So you’ve just finished a gorgeous quilt top and want to quilt it.
You know you must make a quilt sandwich (quilt top, batting, and backing fabric), but how exactly will you do it?
There are many different ways to baste a quilt, but today, we will focus on the quickest way to baste a quilt.
Spray-basting a quilt cuts your basting time in half and is a great way to adhere your quilt sandwich layers together without poking your fingers with pins.
- What Is Basting Spray?
- What Does Quilt Basting Spray Do?
- How to Use Quilt Basting Spray
- 1. Choose a well-ventilated area.
- 2. Lay your batting on the floor or a table.
- 3. Lay the backing fabric right side up on the batting.
- 4. Fold over half of the backing fabric and spray directly on the batting.
- 5. Fold over the half and repeat the spray and smoothing process.
- 6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the quilt top.
- Does Quilt Basting Spray Wash Out?
- What to Look for When Buying Spray
- Basting Spray for Quilting: 9 Excellent Options to Consider
What Is Basting Spray?
Basting spray is a common spray adhesive used in all kinds of crafts but is especially useful for holding the layers of a quilt together.
It usually comes in an aerosol-like can; you simply spray the basting adhesive like you would hairspray or spray paint.
What Does Quilt Basting Spray Do?
You can use the basting spray when making quilts in a few different ways. I recommend that quilters try it out and see if they like working with it. Let’s review the other steps to use this adhesive spray for quilting.
- Basting the quilt sandwich
- Holding applique pieces in place for hand or machine stitching
- Temporarily holding pieces of batting together to create a larger piece of batting for a quilt
- Holding binding in place instead of using quilting clips or pins
How to Use Quilt Basting Spray
Here is a quick and easy step-by-step tutorial on how to use basting spray to create the perfect quilt sandwich for your next project. Using basting spray will help you save lots of time that you can use on quilting! Yay!
1. Choose a well-ventilated area.
I can’t stress enough because this is the most critical step. Spray adhesive can be super unhealthy and, in some cases, toxic, so you want to use it in a wide-open, well-ventilated area. Whenever I use it, I use it outside and take breaks.
2. Lay your batting on the floor or a table.
Make sure your batting is lying flat and there are no wrinkles. If you do see some wrinkles, press them out with your iron. Trust me; you don’t want to leave wrinkles or creases in your batting; it can mess with your quilting and leave an annoying lump.
3. Lay the backing fabric right side up on the batting.
Ensure the backing fabric is centered on the batting and smooth it out to ensure your backing and batting are the correct sizes.
4. Fold over half of the backing fabric and spray directly on the batting.
You don’t need to use a lot with most basting sprays to get the job done. Use enough so the layers stick together, but not too much. You don’t want your quilt sandwich to be super stiff since it will be more challenging to work with when quilting.
Smooth the backing fabric over the batting using large sweeping motions with your hands.
5. Fold over the half and repeat the spray and smoothing process.
Most sprays take a while to dry, so if you need to adjust the backing fabric’s placement ASAP before the spray dries.
Allow the spray to dry for at least an hour, then flip the quilt sandwich over to attach the top. If the spray is still wet, allow it to dry for another hour. Use your best judgment. You don’t want the fabric to shift while attaching the quilt top.
6. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 for the quilt top.
Don’t forget to use large sweeping motions to smooth the quilt top over the batting. Once the quilt top is glued down completely, allow the basting spray to cure overnight (or follow the instructions on the can.)
Now you can quilt your quilt as desired!
Does Quilt Basting Spray Wash Out?
Yes, quilt basting spray washes out. When you have completed your quilt, including the binding, you can put the quilt in the washing machine (unless you use delicate fabrics or batting) and use the gentle cycle and mild detergent to remove the spray.
Most basting sprays have specific instructions on washing it out on the can or their website. Definitely check that out before you wash your quilt.
What to Look for When Buying Spray
I recommend reading reviews and asking other quilters about the best basting spray for quilting they’ve found. Here are some areas you should consider when shopping for basting spray.
- Price
- How “sticky” is it?
- How “stinky” is it?
- Does it wash out easily?
- Is it made specifically for quilting?
- Will it “gum up” your needle?
