for 4 years I have spent hours pin basting my quilts, only to stuff them through my machine with pins getting hung up on the sides of the table, and as some of you saw, actually sewing THROUGH the heads of the pins!, having to stop to remove pins when they get in the way, dealing with the weight of the dang thing, and generally getting REALLY REALLY frustrated....and NOW I find out about quilt basting spray!!

OMGosh, where has it been my whole quilting life??? Currently working on my 1st quilt basted with the spray and I will never never never use pins again....it is smoother, faster, cleaner, prettier, easier.....i am SO IN LOVE!!! :P :P Until, of course, I get my quilting frame :lol: !!

Just thought I would share! :D

yipeeeeeeeeeee welcome to the world i used pins on my first quilt and i said after that there has to be a easier way than pins i saw the 505 basting spray at my local quilt shop and asked the lady what it was for and she said she uses it so i tried it and fell in love i use it everytime i have even gone as far as to move the quilt from room to room tote it around with me differant places and it still stays in place before i get it all sewn then i wash the quilt after i am done

I have never tried the spray, I wonder if it would work OK for hand quilting. Does it add any stiffness or anything?

I'm wondering about the stickyness of the glue. WOuldn't it stick to the needle? I know that sewing with Wonder Under, the glue gets all gummed up on the needle and the thread breaks alot. Then I have to take my alcohol (not my wine) and clean the needle and then clean the bobbin casing.

Hi Melissa (my original middle name!),
It does not make it stiff at all, it just keeps it really smooth. I have not found problems with the fabric moving or anything - just smooth like butter!!

After pinning my first couple of quilts, I found the basting spray as well. I started with the cheaper ones, not too much trouble with gumming up the needle but cleaning up the over-spray and had a hard time getting the sticky stuff off my fingers. I use the 505 spray now, smells better, cleans up nicer but more expensive. I have probably spray-basted 35 or more quilts. Make sure that you don't use too much spray and I like to put old sheets and stuff around the edges so I don't get spray on the floor (or tables,or wherever)

Hmmm, might have to try it cause I really hate basting even with the pins!!!!

Hi Terri, Please don't use your wine on that (I say this as i finish a wonderful glass myself!)! There has been no stickyness at all on the needle and the thread has not broken at all - I haven't checked the bobbin casing, but will do a cleaning tomorrow before I start again!

I use an old blanket under everything - yes, it gets sticky, but is good for some laughs when your feet stick to the blanket and you are fighting the batting to stay off your hands! But well worth it :!: :!: :!:

it is so worth it! use your coupons from joanns or hancocks and get it cheap! happy basting!

I DETEST basting! I vow to try it on my next quilt!

Ok you all have convinced me to try it next time. I knew of it, just never paid much attention to it.

i have never had any of those problems with 505 spray well i take that back the first time i used it i got some on my knee and it stuck to everything !!!!!!!!!! just dont go overboard on the spraying and keep your hands and knees out of the way !! when it is nice out i lay my quilt out on my patio and use it outside no mess to clean up after or worry about overspray
i am thinking about trying it next time i put on binding i will spray the binding to my quilt so it will hold in place while i bind the quilt

I have a 2 questions for you all. How do you get the backing, then the batting and finally the top on without it all going squiffy. Must be like putting wallpaper on the walls.

I WANT a can, can´t find it here in Spain. Who is the maker please and then I can find out if there are any outlets here.

Thanks ladies

Elle

Wow! I am game to try this! Do you get this 505 at JoAnn's? Here's some questions...
*How long does 1 can last you
*Could you give us the steps of spraying in order to save us time in figuring it out:))
*How strong/durable is it while working on machine quilting
*Do you have to wash out your quilt w/this?
*How bad does it stink?:))
Thanks..from a pin baster too....where I move everything in the kitchen and tape on the floor before I pin...and, I usually save several at once for I just detest it but, not as much as I would basting w/thread..so, I am thinking this could be a good thing:))Skeat

I have always pin basted my quilts, THEN hand basted them in a grid. I then took the pins out and did my quilting. I don't mind taking the extra time to do that to my full size quilts. I think I only spray basted one full size quilt. I do spray baste my smaller projects. Sometimes I don't get to finish machine quilting a quilt all at once (depending on how much quilting) so I like to hand baste. I also love to hand quilt and well the spray basting just won't stick as long to finish those.

When you do spray baste, be sure to put down a cloth over your floor before you put your quilt down so that you don't get any of that basting spray on your floors... Its a pain in the butt to clean off of hardwood floors!

