I have been reading about using the Elmer's School Glue for basting and binding. Had to try it. Binding first - it worked GREAT ! ! ! ! I only had a Washable School Glue Stick (Disappearing Purple) - set the glue with the iron - I was amazed - it really worked. No problem with the glue gumming up the needle and I don't have any injuries from pins. I'll will be trying this again. Maybe I'll go for the whole quilt basting next time. :)

If you go to post 51 on this thread http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t180790-2.html it will give you my step by step process. I've been doing this for years now.

I had an OLD partial bottle of Washable School Glue, so I used it to "test" baste a placemat. I also used a small spatula to spread the glue VERY thin on the batting. By using the spatula, I was able to baste both sides. I then heat set with a dry iron AND left it to sit over night, to make sure it was dry. I then did a basic Babtist Fan all over. No issues with needle, thread or moving it around my sewing machine. And it was awesome to not have to "hold" the fabric to keep it all from shifting! Now to do the other 5 place mats and bind. I've got some washable glue sticks I'll be trying with the binding. I love this forum, you find out the coolest new uses for "non-traditional" sewing tools!

Thank you all for sharing!

I have recently started using Elmer's school glue to baste quilts and love the results. I run a thin line in a grid, about 3-4 inches apart onto the batting, then press down the fabric and smooth. It dries in about an hour, enough at least to move and get the second half done. The fabrics never shift and will hold until all fmq is done. You do have to wash the quilt when completed, but I always do anyway. The glue is basically starch and water, so I don't want that left in a quilt to attract bugs. I also use the glue sticks for binding because it seems to dry faster, although a bit messier when applying....but once again, it all washes out. I will never use pins, spray or anything else but glue to baste quilts....even the big ones :)

Actually, this isn't true. I think this used to be the case years ago, but the following is from Elmer's website:

They are made or formulated from chemicals which are synthesized (created by Man). These chemicals were originally obtained or manufactured from petroleum, natural gas and other raw materials found in Nature.

Wikipedia: The glue is based on an emulsion of polyvinyl acetate, derived from petrochemical sources.

Not that I believe everything Wiki says, but this combined with what Elmer's statement makes me believe it's true.