Glue Basting

Glue Basting

/ quiltinggail / 12 Comments

There are no quilt finishes today – However, I do have a quilt glue-basted.

I had a couple of inquiries as to how I baste with Elmer’s School Glue, so I thought I’d show you.   A few years ago, I saw a post that someone sprayed with diluted glue to baste their quilts.  I tried it.  Well, it didn’t work for me … the sprayer got plugged up and by the time the glue was diluted enough to go through the sprayer – it was diluted too much and wouldn’t stick.   Then, I was at the dollar store one day and saw a jug for paint and a 4″ paint brush.  I bought them and tried it out.   I dilute the glue (1 part glue / 4 parts water) and paint it on.  If it’s not diluted – it’s like a rock to sew through.  1 to 4 ratio seems to be just about perfect.  Enough glue to stick – but not too much.

Here’s my process:

  • Place flannel sheet on top of the bed  (to protect the bedding)Glue Basting 2-1
  • lay out the quilt (bottom, batting, top)
  • fold top back by half
  • lightly paint the batting
  • press with an iron
  • repeat on the other side
  • repeat on the back
  • Quilt when it’s dry.  (I usually let it set for at least 12 hours).

 

The above pictures were taken with flannel. Glue Basting 2-2 You don’t see the glue or moisture when you use flannel.  When using cotton, it shows up – big time!  You can definitely see where the moisture comes through.  This is OK.  It usually disappears by the time it’s dry.  If the glue is super heavy or not diluted enough – you’ll still see it after it’s dry.  This is OK – just take your time quilting it and it’ll wash out.  (If you don’t wash your quilts before giving or using them, then don’t use this method.)

This process makes the quilt quite stiff, which is actually very nice for quilting!  However, as the quilt is manipulated through the machine, it does loose it’s stiffness.

I have not used this method on any quilt that is larger than 50″x 50″.

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Happy Quilting
Gail

 

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