Althea

Hey, good thinking hisgrace1. A pastry brush!
Don't tell anyone, but I buy cheap paint brushes and use for pastry, etc. (unless bristles look unsuitable for some reason). I saw the same brush in the hardware section of a store as was in the kitchen section. Only difference was the brush in kitchen section was price higher.

coopah

Those "blobs" (mine were NOT big) knocked my timing out of whack...and the machine had to go to the shop. The shop told me to use titanium needles, because the glue creates more friction and so the needles should be stronger. She didn't tell me to quit using glue and was not against it, just wanted me to be informed. I don't use glue now and think I"m going to try quilting by the row or square.

carslo

I am so sorry to hear this as I was the one that made this tutorial. Thanks for alerting us all about this - if you are still looking for an affordable alternative to Elmer's Washable School glue you could try the homemade spray glue.

I put 2 cups of water in a pot and add 1/2 tsp salt bring that to a boil. In a jar with a lid or a gravy shaker put 3 to 5 tablespoons of regular flour and 1 cup of cold water. I say 3 - 5 because sometimes 3 is good and sometimes 5 is better ( does flour come in different grades in the USA?) Now whisk the flour mixture into the boiling water as if you are making gravy - cook for 2 minutes stirring I turn the temp. down on my gas stove if you have electric you might have to maintain a high heat. In a large spray bottle from the 99 cent, $1.00 Store, Dollar Tree or Dollar Giant (did I get all those type of stores mentioned pour this mixture into the bottle I use a funnel to pour it in. Now top the spray bottle off with rubbing alcohol - also available at the above mentioned store. Shake it up and you have a great spray basting material.
I have been using this and also adding a dollop of Elmer's Washable School Glue. It does not come out in a fine mist like 505 would but it is working for me and is cheap to make. I heat set the glue , flip the quilt over and do the other side and then lay the quilt over the guest bed to dry over night. Someone mentioned that bugs might be attracted to the flour and water mixture so be aware of that.

Chris48

I've never liked the smell of spray adhesive or overspray issues; and could use it lot because I also do mach. embroidery. I love the idea of making a 50/50 water and glue spray. Most of the time I use a glue stick, especially like the jumbo sticks when I can find them. I've never had a needle gum up with the glue sticks or the liguid glue when I used it. I've found so many times that a little glue held alot better than a 100 pins!

misseva

i've never had problems with elmers, did get some globs last time but dodn't bother my machine

coopah

Carslo, don't worry about it, the machine was due for a clean-up anyway, and it forced me to give it up and live "normally" for a few days! LOL!! Also, I have heard about using Elmer's for awhile, and so there's no harm no foul on you. It is each person's responsibility to decide to use/try something or not and accept the results. I will probably try the glue again, but with titanium needles. :-)

EasyPeezy

Coopah, when I baste with Elmer's I add a bit of water so it's not too thick.
Maybe my glue has been sitting on the shelf longer than others but better be
safe than sorry. I also spread the excess glue with my finger. I keep a wet
dishcloth near me so I don't have to go to the tap every time to wash my
hands. Don't leave globs of glue, make sure the glue is dry before you
start quilting and you'll be fine. I've been using topstitch needles for a
while and like them a lot.

Neesie

I've never had a problem with blobs, even using the Elmer's School Glue straight from the bottle. I adjust the nozzle for a fine line, then quickly move it back and forth, across the fabric. If a bit too much glue comes out, I smear it a bit, with the side of the nozzle. My machine has never had a problem with it . . . but I do the sandwich quilting on my DSM and never go very fast.

bj riley

Thank you for posting this!

Zinda

I tried to water down the Elmer's glue and used a spray bottle. Had some clumps that didn't come out. Not so sure of Elmer's Glue basting. Perhaps I'll try again on something smaller.