting and quilt top, right? I assume that you are careful that these grids are not on top of each other--
Nah, I'm not careful about it at all. All my measurements of 3 or 6 inches apart are basicly "gues-timates" Overlapping is fine as long as there are no GLOBS of glue in one spot

Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have, were all here to learn from each other.

Thank you! Thank you!

Was also asked to come back to confirm whether I am using glue for the whole quilt sandwich or just what ... I was referring to 'basting' as holding pieces together - binding, applique, matching seams. I've only ever used the washable school glue, for binding and perfectly placing seams and applique, not sandwiching the layers.

The *bottled*, washable school glue, that's what I use.

So are you using the white liquid glue with the twist open top?? Or glue sticks??

Junec, I'm using the liquid glue, altho I've seen people post about using the glue sticks. The liquid glue with the twist tops can put down just teeny dots, which work very nicely. I've just found a clear gel washable school glue, also with the twist top, works well too!

I use the white glue with the twisty top. But I use glue sticks if doing applique work were there are several layers coming together

If you have a 40% or 50% coupon for JoAnn's you can buy the 505 with it.

I haven't tried it but am planning on experimenting with a small 'sandwich'. Would it be possible to thin the Elmer's school glue with water.....quite thin, put it in a spray bottle and spray it on as you would basting spray? This has been in the back of my mind for some time. Maybe it wouldn't even go through the spray bottle. Maybe tomorrow I will give it a try.

I just finishing my first full size quilt and I've got puckers. YUK! I pinned A LOT and it still moved. I'll try the glue next time.

I tried school glue with poly batting and it didn't work at all. I also think I'm using some sort of NASA-designed quilt top that NO adhesive will adhere to. So I don't know if it's the top or the batting! I am moving away from poly batting and going strictly cotton and prewashing EVERYTHING so hopefully I can try this again!!

Mix equal parts glue and water and add 2-3 drops of dishsoap. You can spray or "dip". I think I'll try the "dip" method and press... that seems easier to me. I'll try it with scraps tonight and report back! I'm also going to try hairspray because I have a can that I cannot stand the smell of.

Interesting concept. I must try this method on my next quilt. I HATE using pins but have reservations about using 505 again, since some negative comments were posted on this site. I spray lightly but all the same I did not know about all the precautions as the print is so small on the can.

I'm not sure if that would work or not. I think you would have to get it awful thin to go out the nozzle. Unless you are using something like a garden spray. Remember also the glue dissolves in the wash so you may end up just soaking you layers to get enough glue on there.

Let us know if it works!!

Does anyone know where to buy the tips for the elmers glue. I have looked at Joann's and Michels. I had great success using Elmer's Shaoron Schamblers's way. I loved her tutorials on youtube

I have used Elmers Spray Glue for applique placement on a wall quilt. Was cheaper than washable spray and for a wall quilt was perfect

Remember the precautions are made by the lawyers to protect the company in case of law suit, not necessarily to help you do a better job. I have used many, many cans of 505 with wonderful results.

Well I'm here to tell yall that I loved this thread. Many laughs and only have 1 more thing to say. Coyotemagic where in the heck were you back in the day when I had to pin baste my quilts?? I tried the spray but never worked worth a hoot for me. Moving out my furniture and banning the Boston Terriers until I was done (Queen and King mostly) made my knees and back cry for mercy. Had to get er done in a day so DH wouldn't have to deal with it on the floor.

I bought my tips directly from Sharon Schamber, but I understand she doesn't carry them anymore. Others have said they purchased theirs at art supply stores (the "serious" stores, not craft stores like Joann's & Michael's). Hope you find one!

I think Michael's carries the tips where the glass painting supplies are.

I would haveto agree with you on the chemicals. I have adult onset asthma and even a whiff of cigarette smoke just really does me in. I think I'll stick to my pins! I know it's harder, but with the basting pins, it's far easier and is not likely to send me into respiratory arrest! LOL Guess I'm just very old fashioned! PLUS: The spray glue (Elmer's) sounds like the spray or roll-on glue my husband used to apply formica to cabinets/table tops, etc. That stuff has a base of lacquer and it will flat make you high! Don't think you really want to go there!

Jeanette Frantz

Always an interesting topic. Thanks for bringing it up Delilah!

Would any white school glue do I wonder. Some glues can be mixed with water and used but do they leave marks. In England not seen elmo glue. I split my large quits into sections size of kitchen table. Then quilt leaving a 1inch edge all around. Join as would any pieced section then trim batting and fold over backing and hand stitch. To finish quilt over the join .this is so much easier especially with physical problems as well as house size problems. Look at "angiequilts" blog where quilts done this way on show , Posh Lize, is not old or informed her wonderful quilt is being done in 3 sections.

When you say "washable", that means it's not washable. It won't survive through a wash, it washes out. ? ? ?

Yes, it does not have to be Elmer's brand. You can use any washable school glue.

Not sure I understand what you're saying.... "washable" school glue will wash out. So if you want it to be permanent, you'll want to find a fabric glue that says it's permanent. I use the washable school glue a LOT instead of pinning when I sew.

OMG now that is the way to do it. thank you