Washing Out Elmer's School Glue After Binding Your Quilt?

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02-19-2012, 05:31 AM

#21

applique

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Join Date: May 2010

Location: MA

Posts: 1,507

I hate glue sticks. When using it to keep the edges down they fray the intricate applique pieces. I use the Elmers to keep the edges very flat and tight to the background piece with no fraying..

02-19-2012, 06:22 AM

#22

pinkberrykay

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Join Date: Nov 2011

Location: SOO, MI

Posts: 838

I just found out about SS binding technique and used it for the first time yesterday. All I have to say is WOW, it makes binding so much easier!!!

02-19-2012, 09:11 AM

#23

Brandi

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Join Date: Nov 2010

Location: Arkansas

Posts: 269

Do you just glue it? Do you use any wonder under too?

02-19-2012, 09:31 AM

#24

jmabby

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Join Date: Dec 2010

Location: Minnesota, Land of 10,000 Lakes

Posts: 1,490

When I used ESG (Elemer's School Glue) it seemed to harden and was hard to applique. Anyone else have that problem?

02-19-2012, 09:39 AM

#25

frannella

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Thread Starter

Join Date: Feb 2010

Location: Northern California

Posts: 267

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prism99

I wouldn't soak a quilt for 24 hours, as I don't like potentially bleeding fabric touching other fabric for that long while wet. If you let some washable glue dry on your hand, you can pretty well tell how easily it will wash out by rubbing it under some water. White water-soluble glue dissolves in water; I honestly don't understand why it would need soaking, especially not for 24 hours.

Edit: I'm not seeing a link to the Elmer's site mentioned by frannella. I have a bottle of Elmer's washable school glue here, and on the back it says "TO WASH: Pre-soak 10 minutes in cold water. Follow garment maker washing instructions." Ingredients are not specified, but my understanding is that this glue is simply starch.

Oops--sorry my cut and paste didn't work. It's on the Elmer's site in FAQ section under "Clean up Solutions" <http://www.elmers.com/about/faqs/clean-up-solutions> : "....when [glue is] dry, do not use hot water, dry cleaning solvents, a hot drum dryer or iron before the removal of the adhesive is complete, as they can fuse the adhesive film irreversibly, making removal impossible. Soaking in room temperature water for 24 hours or longer will help to redisperse or soften the film. After soaking, wash the fabric in a normal wash cycle and allow it to dry at room temperature. Check for discoloration and stiffness on drying. If so, repeat the process until the item is cleaned to your satisfaction."

I was thinking the soaking made sense because you were encasing heat-set glue in fabric, but I am really glad to know the 24-hour soak is unnecessary. Even though I used a lot of bright solids in my quilt, nothing ran, but I prewash everything in Synthapol and ovus soap before starting and if I can't get a purple or red (worst offenders) to stop leaching color I don't use the fabric.

02-19-2012, 09:39 AM

#26

Buckeye Rose

Super Member

Join Date: Jan 2011

Location: Monroe, IN

Posts: 2,283

Quote:

Originally Posted by Havplenty

i luv the glue sticks!!

Me too! I buy glue sticks when they have the back to school sales....I use them instead of the liquid glue...easier

02-19-2012, 09:53 AM

#27

Peckish

Super Member

Join Date: May 2011

Location: Pacific NW

Posts: 9,386

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmabby

When I used ESG (Elemer's School Glue) it seemed to harden and was hard to applique. Anyone else have that problem?

I did at first, and realized I was using waaaay too much glue. I put a metal tip on my bottle of clue, use 1 drop every half-inch or so, and now I have no problems. You only need enough glue to make sure the applique stays in one spot.

02-20-2012, 07:55 AM

#28

omaluvs2quilt

Senior Member

Join Date: Nov 2011

Location: Las Vegas, NV

Posts: 926

Quote:

Originally Posted by frannella

Oops--sorry my cut and paste didn't work. It's on the Elmer's site in FAQ section under "Clean up Solutions" <http: clean-up-solutions="" faqs="" about="" www.elmers.com=""> : "....when [glue is] dry, do not use hot water, dry cleaning solvents, a hot drum dryer or iron before the removal of the adhesive is complete, as they can fuse the adhesive film irreversibly, making removal impossible. Soaking in room temperature water for 24 hours or longer will help to redisperse or soften the film. After soaking, wash the fabric in a normal wash cycle and allow it to dry at room temperature. Check for discoloration and stiffness on drying. If so, repeat the process until the item is cleaned to your satisfaction."

I was thinking the soaking made sense because you were encasing heat-set glue in fabric, but I am really glad to know the 24-hour soak is unnecessary. Even though I used a lot of bright solids in my quilt, nothing ran, but I prewash everything in Synthapol and ovus soap before starting and if I can't get a purple or red (worst offenders) to stop leaching color I don't use the fabric.

I'm thinking this is about a different glue than "school glue"? It's very important to only use this type of glue, as I believe it is starch based. When using the elmer's school glue, you actually need to heat set it, and it still washes out just fine every time.

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