I'm going to try spray basting for the first time. I've always used pins before and started quilting in the middle and going out to keep the back from puckering.

Since this project will be spray basted can I start anywhere and quilt randomly in a block at the bottom, switch to a block at the top, then a block in the middle and back to the bottom? I might even mix up machine quilting with hand quilting. It would be helpful if I could work on whatever section that I wanted without having to worry about the back.

What would you recommend?

I use a mixture of pins and spray but I still quilt from the middle out or stitch in the ditch corner to corner first or vertically and horizontly. What I'm trying to say is that I don't think using the spray changes the way you should quilt it.

I have done both and always go from the middle to if just doing lines start with the center line and work out. just to be safe.

Heavy sigh...

I have used spray before and didn't really like it. I was quilting a wallhanging, 24" X 48" and much of it wasn't still basted by the time I got to the outside borders. I definitely pin all my quits now!!

If you are going to do any stitch in the ditch, to that first. That should hold enough so you can quilt wherever you want. Sometimes I use water soluble thread and baste a few lines each direction (after spray basting). When I do that, I can quilt anywhere I want and have not had any puckering issues. I don't quilt very tightly though, not sure if that would make a difference.

I just recently started using basting spray. I like it, but I still use pins, but not as many. I just don't trust it yet to hold well enough to keep up when I'm scrunching and pulling my quilt around for FMQ.
I do like it for small projects though.
I saw on a "Sewing with Nancy" video that she used fusible web for a quilt. Make a long thin *1/4" or so strip of fusible, then put at piece down every 5-6" or so and cut it off so only about 1/2" goes down.. Just use your iron on it and pull the extra tape against the edge to break it off. Then when you're ready to add the top, peal the paper off the tabs, and place your top on. Spot iron over the tabs and it holds as well as pinning.
Here's the link
http://www.wpt.org/sewingwithnancy/sewing.cfm
Advance it to the "letter Q" for the technique.

Oops, sorry, Q was on last week, but it's gone now. Or you can order her book.

Before I begin to quilt, I will iron the quilt from both sides to help get the wrinkles out. Of course, this depends on whether or not you have the space.

Ditto on both comments.

I like the Sullivan spray baste very well but still pin some,just in case. I have noticed if I use the basyting spray with poly batting it doesn't hold very well but the cotton batting is fine.

Mine is a wallhanging about 18" x 58."

Could I start at the bottom and go to the top? Could I respray if it starts to come undone like yours did?

My recent completed quilt is 45x65 and I spray basted the entire thing. I used 505. I also basted it on my bed for the first time. I lay my backing down, smooth it out, then batting and smooth. I think pull back the batting and spray then do the other half. I then usually have to go back and do another application on the borders. The spray helpd throughout quilting and my kidlet wrapping up in it before it was finished. I don't think I'll ever pin again.

As to the original question - I do stabilizing stitches around the center, ususally, and then I just go from there. Definitely try the spray again. It is a wonder!

I swear by the spray. I don't stick myself anymore with the pins and it holds very well until the quilting is finished. I always start from the center just to be on the safe side too

I have used spray basting for wall hangings up to queen size and haven't had any problems. I haven't had any problems with it sticking until I am finished either. It works great. I still start in the center and work my way out. It probably isn't necessary, but I like to avoid those unexpected surprises when possible. If you have a design that could use the stitch in the ditch as suggested earlier, that would also give you more security as you FMQ. I think that spray is the best thing since sliced bread! Good luck.

Still wise to start in the center and work out.

It works best on cotton poly batting such as warm and natural or hobbs. Tape you batting down on the table or floor if you need the space. Some one on this board recommended using a wall surface to stretch out your quilt and man they were right. Does it ever work well. Start in the middle of your quilt and spray the fabric not the batting. Trust me it sticks much better this way.I never use pins anymore now that I spray baste.

Don't overdo the spray. A little goes a long way. Too much gums up your needle, etc.

I've used the June Tailor basting spray on 2 quilts so far. One had poly batting and one had and 80/20 batting. The poly did not stick as well. Some areas came loose while I was quilting it. Not sure whether it was the poly or not spraying enough. The cotton/poly batting stuck like glue and really stayed together well. I did have some wrinkles in the backing but was able to pull up the fabric and relay it. It still held well after repositioning. I love the basting spray.

I still quilt from the center, just in case something shifts.

I bought 505 Basting Spray. The instructions say "Always spray the 505 on the cotton batting." It's good to know that it will work on either the fabric or the batting, and I could use 80/20 batting.

