Spray basting....how long....
 

...does it stay wet for on the fabric?

On a queen, would you spray the whole thing and then put the batting down, or would the far end dry before you got the batting all smoothed out and made your way to the far end?

Do you only spray half at a time?

Thanks.

Watson (Who is just FULL of questions!:o)

For large projects I spray 1/2 at a time-- not because it dries too fast but because it is much easier to work with 1/2 at a time.

can I high-jack your thread to ask a follow up question? When it comes to spray basting, stretching out the fabric isn't mentioned like it is for pin basting. Doesn't your fabric have to be nice and taut before you baste no matter the method?

Feel free to high-jack with any questions you may have!

Watson

I spray in sections too. If it is a small quilt (baby) I will do half and then the other half, but I also do it smaller sections depending on size. The spray doesn't dry, it stays sticky and you can reposition if necessary. You do need to be careful with the various glues. One that I got for my embroidery does dissipate after a couple hours. Which is nice for machine embroidery, it is not for quilting.

Always spray the batting with basting spray and then smooth out the fabric over the batting....that way you are sure to see any areas that may have puckers/wrinkles and can be dealt with right then. It also eliminates the need to tape down the fabric. But you just want to smooth the fabric over the batting....don't try to keep it tight as it will pull back and pull everything with it causing ripples.

You should never stretch the backing fabric, no matter which basting method you use. You want to smooth it out, yes. I like to heavily starch the backing fabric before layering, as it will be nice and smooth after ironing. You can even tape down the edges of the backing, if you like. However, you do not want to stretch the batting and then tape it. When the backing fabric is released from the tape it will spring back to its normal tension. If the quilt has been basted, this will likely cause puckers and/or wrinkles in the back.

There is plenty of time to work with the basting spray before it dries. It is re-positional for quite awhile. If you do a search on "spray basting" on the Quilting Board, you will find threads that explain why it is easier to spray only half the quilt at a time. I still remember the quilter who wrote about spraying the entire quilt before layering and how, after wrestling with the quilt, she ended up looking like a snow bear!

for crib or smaller size quilts, I spray half at a time... I load my larger quilts onto a longarm so no need for spray basting.

When I have use spray basting I did it half at time. I didn't like using the spray basting very much because it seem to "gum up" the needle on my machine. I also have to use spray baste out doors because there is always a sticky film from the spray on other things in the room. To solve this problem I just started using Elmer's/school glue. I dilute glue 50-50 with water and put it on in a kind of grid pattern. I don't ever leave big globs of glue any were on the quilt sandwich. I let the glue dry. My quilts stay sandwiched together. I have no sticky film on other stuff in the room. I wash wash my quilt when I am finished with the quilt. The glue washes out .. Problem solved.

When I use it, it is for smaller projects and I spray very lightly and quickly.

I spray Half at a time for smaller items and if it a big quilt like queen I may do it in thirds. The middle first.

I have all three pieces laid flat and smooth on my table. Then I fan fold back the top about 1/2, and lightly spray on the batting in sections, about 18" wide across the entire width of the sandwich. I fold the top back down over that sprayed section, smooth it out well. Then repeat in 18" sections until that half is done. Repeat for the other half, then flip the entire quilt over and do the same for that side. I always spray the batting, never stretch or tape anything down. Works great, no more puckers like when I basted with pins!!

Thanks to everyone for all the hints and tips! This will be my first foray into spray basting...I usually do wall hangings so fusible basting batting.

Watson

On another note if your needle gets a little gummy an alcohol wipe take it right off.

Be sure to spray outside! The fumes are noxious and the overspray will make a sticky mess of your house if you do it inside. (Lesson learned the hard way!) I also spray my quilts half at a time. Spray basting is amazing for FMQ, but it is quite a mess to do the spraying.

Don't do spray basting outside on a windy day...

Well, I'm up to my...um...bum, in snow, so I won't be doing much of anything outside, but thanks for the tip! I thought I would do it in the garage with the door open.

Watson

I think I'll try either the Elmer's School Glue method or Mrs Beasley's spray (the recipe is in thread on page 2). http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t223080-2.html

This way I can avoid having to go out and spray on a snow bank. :D

I like 505 and have used it for years, but have started using Elmer's glue and glue sticks (by the way -- make sure you get washable school glue -- I ordered some glue sticks from Amazon and though I ordered washable I was sent permanent). I like getting the Elmer's at the beginning of the school year from Walmart or Target when they have the big sales and only order from Amazon in a pinch.

I do mine inside all the time. Don't fret. Just spray carefully and don't overspray. It is true, however, that my dining room (which I use) is one big open room with the living room and kitchen, so there is a lot of room for the fumes to dissipate.

If I lived in the states and had access to HL's sales and cpns bringing cotton batting prices down to reasonable, I'd use your Elmer's Glue method all the time when I use that batting! (Why doesn't everyone?)

However, I live overseas and have to use poly batting as cotton battings are not feasible cost wise (yet). So, I use spray glue as it really helps keep that poly from shifting.

i spray in my house and don't find it messy or stinky. But I do spray lightly.

We have a tile floor in our breakfast nook (no table). That is where I spray baste. The grout lines make it easy to line things up. When finished, I mop the floor to get rid of the overspray. That floor space is great for blocking and drying quilts too.

I don't mind the 505 and use it in the house. I do open a window (or door) for ventilation. I actually put an old sheet over the bed and do my basting there. First I layer backing fabric and batting so they are nice and smooth. Then I peel back the batting half way and spray the backing fabric. I smooth the batting down and then turn the piece over to do the same to the other side. Then I lay the top down and pull it back half way. This is when I spray the batting and smooth the top over it. When all is done, I press from both sides.

The most I have been able to make adjustments without respraying was twice. Generally my method works for me the first time as I go slow.