Spray Baste Same as Spray Adhesive?
 

At fabric stores I often see spray baste for quilt sandwiches next to spray adhesive. Can they be used interchangeably?

I believe they are two different products. I would carefully read the instructions on the label before using the adhesive as a basting spray for a quilt. The spray adhesive I have says it is for permanent bonding. It's very sticky, whereas the basting spray is just a bit tacky.

I really wish it was a little cheaper.

Agree .... you really do need to read the labels very closely to know what you are buying.

Spray baste "is" a spray adhesive.
Spray adhesive is "not" necessarily a basting spray, as it can be for many other purposes.

Spray baste should be temporary (wash out). Spray adhesive should be permanent (although likely does not permit some washing conditions).

I would not use them interchangeably.

Spray baste will let you reposition the fabric and it washes out when you wash a quilt . Spray adhesive for anything except specifically for basting, is much stronger, so you would have a very hard time repositioning anything, and it doesn't come out in the wash.

Spray baste is expensive, but makes sandwiching I don't despise anymore. I hated pins and thread basting--too hard to undo mistakes in positioning. Too time consuming. Harder on the fingers. Had to watch not to hit one with the needle when quilting.

I use my coupons on spray baste and I also use less than the directions say (obviously the manufacturer wants you to have to buy it again sooner). Works fine.

Up until recently I was a big fan of Basting Sprays. The cost was not a deterrent because it saves hours of work. I have changed to the Elmer's Washable School glue. It is so much easier to apply and gives the best non-moving hold I know to date. It is making using my DSM so much easier to quilt with. Also it cost far less. I just basted to full size bed quilts with 1 1/2 small bottles of glue. Comparing that to the $8-12 a can for basting spray. Applying the glue is so much easier too.

I second this. The washable glue is very inexpensive and easy to work with and no fumes (I myself wouldn't use the spray baste inside unless I could have the windows open and a fan on). Try it on a small/test item to see if you like it. The first time I tried it, I used way too much, smearing the glue on until the whole thing was stiff, but I've learned that it only takes tiny little dots of glue to hold.

I have used about every brand of anything that said temp spray baste for fabric. They all work fine. Be sure it isn't adhesive, that is almost sure to be one big mess. I have been a fan of both spray basting and glue basting. Recently I tried the Free Fuse and that is my way to baste a quilt now. I always baste on two or more folding tables. I can press the quilt laying flat, no moving. I like the fold in half tables for easy storage and set up.

I recently gave a demo for our quilt guild on homemade basting spray. It works great, most of the ingredients are ones that are very commonly in our homes and is so inexpensive. I got so many positive comments and some happy quilters.

Care to share your "recipe"?

I agree, way cheaper, way easier (no overspray) washs out easily.

QuiltE, I sent you a PM

Here is the homemade basting spray we use at guild. It works great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVRrFGFXXfc&t=132s

QuiltE, I am happy to post what I sent you. You were the only one who asked for it. Here it is.

Homemade Basting Spray

5 heaping Tbls flour
1/2 teas salt
Water- 3 cups
Alcohol 1 cup I used half rubbing alcohol and half cheap vodka

Put salt and 2 cups of water in pan on high heat to boil. Take flour and 1 cup water and mix well like you would for making a gravy. Add to boiling water and simmer until it is thicker and gelatinous. This may take longer than you think. I ended up adding more flour as it was not getting as thick as I wanted. Make sure there is no lumps. After it cooks let it cool to room temp. Mix in your alcohol and put in spray bottle and shake. I spray it on my batting and if in a hurry you can iron it dry or leave it over night. Works great! Shake before each use, I have had mine for 6 months and it is still good.

Thanks!
Always good to share with everyone.

I was intrigued as I had never heard about the homemade spray baste ...
but have seen the Faux Best Press mix posted.

I think I have better success with homemade basting spray (which I use quite a bit) when the batting is 100% cotton. For me, it doesn't seem to adhere as well when the batting is 80/20. But I use it quite a bit and yes, it keeps for a long time.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hNxU3SH9XJY

This gal did a follow-up video addressing some questions about the process. I have never used glue, but would if I ran out of 505 spray.

I really don't think they are the same. I agree that you should consider reading labels on both products.

I learned a valuable lesson concerning "spray basting" a couple of years back. I normally use 505 Spray Basting..but Sullivans (pink can) was cheaper so I bought a can. Worst experience ever. It was like cement glue. I had to end up washing the quilt before it was finished, because I couldn't pull the quilting out due to the glue. I willingly pay the price for the 505 Basting Spray, as I just don't trust the others.

I am with you on the Elmer's Washable School Glue. Much faster, cheaper, no fumes. I'm about 20 quilts in with glue basting.

Sandra, thanks for the recipe. I also use Elmer's Washable and love it. I recently bought 505 when Connecting Threads had a big sale but haven't used it yet. I'm wondering how you use that one in the house?

Thank you SusieQ! Always nice to be appreciated. So far I really like the homemade spray. 505 has ingredients in it that sound really toxic. Take a look at the can to see them. I compared the two on a chart for everyone at guild. I also have Elmers Glue and water it down and like that it washes right out.

Thank you for your recipe Sandra. I was wondering if anyone has tried watered down Elmers glue in spray bottle? Seems like a good way to avoid those needle breaking puddles of glue. Jane

all you have to do when you see a glob is use your finger to smooth it out. I’ve never broken a needle with the glue. I keep a wet cloth nearby to wipe my finger on. It is such an easy method.

The glue has to be watered down too much to not clog up the spray bottle. I use a wide paint brush and brush the diluted glue on the batting or fabric. Get a quality brush and it will not lose the bristles.

Once I discovered 505 Spray Basting there has been no going back to crawling around on the floor with pins. Even though it is tacky and temporary, I basted a quilt and had to put it into storage before finishing the quilting. When I pulled it out months later, it was still a nice sandwich and I had no problem completing it. All done on my domestic machine, shoving that entire king-sized quilt through the machine throat multiple times with no slippage in the sandwich. I'd like to try Elmer's glue. Will it compare favourably?

Do you put the glue on the batting or the flimsy Stitchnripper? I put it on the batting but some soaked through to the flimsy. It is hard on my hands to squeeze the bottle for the whole quilt. That is why I was wondering about thinning the glue and using a spray bottle. I let mine dry overnight instead of ironing. Then the next day I do the other side. It takes a bit of time but no getting poked by pins. That is a good tip about a keeping a wet cloth handy. My fingers were sticky by the time I was done.