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Jeanniejo 06-14-2010 07:54 AM

Do any of you use spray to baste your quilts? I really love to do my own quilting but the pins are a pain to put in and to move while quilting. I really don't know the pros and cons and want some input from those in the know. I did buy some spray probably 5 years ago but never used it. Will it still be alright to use? I appreciate any suggestions.

amma 06-14-2010 08:13 AM

Try the spray on some scraps, I would think it should be fine.
Many of us here use and LOVE it :D:D:D

Just make sure that you are using Quilt Basting Spray and it says it will wash out on the label :wink:
I bought spray "glue" the first time and it was disastrous!!! :oops: :roll: :lol:

Ms Grace 06-14-2010 08:25 AM

Remember to use just a light spray. :wink:

littlehud 06-14-2010 08:34 AM

I love spray basting. It's so much easier.

quiltinggrandmaca 06-14-2010 08:43 AM

When using the spray for basting do you still have to tape down the backing before you put the batting and the top together?

oldhag 06-14-2010 08:43 AM

I can't live without my basting spray.Jump in and try it.

Prism99 06-14-2010 08:49 AM


Originally Posted by quiltinggrandmaca
When using the spray for basting do you still have to tape down the backing before you put the batting and the top together?

I don't.

I smooth the batting out on a large flat sheet on the floor (to catch any overspray), then smooth the backing fabric out on top of the batting. When it is the way I want it, I fold back the fabric so the top half of the batting is exposed, spray the batting, then smooth the fabric back in place. Then I fold up the bottom half of the fabric and repeat the process. I flip the quilt sandwich over so the other side of the batting is up and repeat the whole process with the top. That's it, except for tossing the large flat sheet into the laundry basket.

I would not use a 5-year-old can of basting spray. You don't know what chemical changes may have taken place over time. I recommend buying a new can of 505 basting spray.

What kind of batting are you planning to use? Nobody has problems with cotton batting, or 80/20 batting. Some people have problems getting polyester batting to adhere; however, that may be due to the brand of basting spray being used. I don't think anyone has reported a problem with polyester batting when they use 505.

Bluphrog 06-14-2010 08:53 AM


Originally Posted by quiltinggrandmaca
When using the spray for basting do you still have to tape down the backing before you put the batting and the top together?

You need to keep the backing flat, so do tape or clip or whatever method you always use. Spray the top half the backing, fold your batting in half and lay it on the area that is not sprayed with the fold in the center of the backing, then slowly work from the center to the top edge, unfolding the batting and smoothing it out on the sprayed area. Then fold the bottom half of the batting up, spray the bottom half of the backing, and unfold the batting from the center to the bottom of the backing. If you are doing a large quilt, you might consider doing it in quarters, just to make it a little more manageable.

kclausing 06-14-2010 09:02 AM

always spray baste. could not do without it.

quiltinggrandmaca 06-14-2010 09:12 AM

Thanks so much, that was really helpful.

Diannia 06-14-2010 10:41 AM

I love to use spray basting but not when I hand quilt. It's harder to get the needle through.

kasmitty1 06-14-2010 10:46 AM

I love 505. I've tried another brand, and it gunked up my needle really bad. I'll stick (no pun intended) with 505. :)

Jim's Gem 06-14-2010 11:17 AM

YES!!! I spray baste all of my quilts!!! My favorite is the 505 spray. It is the coolest stuff!!!
I sandwich my quilts over at the church where DH works. We push together a couple tables (really nice when we have the adjustable ones and we raise them up) I do tape my backing down, get it nice and wrinkle free. We just did 4 of them on Saturday.

Melinda in Tulsa 06-14-2010 01:40 PM

I love spray basting! Not sure if I would get much quilting finished if I had to pin.

BKrenning 06-14-2010 03:08 PM

I spray baste baby quilts that I tie or push & shove quilt. If you use the June Tailor spray from Joann's, you'll need a well ventilated room to use it in--outside would be better. It has a lingering odor that some people may have a bad reaction to (hubby has allergies) and I always prewash baby quilts before sending them to the baby.

BarbaraA 06-14-2010 04:42 PM

Is the can labled 505 Spray and Fix? Is this the same as the 505 Basting Spray that everyone talks about?

Jim's Gem 06-14-2010 05:02 PM


Originally Posted by BarbaraA
Is the can labled 505 Spray and Fix? Is this the same as the 505 Basting Spray that everyone talks about?

Yes, that is the stuff!!!

BarbaraA 06-14-2010 05:26 PM

Thanks! I haven't used it yet but bought some this weekend in Goleta.... I see you are from Camarillo?

Jim's Gem 06-14-2010 06:42 PM

Yes I am in Camarillo. Are you in the Santa Barbara Area?

Borntohandquilt 06-15-2010 07:21 AM

I'm a handquilter and I must say I don't like spray basting. The material is harder to needle with it and I prefer thread basting - although it takes longer to finish!

flikkem 06-15-2010 08:02 AM

Yes. I use it frequently for charity quilts I make. It's a good idea to do it in a well ventilated area though.

Pats8e8 06-15-2010 08:24 AM

I agree with Prism 99, I would be very wary of your old can of spray. I tried to use an old one once and had nasty black stuff come out. I do it her way too, but I use a spray called 101 and it works great. Love using spray instead of pins. My fingers peel so badly that it's hard for me to use safety pins. I can use our big tables at school, and I have large clamps that I hold it all together with to be sure there are no wrinkles anywhere.

ladyredhawk 06-15-2010 09:53 AM


Originally Posted by Jeanniejo
Do any of you use spray to baste your quilts? I really love to do my own quilting but the pins are a pain to put in and to move while quilting. I really don't know the pros and cons and want some input from those in the know. I did buy some spray probably 5 years ago but never used it. Will it still be alright to use? I appreciate any suggestions.


