Spray all the way for me. I would never finish a quilt if I had to hand baste or pin. I do not have allergies or anything that keeps me from using it - I don't notice much of a smell at all (but I am not a sensitive smeller)

I spray baste using Sullivan's Basting spray and it washes right out in the washer. I always wash and dry my quilts when they're completely finished. I usually purchase several cans of Sullivan's from Nancy's Notion when on sale.

I just took a class with instructor Sue Heinz and she had us baste our small FMQ project using Sharon Schamber's method. I thought I would give in a go and basted my Mystery Train #16 in this manner. It makes FMQ on your DSM very easy...just clipping the basting threads along the way rather than trying to unpin with your quilting gloves on.

I used to pin baste but once I started glue basting with washable school glue (Elmer's or other brands) that's all I use for machine quilting. I have never used spray basting for quilts because I didn't want the expense, fumes or mess of the over spray. Some of my friends spray baste and wouldn't do it any other way.

There is a lot of information about glue basting if you want to explore that. Either google it or put it in the search bar on Quilting Board and you'll find a lot. It does not work well for hand quilting and you have to wash it out so for a wall hanging you might not wash then it wouldn't work their either. For those I thread baste.

I use 5o5 spray basting. It is easier than pinning, quilt parts do not shift . and it is soooooo much lighter and easier to push thru the machine. Tjis bran washes out and will hold in place for months I think there is not much odor. A small can now be gotten at Joann's with coupon for about $6.00. Well worth the money!!!!!

You can also get a long arm quilter to basted a quilt for you. When I had my long arm, I would put the quilt on the frame and use a long stitch baste it about ever 4 inches down the length of the quilt. I would charge a flat rate to do this for my time and the thread.

I also spray baste now and love it. It doesn't take much so the smell is not an issue. Spray the batting turn and spray the other side. Just smooth ss you go. Has made basting a lot more "painless"

I've had some bad experiences with spray basting so personally would stick to pinning. If you start from the center, work your way out with a pin every three to four inches, it should not shift. I always start my quilting in the center, only taking out the pins I have to as I go.

I alway pin basted... until I tried spray basting. It made it so fast and easy. I still stick a few pins around to help the glue hold it together. Haven't tried the elmer's gluing right out of the bottle. I guess I just don't trust it, but I know I should try it before I decide. Spray glue is expensive.

well - what don't you trust about Elmer's washable school glue? I've done umpteen quilts with it and it doesn't shift or gum up the needle if it is dry. So easy and inexpensive and no fumes or over spray. As someone upthread says. Drizzle on full strength from about 24 inches up.