Basting Spray for Quilting: 9 Excellent Options to Consider
Now, let’s discuss some fantastic quilt basting spray options that I recommend, regardless of your skill level. These options have great reviews and will be perfect for basting a quilt.
1. June Tailor JT440
This spray is an excellent choice for many reasons. The June Tailor quilt basting spray is ideal for combining your quilt layers. Plus, it is temporary; it will be easy if you need to reposition anything.
You can use this spray with cotton or polyester batting. The company boasts this spray is odorless, colorless, and stainless, so you don’t have to be nervous using this with light fabrics. It comes in a 10-ounce can.
2. Spray n’ Bond
This might be a great choice if you are familiar with Heat n’ Bond. Made by the same company, this spray adhesive is a fantastic temporary basting spray that won’t gum up your needle or make your quilt sandwich stiff and hard to work with.
The company instructions you to use a light coat of spray since their adhesive works great and doesn’t need a lot to hold the layers of your quilt together. The can size is 7.2 oz.
3. Odif 505
The Odif 505 temporary adhesive spray is a popular choice for modern quilters. It holds the layers of quilts together without causing unnecessary bulk or gumming up the needle of your sewing machine.
The spray is odorless (though you should still use it in a well-ventilated area), colorless, and acid-free. This spray is one of the best fabric adhesive spray options on the market and has been for decades. It comes in a small 6.22 oz can or a more significant 12.4 oz can.
4. Sullivans 506 ORMD
Here is an adhesive quilt basting spray that you can use for machine or hand quilting, and it works with cotton or polyester batting. This spray comes in a small 7 oz can, but a little goes a long way. You can also use this spray for embroidery work and applique. The spray is made in the USA.
This small can would be great if you like to go to quilting retreats or want to do small projects.
5. Pro-Stick Spray
If you are looking for a spray that you can use for all kinds of projects, not just quilting, then Pro-Stick Spray might just be the answer to your prayers. Not only does this work great for holding your quilt layers together, but you can use this for all kinds of crafts.
Like all adhesive sprays, you need to wash your quilts to get rid of the excess spray after they are finished. It won’t gum up your needle and comes in a convenient 11 oz can.
6. Dritz Spray Adhesive
Dritz is a well-known and trusted brand in the sewing realm, so it’s safe to say this adhesive spray is a good choice. This spray is odorless, colorless, acid-free, and stainless and comes in a 6.2 oz can.
You can use it for all kinds of sewing projects, from embroidery to applique to quilting, and it won’t gum up your sewing needles. It also allows you to reposition fabric with little difficulty, a significant bonus.
7. Stick and Spray
Here is an excellent adhesive spray for fabric use. You can use this spray for quilting and other needlework. The spray is colorless, so you don’t have to worry about ruining that quilt top you spent hours on.
The adhesive is strong enough to hold the layers of a quilt together while quilting, but if you need to reposition anything, you can. The can weighs 8.11 oz.
8. Dritz 403
Another Dritz quilt basting spray option, the Dritz 403 spray, is perfect for basting quilts. Not only is it a clear, odorless spray, but it is also acid-free and is a temporary spray which means you can quickly move the fabric if you need.
The spray isn’t too thick, so it won’t gum up needles or make the quilt sandwich too stiff to move around for quilting. It comes in a small 6.2 oz can, just like the other Dritz spray.
9. Sulky Temporary Spray Adhesive
This spray is an excellent non-toxic option if you are concerned about breathing in the fumes of the other sprays. It is stain-free, colorless, and odorless, making it an excellent option for quilters.
It is a bit pricey and comes in a small 4.23 oz can, but it is a great option for those concerned about the environment who can’t breathe in fumes. It also won’t gum up your needles, so it sounds like a win-win!
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There we have it! We hope this has answered all your questions surrounding quilt basting spray. Basting spray is a great time saver and convenience that many quilters have taken advantage of for years.
About the author: Miriam Ronne is a lover of all things quilting and sewing. She is a self-taught quilter and is constantly learning and broadening her skill set to create one-of-a-kind quilts! When she’s not behind her sewing machine you can find her playing with her fur babies or trying her hand at other crafty things.