Spray Basting
 

I have a goodly stack of handkerchiefs from my grandmothers, mother, aunt, as well as myself. I want to simply attach them to background and quilt that. If I use spray adhesive to attach them until quilted, will that adhesive discolor with time? I really don't want to wash the quilt once I'm done as those hankies wrinkle and I don't want to press them once quilted. Does anyone have experience with this product?

Once I discovered adhesive quilting spray I haven't looked back. Haven't had a problem with wrinkling - I just spray the base and smooth the top with my hands. Also haven't noticed any discoloration using regular cotton fabrics, but since hankies sometimes tend to be very thin after years of laundering, I can't speak to them.

I use spray to baste all projects and have never seen discoloration when I baste and set aside a project for what turns out to be some time. However, I never have left it unwashed in perpetuity, so I can't answer for sure. I spray the batting, not the quilt top/in this case handkerchiefs. That should lessen the direct spray on the handkerchiefs and in my mind the chance there would be discoloration over time.

since they are usually rather thin, I would think a light weight double fusible would work better. one that can be sewn through of course.

This is slightly off your question, but I just recently posted a finished quilt from my friend Janice - she made a whole quilt featuring hankies. There is also a tutorial about how to fold the hankies into a dress shape. Here are the links if you are interested:
To see the quilt: http://homesewnbyus.com/hanky-quilt-update/
For the tutorial on how to fold: http://bumblebeelinens.com/blog/fram...ress-tutorial/

I had never seen anything like it before, and I think Janice really did a nice job! It just might interest you ~smile~
Roseanne

i would say spray basting is fine, but i would definitely wash the quilt afterwards

I used Sullivan Spray and it discolored my white fabric and it did not wash out. After that I have only sprayed it on the batting and have not bought it again. I use Sulky kk2000 for my embroidery. It is a temporary adhesive and does dissipate in about 20 minutes so you don't have to wash it after. I don't use it for quilting because it doesn't stay long enough.