I just sandwiched a quilt using spray basting. After I finished someone said, "you know it's going to gum up the needle when you quilt it". Has anyone had this problem? I'd hate to think I have to take it apart and wash it before trying to quilt. I'm under a time constrain trying to get it finished to ship to my GD for Christmas. Needless to say I'm waaaay behind.

It depends on the spray and the amount you used , whether or not you may get some "gumming" . Many brands do not gum up the needle. 505 is a tried and true , by lots and lots of quilters.
I would not wash at this point. If you do get some gumming change out your needle frequently. no need to discard those needles , you can wash in warm water or use alchol wipe to remove residue.

I agree that is depends on the amount you use. I swear by spray basting, I hate working with pins and thread basting is a pain too (at least for me). I always use as little spray as I can while still getting the layers to stick. I've never had a problem with gumming up. I also use a little rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball to wipe down my needle every once in a while, just in case...hope that helps...it's just my way :)

I have used the 505 spray and love it. :) Bought something else when I couldn't find the 505 that said it would not gum up needle, and had a terrible time with just that. I take a cotton ball and wet it with rubbing alcohol and just wipe the needle every few minutes. Didn't use that spray again. :(

Thanks for the info. I didn't use 505 but I think it's Elmer's. It didn't seem to hold the layers too well and we wound up having to pin it too. I was afraid to use too much spray. I'll keep the alcohol handy when quilting it. I made the mistake of trying to sew stick on velcro to flannel and that gummed up the needle so bad I had to throw it away. I couldn't get the adhesive off even with alcohol. This isn't nealy as strong. Next time I'll use 505.

Elmers Craft spray WILL gum up your needle. Also, it is not water soluble and won't wash out right away. Ask me how I know...

The bright side is that you will be able to quilt it - just clean your needle OFTEN. For mine, I'd done really loose quilting (10" apart), and was able to pull the top and back from the batting in between the quilting stitches. After a few washes, it did stop sticking.

I use June Tailor because our local Wal-mart has it. It works well for me. The layers stay together and the needle seems fine.

I use 505 and haven't had a problem with gumming.

Yep, it's gumming the needle. Not too bad but still an aggravation. Thankfully, I'm only doing minimal quilting. The blocks are 21" each and I'm just doing a decorative stitch between the blocks. I'm not going to try and wash it out before shipping it. Just don't have the time. I used flannel for batting so I wouldn't have to quilt too much. The blocks don't lend themselves to a lot of quilting. Since this is my first time quilting a quilt it's a lesson learned but at least it's not a king size quilt just a twin. I definitely won't use this spray again. I may try the fusible batting to see how that works.

I get so much good info from this site. Everyone is so helpful. Thanks.

I've used June Tailor spray, too. Haven't had any problems.

Yeah, Elmers is NOT a temporary spray adhesive, it is permanent. It isn't for spray basting fabrics.... it is an actual craft glue and will gum your needle up badly :(

WE use and recommend Sullivan's Basting Spray to our customers.

Lanny

Oh... do try the 505 spray , the fusible batting is not what you will be happy with. I have tried the fusible batting ...dissappointing at best.

This is Elmer's Craft Adhesive. It says it can be used for either permanent or temporary adhesive. At this point it's definitely not permanent. It depends on how quickly you adhere something to it that makes it permanent. That said I definetly won't be using it again! It does gum up the needle and the thread keeps breaking even though I'm wiping the needle with an alcohol wipe but I think that's partly because I'm using embroidery thead on the top. I think I'll try using regular thread for the rest. Now off to find variegated pink thread. GRRRR!

I use 505 and have no problem.

Is it possible you oversprayed it? Too much spray could explain the gumming up. It really just needs a slight misting.

I also swear by the 505 and some other brands - not Sullivan, though. That stuff can kill brain cells. Joann's is now selling a Dritz brand can - worked fine.

Fusible batting -meh.

I used June Tailor brand, the first time I tried a basting spray and loved it, I could even reposition and it didn't seem to gum up the needle at all. I would recommend this, I found mine at Michael's.

If you keep a q-tip and some alcohol by your machine, you will be able to quilt it. When it starts to gum up the needle, rub the needle with alcahol, will ungum for a while.

