Glue Shadows
 

Is anyone else having glue shadows show up on their med. solid fabrics? I have tried straight Elmer's glue dots and diluted Elmer's glue spread out. I have a sample of washed and unwashed fabric with it being a little darker on the unwashed fabric. I can hardly see shadows on lighter fabrics or patterns. I will post pictures[ATTACH=CONFIG]561222[/ATTACH]

I figured it would wash out but nope I can still see them. It is just a place mat but until I can figure out a solution, I can't use it on a good quilt. Here is a picture of my washed placemat, faint but still there. I know others use Elmer's washable glue so what are your solutions?[ATTACH=CONFIG]561223[/ATTACH]

That's really odd...I glue-baste all of my quilts that I quilt by machine and it's always washed completely out.

I don't know what to suggest, other than washing it again, but I hope someone is able to help you figure it out.

What exactly is the wording on your Elmers glue container? I am wondering if you are using the correct one. Elmers has many different glues, some with similar wording.

Have you tried soaking the quilt for a while to really soften the glue before washing? Maybe it is not washing out all the way. Maybe dilute the glue some? The glue could be older and harder to wash out in the initial wash. Just a thought. I have not had that problem either. Just to clarify: You ARE using the Elmer's Washable School Glue, white bottle, twisty orange top.....? Maybe try another bottle. There might be something wrong with your bottle's batch. Hope you find the answer as this glue is so handy for quilting.

This is the glue I used. Are you air drying or ironing dry? I did a regular light load wash with a bit of Tide detergent and no fabric softener.[ATTACH=CONFIG]561224[/ATTACH]

I wash all of mine on a normal cycle, so maybe it just needs a longer wash cycle.

Though I don't know if you mean the cycle was shorter when you say a "light load".

I don't know if this has any relevancy to this but....
I do machine embroidery. I use a tacky wash away stabilizer.
Because I have hard water, the stabilizer washes away better if I use a little Downy.
Could this be a possible solution for you?

I have only used glue a few times ..... but when I washed them I did soak first. Then I set the soil level on high so it got a good wash

SherylM-here is the placemat you wanted to see. Nothing special as I wanted to use up some 7 inch hst and I cut them in the Disappearing pinwheel pattern and then slapped on some fabric on the end. I didn't even have enough fabric to bind with so I matched the binding to the backing fabric instead.[ATTACH=CONFIG]561249[/ATTACH]

Maybe after dotting, use a small brush to spread the glue which would thin it a little and maybe be able to wash out better. I use Sharon Schamber's method with the boards.

That is interesting. I've never had that problem and I am about 12 quilts in with the glue basting. It seems to wash out of all my quilts no problem. I just run it on a regular wash cycle because that's what recipients will do. I don't use fabric softener liquid

Never had the Elmers's School glue do that. It washed out completely. I use a regular cycle, large fill, warm water. The quilt is completely submerged.

Oh, that's so pretty...I really like that! I love the quilting pattern on it too. A great way to use up leftovers and scraps. I think I've got enough to make about eleven-teen dozen placemats! ;)

Have you re-washed the placemat yet?

I always dilute the washable school glue. At least 50-50. It squeezes out better that way, too, and full strength is not necessary.

I had one quilt that showed the spots after I washed it on cold, light wash, no soap. Then I washed it again on Normal with warm water and some detergent, and it all came out.

Soaking would sure help, too.

Maybe it's just the fact that the fabric is plain; whereas, it wouldn't be as noticeable on prints. I agree with others that another wash or a good soak in warm water may take out the rest.

Just a thought ---- could it be the fabric that is the problem? In the photo of the placemat it looks like only the coral color fabric is glue-stained. Maybe that fabric had some kind of finish or something in it to cause the problem?

I usually wash in cold water but I found that when I washed my quilts that I glue basted in cold water it didn't all come out. I now wash in warm water to get the glue out and that works.
I think with the newer water efficient washers as well there might not be enough water to get it out. Another washing and it should be gone. I've never had any left after following these two bit of advice.

I haven't had a problem with the glue since I haven't used it yet but I had a problem with spray starch on 2 different solid fabrics. They were 100 % cotton like all my others but it left big blotches like your glue did. It eventually washed out but it has to be something in the fabric itself I think. Even though we always use 100% cotton , we can't verify if it is all processed the same or the dye used in the fabric is all the same. I would try washing again but I don't think it is the glue. I think it is some sort of reaction with that particular fabric. Maybe the dye in it or something. Who knows but I know I had the same problem with the spray starch. Am I making any sense? lol

I would soak the article for a while and then wash again. I've never had this problem, either.

I haven't had a problem, but I usually wash the quilt in warm water so I guess that takes the glue out.

A "light load" might involve less water, and time, than it takes to completely dissolve the glue? I have no marks, using straight school glue, that I iron dry, even on light, medium, or dark fabrics using a regular warm load setting and a little detergent. Toss into regular setting on dryer, no marks.

That was my guess, too. The new washers have a very low water level. But really, how does anyone know if the glue is completely washing out, other than that it's not feeling stiff? Couldn't some of it be migrating into the batting? I've always wondered a similar thing about wash-away stabilizers left inside.

Just curious,
charlotte

i guess I figure it washes out because it rinses off my fingers really quick after I glue baste.

Ha. Well, that would put it ahead of the water-soluble stabilizer I tried. I was told to leave it in and it would "just wash away" when the quilt was washed, but I suspiciously rinsed a test block in the sink, and big, slimy pieces were sliding off the back. I came away not believing that it would magically flow out through the front of the quilt top when washed. I guess issues with the glue would have been reported by now, given how popular it is.

charlotte

well I also have strange spots from spray starch on a medium gray solid that I have never seen before. Now I'm worried it won't wash out.

My new front loader .. I have to rinse my clothes twice now to get the soap out, so I would suspect the light load is the the problem here. Wash and rinse a couple times. Hopefully that will clear it up!

I just saw this in an article that says she uses glue to do seams, then washes quilt with synthrapol: http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2014/...ct-points.html

The quilting really is beautiful!

[QUOTE=charlottequilts;7688963]Ha. Well, that would put it ahead of the water

The water soluable stabilizer needs to be disolved completely in water before you send it down the drain. Some people get plumbing problems because it can stick to the walls of the drain. The slimy stuff is simply undisolved stabilizer. It does wash away, not rinse away. It disolves best with a lot of water, warmer temperatures, and some gentle agitation. You'll know it has not washed out because the fabric you used it with will feel stiff when dry. It is a starch like substance basically.