I keep threatning to buy a basting gun but have been put off with stories that they leave holes in the material, I have seen this one advertised and wondered if anyone has one and what do they think about it, comments about other basting tools most welcome

Hi Maxies2--I purchased a Dennison fine fabric basting gun because I have hand problems and I love it. It makes a small hole that can be "erased" by rubbing your fingernail lightly over the fabric. I did purchase a tack remover from the internet because I was afraid of cutting my quilt with scissors when removing the tacks. It works great. It is also faster than pinning. I also use it to tack pieces of paper with yardage amounts on my fabrics and if I see a flaw in a sale fabric I tack a piece of paper at that spot. It works for me and I'm glad to have it.

Don't waste your money on the Dritz or June Tailor... spring for the Avery Dennison brand. Carrie is right; it is wonderful. The others lock up on you after a few pulls of the trigger. You can, however, use the 1/4 inch tacks (red) sold at Hancocks or WM without problems, and the red is easier to see than white or clear. I had to buy mine from Uline.com to get the fine fabrics version (about $40), and I never regreted it.

Hey, tell your family to get you one for Christmas!! :D :mrgreen:

Thanks , I think I may have found a site in England, with it being fine and using small tacks does it go through all the layers ok, also is the grid youcan buy to place under the layers when using the gun worth investing in

I'm also interested in a fine fabric basting gun. What site are you thinking of ordering from? Thanks.

Yes Maiex2! I forgot to mention the grid. Purchased mine at a Joann's with a coupon. Are you in England? Just noticed that in your post. You can buy the tack gun at vaaardvark.com at a reasonable price. Found the site after I bought mine but bookmarked it to buy the tacks.

Carla--Thanks for the tip on buying the tacks at WM.

Yes, it will easily go through the 3 layers &, as Carrie said, the hole is "erasable" but it will also vanish when washed. I didn't buy the grid, & haven't felt the need. I use my hand to feel for the point, just as you would with pins or a needle & thread, on small quilts. You could use a baseball (or something like that) to just roll under your layers to the area you want to baste for larger sizes.

Trying to type too fast . Sorry Maxies2.

I'm glad it is useful to you. You're very welcome.