I find basting spray much easier on my back and knees than pinning, and much faster.

My recommendation is to spray outdoors, if you can, to make sure you are not breathing in the spray. Someone posted about putting plywood on a couple of sawhorses in the garage to provide a raised surface with plenty of ventilation; I think that is a great idea!

If you do have to spray indoors, put down a large flat sheet to catch overspray; sheet can be tossed in the laundry afterwards.

I'm not sure about the spray not coming out in the wash problem. Maybe it depends on the brand of spray? I've never had to take a quilt sandwich apart after washing, so I can't be absolutely positive the spray washes out completely. It has just never been a problem for me and have never noticed it not washing out completely from a sheet used to catch overspray. Maybe it is harder to get out of batting?

I've only used it on smaller quilts. I've had good results as long as you are using cotton batting and are machine quilting.

I don't know if it would work with poly. The can says cotton batting is best. And I don't know if you can hand quilt it.

But I used an old flannel sheet for overspray and it washed out just fine.

Pins - the quilter's safety pins that are bent.

You might try Sharon Schamber's basting method. She doesn't use any spray or pins and it makes the quilt sandwich very smooth and it doesn't shift at all. A friend did two good size quilts at the retreat we went to and had one of them half quilted by the time we left. To see videos of her method go to youtube and put her name in the search.

If you have asthma or chemical sensitivities, avoid the basting sprays. I use quilter's curved safety pins to baste my quilts.

I love the spray, I have not had any problem with it coming apart. God bless.

I am not a big fan of the spray, on smaller pieces ok. I find it sticky and messing.

I've used the 505 spray on smaller projects,and truly loved it!! Be sure to read the directions on the can. It is VERY flammable. I think using it outside is the best idea also and the plywood "table" is awesome. I'm not sure about other sprays.. I've heard stories about others gumming up a sewing machine, but not seen it first hand. I keep old rolls of Christmas wrapping paper to put on the table and use to catch overspray on smaller projects. You can buy it in quilting shops and http://www.sewforless.com/item/505_T..._Can/7391/c109 here's a good on line site

I am a huge fan of spray basting.

I was converted to this method when I lived on a tropical island and no kidding the safety pins would start to rust in less than a week.

I have used probably most spray basting products out their from 505 to June Taylor to a 3M product sold in Japan. As long as I followed the directions, I have never had an issue with my machine/needle gumming up, the product not washing out, or the quilting not holding together while being quilted.

And honestly, I have no intention on returning to the pinning method. Simply put spray basting works.

Since I got my machine quilting frame I don't have to baste at all! Bliss! :-D
In the past I used one-inch curved quilter's safety pins...I just never liked the mess of spray basting.