No input I don't mind the basting process

I've never had a problem with the spray baste, but I do spray lightly on both surfaces as I put the layers together. A light spray and press it together and it holds and I have never gotten a gummed up needle. I suspect it may have been sprayed to heavily and maybe only on one of the surfaces. I lay the backing out, the batting on top, then fold back to half way and lightly spray both surfaces, then pat into place after a minute or so, then fold the other direction and repeat. Add the top and fold back half way, spray lightly, let stand a minute or so, then pat into place, repeat with the other half, then really smooth the whole quilt from center out, pressing fairly firmly, then turn it over and do the same, just to make sure I have no wrinkles.

have a small piece of fabric or paper towel near the machine with a little sewing machine oil on it...if you notice any (gumming) on the needle just use the soft cloth to clean it off...it's not a big deal

Lisa_wanna-b-quilter: Have you bought any of the new June Tailor cans? They are about 2 oz smaller, BUT it seems to me, it is much tackier and takes less--so I think in this case "less is more". Have you noticed any difference?

I have not had any problems - my teachers who are award winning quilters recommend June Tyler or the one in the pink can

I have used 505 with excellent results.

You may want to reconsider how much you are quilting. With 21" blocks, you might be happier quilting closer than that.

I have been using basting spray for a while now and have not had that problem. Again use it sparingly.
Charlene

Well.....I love Sullivan's and do believe I haven't lost any brain cells. The main thing is not to overspray. I have let quilts sit for several months before quilting and they are just fine. Many quilters I know swear by Sullivan's. As with any propellant you do need to have a well ventalated (sp). I think most of the problems with any type of spray baste are caused by way to much spraying. As with most products a little goes a long way. If you do have a needle that does get gummed up the alcohol and cotton ball are your best friend.

the lady that owns my local shop told me to stick my needle in a bar of soap and that will clean the needle...she keeps the soap by her elbow.

I use the June Taylor from Walmart and have never had a problem with it.

I did have this experience with a table runner, however after reading the instructions, I let it dry then all was well.

I have used (and liked) the Sullivans. That was the first one I tried. I found it at Joann's. The next time, I did' realize it was different and i bought the June Taylor. I didn't really like this brand, as it didn't stick well, except to my hands and everything around me. It didn't really stick "stick stick", but left the residue on everything near. U recently picked up the 505 spray. I thnk the sullivans was cheaper that 505 spray, and I will look for that again, but if not 505 is what I will use.

FYI: Flannel shrinks a lot more than quilting cotton, so it's a good idea to pre shrink it.

I am a Mini Quilter and spray baste these to quilt. If you get some gumming, just wipe off with alcohol. Well worth the effort and quicker too.

My old standby for any kind of stickies (like today, I'm using press-n-seal for quilting an intricate design) is "SEWERS AID." It's like a silicone and is sold in a little bottle on a card, looking similar to Fray Check in size and appearance.

Looking at the card back I find it has many, many uses only a couple of which I've tried. I have to start reading labels more. Here are some of the things they suggest using it for:

--Apply to spool and bobbin thread to lubricate the thread guides and tension as it passes through machine for smoother sewing.

--Apply to machine needle for smoother sewing ... knits and sheer fabrics can be sewn more easily and it helps prevent skipped stitches.

--Apply to hand needle for easier penetration of fabric when hand sewing.

--Apply to bottom of presser foot and other attachments to glide over fabrics more easily.

--Apply to scissors for easier cutting.

--Use on stubborn metal zippers and for cleaning your eye glasses. (Who knew?!?)

... I'm off to find all my scissors and give 'em a shot!

Take your fabric outside and do a fast spray. I use sulivans. I can not handle hardly any sprays so I keep as much out of my house as can be. Even at my quilt shop I know they take things outside to spray, Not sure what they use.

Ditto. I use it for machine embroidery too.

I spray baste my batting all the time when making table runners and I have not had a problem with it gumming up the needle. Be sure to spray lightly as a little goes a long way.

A workshop teacher told us a while back that even if the spray gums up the needle It isn't likely to cause any real damage otherwise. Just use an alcohol swab if you like.

I use "Helmar" spray and not a hint of gumming.

I use spray basting on almost everything I make that I quilt and it's great and NEVER gums up my needle. I can be dangerous using pins to hold my quilts together...I only have so much blood...lol