It also says "Cleans up with DKS Cleaning Agent." I have no idea what that is. Won't it come out with water?

I lay a sheet on the floor then lay out the bottom, batting and top. Peel back half of the top, spray the batting then smooth it back over and do the same for the other side of the top, flip it over or peel back the batting to expose the back and spray the batting and smooth it over again. If there are any wrinkles it's easy enough to peel back the fabrick and resmooth it. 505 is my new best friend.

I use 505 only and FMQ from the upper left (stencil and Pounce) accross the quilt and work my way down. I've only done throw size so far and no problems with shifting or wrinkles on back.

I have a wall set up for spray basting and it really is much better than on the floor.

I spray AND pin. But the bottom line is, if it is basted/pinned properly, you should be able to start and atop anywhere because the back is firmly in place, not needing to be smoothed as you go.

I would still be careful about how you go about it. It can still pucker if you are not careful. I often put extra 'stay' stitches in it after spraying so that it will not twist out of shape. Then I generally start at the outside and go all around the quilt, working into the middle without any problem and it does not pucker.

I started out with pins and hated them.
Switched to spray and love it.
I've never had a problem with it not lasting and I never quilt quickly; they are done over time. Never a problem with it giving out.
Yes, don't spray heavily. And if you can do it outside so much the better.
I now have a vent in my quilting room but haven't gotten to the point of spraying in there yet.

I love 505 spray and always start quilting in the center.

i would still start in the middle and quilt out , also have only had luck with 505 spray

I use spray basting but I still quilt from the centre outwards.

I still consider myself a novice but I started using spray basting and I love it. I still start in the middle to quilt, but it's easier, in my opinion to spray than to pin.

quilt n preach
Missouri

I had a quilting instructor who quilted FMQ on her Brother machine and she always quarters her quilt and starts in the corner. Her quilts are gorgeous and her backs never have any wrinkles . I myself have never been brave enough to do that. I have enough trouble pining my quilt sandwich and not having wrinkles.

can someone tell me where I can look up what all these abbreviations mean? FMQ...DH...there's quite a few and I have no clue what they mean. Thanks

I love spray basting but I still start my quilting in the center and work my way out. The owner of our LQS taught me to do it that way because she said no matter how you baste your quilt may still has some movement so its best to start in the middle. Good Luck!

Yes, you can. The edges will start to come unstuck a little as you work; try pressing them firmly back down and if that doesn't work, use a little spray. I spray baste everything and usually do some overall quilting like stitch-in-the-ditch or a few vertical or horizontal lines overall first, then go back and do some other quilting. Not saying you have to, but it works for me. You need to figure out what works best for you as we're all different! ;)

I struggle with the abbreviations too. I think FMQ means "free-motion quilting." I have no idea what DH means.

I use the June Tailor spray and never have any problems starting in the middle, the corner, the edge or wherever I want. If you have it spray basted and don't have any wrinkles, then the quilting will not cause any either irregardless of where you start. The trick is to get your backing smooth and wrinkle free, spray the backing and smooth out the batting. Do the same with the quilt top and you will have no wrinkles. I have never had to add pins, nor start in the middle with the FMQ. I think it is all just personal preference and sometimes is a habit to start in the middle (and a very hard one to break....LOL). It's your quilt, do what works best for you.

I make wall hangings of all sizes, and use the spray baste. It is wonderful! I don't know why I waited so long to use it before now. I have started from the bottom; and if you are stitching in the ditch, it won't come undone. I'll never go back to pins, they were constantly sticking me.
CruisingStef

I agree 505 is great! I have tried several differant kinds and always come back to 505. It has always held for me every time.

FMQ= FREE MOTION QUILTING
DH= DEAR HUSBAND
DD=DEAR DAUGHTER
SID=STITCH IN THE DITCH
SIL=SISTER IN LAW
DGD=DEAR GRAND DAUGHTER
LAQ'S= LONG ARM QUILTERS

Took me a while to get them all too...LOL

CHECK MY REPLY....

I love 505 spray baste for all my quilts. I do just like AFQSinc explained and there's no sweat about puckers.

I have used 505 on large quilts (big queen) and liked it. Generally do some SID to hold it all in place and then go back to working from the middle out (but mostly because I want to get the hard part done first -- once the whole thing has been SID it shouldn't shift).

I think you should experiment with a small piece, however, if you're planning to hand quilt at all. My concern is that it could make it harder to needle through.