I am going to attempt to quilt a 80" x80" (dbl?) quilt. If I use the spray to keep my layers together, do I need to use safety pins too? Or should I be using both? I am really new to this. What do you all think?

Thanks for the advice in advance. :)

I spray baste my quilts and I do not use pins. Now, I havn't done any quilting where the stitches are real close together or intense, such as a small stipple or anything like that. I have not had a problem with the fabrics shifting. There may be others here that do more extensive quilting that would have a better idea.

I have done several queen size that way too.

I use spray exclusively....never used pins in my life. I've sprayed a queen size quilt and had no problems with shifting. I use Sullivan's spray, I'm sure there others but I don't have any experience with them.

On a quilt that big, I would definately use both! I do.

OK, thanks so much. I think I will use both for this time.

I've found spray basting has a very firm hold with no shift. I spray my batting and then unroll the back onto it, flip them spray the batting again then unroll the quilt top. Pressing and smoothing as I unroll. I've used pins on small things and I hate them, always in the way. And if you use straight ones they poke you, and if you use safety pins you have to stop and unpin them as you go. :evil: Mean pins. I think I've been poked everywhere!

Oh and I've done spray basting with full, queen, twin, and doll sized quilts. My next challenge (for later this week!) is a king!

i exclusively used pins until the last 3 quilts I did, adn I found out about spray basting - will never go back to pins - of course now that I have started putting together my quilt frame, I won't be using either one on my next projects!!!

I've never hard of this spray stuff. Is one brand better than another? What's it feel like? Does it just disappear? Sounds so strange...

Sheeesh I learn a lot here. :D

Thanks! I feel the same way about the pins. The last time i used them was on a small table top. They always seemed to be in the wrong spot. Thanks for the instructions. Now I just need to find the spray....

There are several types of spray basting. I prefer the 505 spray, it smells better and has a great hold. Unfortunately it is a little more expensive. Joanns has 2-3 different types and I have even bought it at Walmart. I think some Michaels will carry it too. Make sure you use old sheets or something around your area so you don't get overspray on your floor, table, etc. Also you need good ventilation.

I am a learner too, I am currently working on my third ever quilt, they have all been crib sized. I used straight pins on the first one (ow ow ow!). Then I bought some bent safety pins for the second one and got so frustrated with how fiddly they were to put in, I went out and bought some 505 spray. LOVE IT! Once sprayed and sandwhiched (Use Elizabeths instructions above - they are great) the layers didn't shift. I was concerned the quilt felt a little stiff (like light starch) but that went away after one wash. A can has done two generous crib sized quilts, three quilted cushion covers and is not quite empty yet.

Karla, it feels like light hairspray, except when it dries it is still very tacky. I think if you don't wash the quilt afterwards it would be fine, it would eventually disappear with movement, kind of like hairspray too.

I always used pins then listening to all of you I tried the spray. I'm a believer. That was so nice to not be messing with pins and it was faster and no puckers on the back and I could go on and on. I love it. No more pins for me.