I have had a lot of problems recently with basting spray. Broken thread and skipped stitches. I checked everything else and the only remedy seems to be not using the spray. Has this happened to anyone else?

Did you switch brands? Or switch thread/needle when this problem started? It seems like it is a problem with the thread/needle more than the spray itself :D:D:D

I agree with amma. I usually pin baste, but have on occasion used the spray and haven't experienced that problem. What brand did you use?

I noticed that I was having some problems sewing over areas that had been sprayed when I was doing my last quilt, and backed off a lot on the spray. I had no problems on non-sprayed areas.

I always use Sulky basting sprays so don't know if other brands have similar issues.

I have been using June Tailor and never had any problems before but this quilt is the second one giving me trouble . When I use my practice sandwiches, which have no spray basting, I have no problems

The problem may be that you are using too much. I had this issue with using too much. A little does go a long way. Most brands take a minute to get really tacky , so it is easy to use more than is needed.

Well maybe I am not crazy then.

I bet I did use too much.

Thank you all for your help.

I have never had a problem like that because of the spray. It was usually a needle or even a thread problem.

Just a quick addition , if you did indeed use too much, change your needle. Even the sprays that say "will not gum up your needle" will get a build up on them if you over spray, this is what attibutes to the thread breakage. The eye and that thin groove that runs the lenght of the needle from the eye, will get "stuff" and the thread will not glide through easily.

I just started using spray and I love it. I have not had any problems as of yet.

I haven't used the spray, but am taking notes as I plan to do some actual quilting instead of just piecing in 2011

I have had the skipping stitches problem. I do use a lot of vintage sheet fabric, so that may have contributed to the problem. I did a couple things that helped.

I have a Bernina so I have to oil my machine. When I am quilting something that's been spray basted I take the oil, which is clear, and put a drop on a tiny bit of fabric or paper towel or whatever and rub it on the needle. I repeat that once or twice during a lap size quilt. It keeps the little gob of glue from showing up on the needle, so I am sure it is helping.

Also, and I think this is more related to the sheets than the spray, I use a jeans needle for quilting (I think it's 90/12?). It says "Jeans" right on the package.

I still sometimes miss a stitch, but not nearly as often. I do find it interesting that it might be using too much spray- that is very probable. I am a more is better kinda gal and that isn't always a good thing. I will start using less and maybe the whole issue will go away! That would be awesome.

I actually used spray adhesive tonight on a table topper and it was June Tailor brand. I've used Sulky brand too and have never had any problems with broken thread.

Make sure when you get ready to quilt, that you make any adjustments for your stitches - top and bottom tension adjustment, new needle, larger stitch if needed, make sure the bobbin is wound correctly, and that the machine and thread is loaded correctly. Sounds silly to say that, but thread will snap if it's caught at the top.

My needles have never gummed up with either brand, however I have had to deal with a load of lint and that takes a few minutes to suck out of the machine before anything else can get done. When your thread breaks, check for these and if need be, just rethread the machine again.

Good luck.

I have started using some Sewer's Aid on a little piece of batting that I placed between two thread guides so that the thread glides over it. That seems to be helping. I have certainly learned my lesson. Less is more. I will be so happy when I am finished quilting this project.

The very best spray is Sullivans. I work with a charity that makes quilts. We spray up to 40 quilt tops at a time. We have no problems like you described. Unless you might be spraying toooooo much on your quilt.

Have used both kinds, no problems yet [hope this does not start something]. Did find out that I had to use something underneath the quilt, in case my "aim" was off.

I use Sulky spray and have not had a problem. I just don't
spray near the edge, just enough to hold the fabric in place

dude

I use Sulky spray and have not had a problem. I just don't
spray near the edge, just enough to hold the fabric in place

dude

When I use the basting spray I let the piece set until spray sets. I had the same problem as you, but found that when you sew through the spray immediately it gums up the needle and machine.

I think maybe the spray was to thick, I spray baste all the time and just lightly spray backing and then batting. Doing half the quilt at a time. Fold over and rub into place, repeat on second half. Then repeat with batting and quilt top. Just a quick spray will hold things if the spray is on both surfaces. I also put down a plastic drop cloth around the table I spray baste on. Keeps over spray off the floor. Newspapers work for that too. I've had no problem and have used several brands of spray.

I have used Sulky brand for years for both hand and machine quilting and have never had a problem. I do spray lightly as a little goes far.

I have not had this problem. I just used basting spray yesterday to baste fabric to my stabilizer so I could embroider my label for the back of my doll quilt. Everything worked fine.

Did you need a new needle or sometimes I am working with the wrong thread and my thread will bounce out of place, skip and get all tangled up.

I have used several brands...But the trick is to only use a little..

My friend had trouble with June taylor spray so I won't buy that kind. I am kind of afraid of this stuff unless there is a good brand out there.

What brand are you using?

I am having a little trouble with spray right now too, my border fabric on the backing, is a lighter weight than the center of the backing, and seems to be "ruffling" much more than i would like. Any suggestions?

HI I have used spray baste Sulky KK 2000 and love it.
I think most problems is using way to much spray. It really takes verrrrry little. Never had a thread problemwith it and have use a lot of it.... I spray baste everything I can. The kk2000 never iron with a steam iron.
If you do not want to wait for it to go away on its own press lightly with a DRY iron and it is gone.
Hope you figure it out.... and even though the KK2000 can is small you do not have to do it outside and there is just as much in the can as the big ones with dangerious perpelents.
ConnieF

You might check out this tutorial:

http://www.thequiltshow.com/os/blog.php/blog_id/2566

I don't like the sulky spray adhesive as it takes a lot to hold, or else the layers won't stay together long enough. Some one mentioned the 505 spray which I havenot used. Does anyone have any experience with this one?:)

i have used 505 for about 3 years and never had a problem with it

I can't imagine spray basting having anything to do with broken threads or skipped stitching. If you use way too much spray your needle can get gummed up and needing to be cleaned or changed. But spray basting correctly should not cause any of the problems you are experiencing. Rethreading, tension adjustment and possibly fabric choices would be the first things I would choose for those problems.

While we're on the subject of basting spray, my spray, Sullivan's, works great but the fumes are so vile I have to use it in the garage. Is there a spray that i could use in the house?