I use to detest that step myself Harmony, but I have had to help baste so many quilts with my students, that I don't mind it so much.. I have also found that I baste them much faster than I use to.

Skeat, this may answer some of your questions: http://www.embroiderysupplywarehouse...t-505-1035.cfm
Elle, 505 Spray and Fix is a european product so you may not have too much trouble finding it. Here are instructions from the website of the east coast US distributor http://www.sprayandfix.com/howto.html

*How long does 1 can last you
depends on how many projects are have... you can get more out of a can with smaller projects. As for a full size quilt, you can get probably a couple quilts done. Again haven't spray basted many quilts, mostly smaller projects like wallhangings, table runners, placemats, tree skirts, etc.

*Could you give us the steps of spraying in order to save us time in figuring it out:))
I usually lay out my quilt like I would to pin and hand baste. With all layers together, slowly roll back the batting and top half ways. Spray down the backing and gently roll back the batting and top. Smooth light in place and keep an eye for puckers in your batting. Repeat on the bottom part of your quilt. Next roll back the quilt top only to half way. Spray on the batting, smooth the quilt top back in place. Repeat on the second half of your quilt. Viola!!! Now its time to quilt it!

*How strong/durable is it while working on machine quilting
It is quite strong. You may find the edges of your quilt top may come undone from the rest of your layers due to moving the quilt around under your machine. If necessary just spray a little more to keep it in place.

*Do you have to wash out your quilt w/this?
Once the binding is on, I tend to wash my quilts anyway. It would be a good idea just to remove any residue that may linger.

*How bad does it stink?:))
the 505 isn't too bad. some of the cheaper sprays can be bad. In any case, I would recommend you open any windows to keep the air flow going. This is especially good if there are any members in your family with breathing issues. If you have breathing issues, you might want to wear one of those painter's masks.

Hope this helps!

Cheers

You gals are sweeties w/all this info!! Thanks much! Skeat

I've used the spray a few times, so I can give you a little info. Yes...it does get over spray on EVERYTHING...so make sure you cover stuff up with a sheet or newspapers or something. Also...try to only use it with the windows open or outside or somewhere..the fumes are strong.

1 can will do at least a queen and a couple of small baby quilts.

It will be repositionable for a couple of months...after that...you're stuck, so if you take a while to hand quilt...I'd be leary of it. I haven't done that, only machine quilted.

I have used it for my big queens, but I haven't used it on baby quilts as I'm scared that what they say is 100% wash out...won't. But thats just me :oops:

Otherwise, have fun! It is a great option!

I have yet to try it, but It does sound alot easier

Thank you so much nor´easter I will pursue this in a little while and see what I come up with.

Elle

Well gee whiz, I tired it about 20 years ago when I took a class with Katie Pasquini. I hated it gummed up needle. I guess I should have realized stuff improves with time. I may have to try it again. thanks all marie

505 spray is much nicer and better than the other brands. It's expensive but worth it. I tried using a cheaper and bigger can from Walmart and the stuff was VERY sticky and gummed up the needle and my fingers!! the sticky stuff was so sticky it stuck my fingers together!!! I worried what it was doing to my fabrics! It also left residue on the fabrics that never came out!!

Stick with the 505 stuff!

I've been using basting spray from the beginning. Just like mama said it doesn't stick or gum up the needle at all. I have also used it on hand quilting and it adds no stiffness that I can tell.

In fact I don't have trouble with it sitcking to me at all. My husband helps me baste anything bigger than a baby blanket, we spray the batting (with news paper under the edges to prevent overspray), unroll the back smoothing it as we go, and then we flip it over and spray the batting again, then unrolling and smoothing the top. Most of what I've used it pretty big and I just fold the extra backing material up over any batting that sticks out.

Welcome to the club! :D Oh and keep in mind you don't have to pay those high LQS prices, art stores carry it for much less money, just make sure it says it's safe on fabrics.