I use www. junetailor.com spray,
you won't go back to pins, ever. love it

BarbaraA 06-15-2010 06:34 PM

I live in Lompoc. No quilting stores here. I quilt/fabric shop in Santa Maria, SLO area and Goleta. I was happy to find a new quilt store in Goleta this weekend, couldn't stay too long, hubby was in car.

craftybear 06-16-2010 12:20 AM

what kinds of basting spray do you like?

BethD 06-16-2010 03:52 AM

Yes, I spray baste with 505. I still pin around the edges just as extra assurance that it will stay in place.

Lori S 06-16-2010 04:21 AM

I had a can of the June tailor baste spray, did not like it . You have to use it outside. ( who takes their quilts outside to baste?especially in a cold climate area in the winter!) It did not "age" well, it lost its tackiness over time ( guess I should have used it up quickly). I thought after this whats all the fuss about , why is everyone so happy and I am dissapointed.... then I discovered the 505 and Dritz temp spray... WOW ! LOVE It !! It was truley a life changing find. No odor , it holds well, does not gum up the needle. I even use it on my templates to keep them from sliding around . Just a touch to give it a bit of tackiness.
It is a bit pricey ... but sooo.. worth it. I hated the pinning process, and it seemed more came out before they were supposed to, plus I would always seem to get "stuck" with a few either from having them fall on the floor or as I was manipulating the pin basted quilt.

insecurity 06-16-2010 04:59 AM

DO NOT USE THAT OLD CAN! Some of that older stuff is powerful strong! I was teaching a class, and using the basting spray. Suddenly the whole class got a little goofy. I attributed it to my sparkling sense of humor. LOL. Turns out it was the fumes from the basting spray. It WAS one of the most fun classes I've taught, but probably not the safest.

walen 06-16-2010 06:26 AM

I have never had a problem with 505. You have already put a ton of work into your quilt top; I wouldn't take a chance on having trouble with quilting it because of using an old can of spray. I suggest you buy a new can of 505.

steelecg 06-16-2010 07:06 AM

Using June Taylor or Sullivans (blue or pink can) is what my machine quilting teachers swear by - They do beautiful work and spray basting i their preferred method.

crazicorn 06-16-2010 07:07 AM

Since the day I first tried spray basting, that is all I ever do. I just love it. :-D

Mariah 06-16-2010 07:09 AM

I don't use it, but did learn at Guild that it is a good product. I saw it demonstrated at a class several years ago, and think it would be fine.
The reason I don't use it is because it is just something more to buy. I agree with you about the pins; they get to be a "pain." However, I don't push myself on my quilting, and use it more as relaxation. Those who were using it were those who quilted for others, quilted a lot and wanted results quickly.
They did mention that if you have Bronchial Problems, coughing, ect, not to use it. It does have a pronounced smell, or it did 5 yrs. ago. Maybe is improved by now.

bstanbro 06-16-2010 07:28 AM

I spray basted a small applique wall-hanging recently and it worked just fine.

skavanau 06-16-2010 07:53 AM

I only use Sray basting now. I use 505 its great and my hands have healed..

wishiwerequilting 06-16-2010 08:24 AM

1 Attachment(s)
I use 505 spray all the time. used to use small safety pins to baste for machine quilting, but one time trying 505 and I was hooked for life. Great stuff!!
The can does say "505 spray and fix". Odorless, colorless, non-acid, will wash out with water, no needle residue, etc.
I don't think I would use a really old can of any adhesive, best to buy new. if you live in a very humid climate, the moisture *may* cause it to unstick if your quilt is in the humidity. (no problem if you are in A/C). I always use Quilter's Dream Cotton batting, or Dream Poly and have no problems. Not sure i would recommend 505 for something like high loft poly bat...I think you may encounter probs with that.
There is a tutorial on our blog about spray basting. I can link you to the blog, but then scroll down until you see pics of the quilt being basted - the date says Wednesday October 21, 2009.
http://quiltersparadisecafe.blogspot...max-results=10
hope this helps!

505 spray for basting
[ATTACH=CONFIG]86788[/ATTACH]

karielt 06-16-2010 09:00 AM


Originally Posted by Jeanniejo
Do any of you use spray to baste your quilts? I really love to do my own quilting but the pins are a pain to put in and to move while quilting. I really don't know the pros and cons and want some input from those in the know. I did buy some spray probably 5 years ago but never used it. Will it still be alright to use? I appreciate any suggestions.

505 spray all the way... I'm sold on it and its the best. Try Connectingthreads.com

skavanau 06-16-2010 09:26 AM

Ive never had any problems but then again I live in sunny AZ..No humidity.

cowgirl 06-16-2010 09:35 AM

Spray basting is the only way I baste! It is fast and easy and really holds the fabrics in place.

fktsewing 06-16-2010 09:36 AM

Yes, tape the back down as you normally would. Lightly spray, as it does not take much. And make sure you cover the table you are using to spray the quilt on. I tape 30 gallon trash bags to the table first ---I buy a box of the cheapest off brand ones because you will throw it away at the end. I love it. It washes out on the first washing but it really is a time saver.

cbuchanan 06-16-2010 11:45 AM

I always tape down my backing first. I love quilting spray but only use it on smaller lap or baby quilts. I sometimes still put in a few pins just to be safe.


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