I absolutely LOVE basting spray. I use it sparingly and haven't had any sticky needle issues. If you can, spray it outdoors on an old sheet or a clean deck. Sure beats pinning or basting.

my joanns doesnt sell it right now you might check out at a hobby lobby store or a quilting store for the one who lives in spain i know you can find it online just put in search 505 basting spray
the way i do mine is i lay out the backing (( the bottom material)) right side on the floor so you would be spraying the side the batting that is going to be against batting i spray 1/2 of the quilt then lay my batting on the part i sprayed make sure you smooth all the wrinkles out when i know it is straight i spray the other 1/2 and finish laying the rest and smooth it out with my hand then i spray the batting and put the top on the same way smooth it out then i go around the edges and make sure i have enough spray to keep the edges down good i let it sit for a few minute about 10 or 15 to make sure it is good to hold because the spray doesnt adhease fast so that if you need you can reposition the material waaalaa it is good to go !!! there is no smell but i do it outside when i can because of the over spray can be messy if you get it on the floor if i do it in the house i do open a window just so i dont have any chemicals in my house just in case there are any but never smell anything i have taken a month to quilt on it and it still stays together
i hope this helps

i forgot to tell you i usually can do 2 or 3 large quilts with one large can of spray

Penski, I know how to find it on the internet that way. However the problem is that nobody will ship it to me because of the danger with the can being air pressured. I have tried everywhere to get it sent from the UK from America but the answer is always the same.

If I get the name and of the manufacturer then I can ask them if they have an outlet in Spain.

Elle

Tried this company, but they won´t send to Spain because of the air pressure danger, they won´t even ship it. Tried a few more as well without success.Thanks anyway

Elle

Wow, you ladies/quilters were busy after I went to bed last night! I use The Original Quilt Basting spray and it has very little smell - i got my cans at Hancock Fabrics (in MN) for only about 8.50 on sale, so I picked up two cans.

I spray basted my current project about 2 weeks ago and it is still stuck fast - with absolutely no slipping or puckering when I am quilting - which always happened when I pin basted! I spray mine outsideon the patio with a blanket underneath. I spray one side of the batting, then fold the backing in 1/2 and then gradually work the backing smooth over the batting from the bottom to the middle, then unfold the upper 1/2 and gradually smooth out to the top. I do the same with the quilt top and had no real problems with wrinkles. It's nice that the spray allows for the layers to be repositioned if it is not smooth.

I'm glad that there are so many of you who might try it now!!!

Okay... this report was a bit dry in spots, but in a nutshell it discusses how an experiment was done using a variety of basting sprays, and fusible adhesives and how they hold up in quilts over the years. If you are looking to make long term (to live over 100 years) you might want to read this article and really decide the best routes to take when using any fusible sprays, webbing, batting or other adhesives. It deals with heat and light aging on your quilt

I found this while doing a bit of research for one you who PMed me earlier....

Cheers

http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/vi...extiles_facpub

Very interesting read Aggi:0)Thanks for posting that-Skeat

Elle, that was the problem I found with the UK outlets before I posted the info. They won't even ship it to Ireland. Makes you wonder how they get it to the States, doesn't it?? By boat?? :shock: Have you tried art supply places in Spain? There must be more places to buy artists materials than there are quilting materials in your part of the world. Picasso and Dali had to get their paints and canvas somewhere! Don't give up yet!!

I use the spray and pins too. Overkill maybe? I also learned about putting something underneath- dining room table and counter have been the recipients of the overspray and I always forget until I do it again.

I open up the room since I don't like smells and I have asthmatics in the house. I also slide my self healing cutting mat under so I don't scratch whatever surface is underneath. Sometimes I pin them on the carpet in the living room. The over spray seems to vacuum up after a bit.

Tonight I'm going to sandwich a quilt on the deck. It's an oversized queen (it could be a king, but I don't remember the size, since it's a UFO)and I want it real flat. It's the only place to do it. The last one I draped over my bed and pinned in quarters. Surprisingly I didn't get any bunching. I think I must have said enough prayers before that one since I was on a real time crunch to finish it.

I like the way it holds everything in place and I can pin it knowing it won't move. Maybe I could experiment and not use pins???? I don't know if my heart could handle it. :)


barb

Noréaster I never give up. I am that kind of girl. LOL

I have a lead that I am going to follow up so will see how I go. Funnily enough I didn´t think of art shops, good idea. will try that. Thanks

With regards to them getting to other countries. They ship it it bulk I believe and it has to go through a whole load of paperwork etc etc. One can no way they are not even interested.

Elle

Elle-

You could always order in bulk and then sell it in Spain!!

I think I am going to have to.
Elle

:-) I absolutely love my quilt basting spray. I learned to use it in my beginning quilting class. My instructor did say that she uses it all the time but has had a couple people with respiratory problems have trouble breathing when she used it. So I use it with a window open and a fan going. I have not had a problem.


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