The directions on the can tell you to apply a light coat of QBS to the back of your quilt top and then lay the top over the batting. Sounds easy, right?
I sprayed QBS on the wrong side of the backing and folded it in half, right sides together, to carry it upstairs where the batting was spread flat.
I began to smooth the backing in place onto the batting. But somehow I managed to get the backing stuck to itself, to me, to the batting, and to everything else in my immediate vicinity. I felt like a cartoon character stuck on fly paper.
Like anything else, the first time you try to do something, it's awkward. You'll be pleased to know that it gets easier the more you do it.
My subsequent pieces were much easier to handle. The ease in handling resulted not just from my increase in dexterity, but also from my realizing that I should be using a lighter coat of QBS. The fabric does not need to be wet for this product to be effective. The lightest coat holds very well.
I chose to quilt the alphabet on a Tumbling Block wall hanging because it was a project I could finish relatively quickly, an important consideration since the adhesive qualities disappear completely after several weeks. The change in feel of the fabric was less than that of spray sizing and didn't pose any noticeable increase in difficulty with hand quilting.
Next, I decided to machine quilt using a walking foot, which requires that I lift the presser foot with the needle still in the fabric and swinging the quilt into a new position to begin quilting again. Wrestling the fabric around would test the holding power of QBS more than using the darning foot.
When I was done quilting, I removed all the stitches to check the holding power of the spray. Everything held without any pulling away or puckering.
The mechanics of using the product work well, but I had another issue that concerned me enough to call the company. Even though the product is acid-free, which indicates archival storage capabilities, it was the ingredient Liquefied Petroleum Gas about which I was concerned. I worried about the long-term effects of leaving QBS on the fabric.
I called Sullivans and was assured that the only concerns about Liquefied Petroleum Gas are that you get adequate ventilation when you spray. All the adhesive properties disappear on their own after several weeks or upon washing. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of leaving QBS in the quilt, just wash it out.
The disappearance of the adhesive is both a blessing and a consideration. Remember not to use this product on anything you can't finish relatively quickly, like a large hand-quilting project.
Readers' Comments:
May 28, 2001
Barb D. writes:
I use quilt basting spray all of the time now. I don't use Sullivans because of the odor. I use June Tailor.
Yes, the first time was a real treat with the sticking hither and yon. But with time I discoverd a few tricks to lessen the problems.
One thing that wasn't mentioned was that basting spray has to be used on 100% cotton batting -- at least June Tailor brand does. I have tried it on poly, just to experiment, and it was a flop.
With using the spray, I no longer use a quilt frame, nor do I even use a hoop.
I have just finished hand quilting a full size buzz saw quilt (which means lots of seams) made from hand-dyed kona cottons, front and back, so it was heavier than usual. I quilted this quilt in the car, in bed, and in my recliner. It turned out great.
You still have to start quilting in the center of the quilt. As I quilted each block or border I used my under hand to smooth the backing toward the outside edge, just as a precaution.
I also use basting spray on smaller items with the machine, and it is great.
May 28, 2001
Sharon replies:
I failed to mention it in the article, but I always do all my testing on both cotton and poly batts. I found that Sullivans works fine on both types of batting.
The project I started using the poly batt is only partially hand quilted, but the Sullivans is holding very nicely, every bit as well as it did in early October of 2000 when I sprayed this piece.
June 10, 2001
A Quilter's Review reader writes:
Sullivans spray works really well, but if you have a
breathing problem you should wear a face mask for safety's sake.
June 11, 2001
Bonnie M. writes:
I just finished teaching a class on Scribble Stitch applique, and wanted to attach the small flower pieces to the background with something other than fusible web.
I cut the pattern out of freezer paper, pressed it to the RIGHT side of the fabric, completed cutting the pieces and then layed them WRONG side up on a piece of newspaper. I took the pieces on the newspaper outside, and lightly sprayed them with Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray.
After removing the freezer paper, I found that I could then place the applique pieces on the background, and it held beautifully as I stitched them in place.
I agree that the fumes and spray can be a challenge. Thus, the outside spraying! But this technique worked so very well for me.
June 18, 2001
Lisa B. writes:
I use 505 basting spray religiously. It has no odor, and holds layers perfectly.
I clamp my backing onto a large table, spray the backing, cover it with cotton batting (smoothing out any wrinkles), then spray the batting and apply the quilt top.
To avoid overspray, stand at the outside edges of
the quilt and aim your spray toward the center.
Basting spray is easy, fast, and very helpful.
June 25, 2001
Terry G. writes:
I love this product. I agree that the odor is
annoying, but I spray in the garage.
I put a plastic, flannel-backed table cloth (flannel side up) on the floor and layer backing (wrong side up), batting, and top (right side up). After smoothing all the layers, I'm ready to start spraying.
I fold back the top two layers to the centerpoint, spray that side of the backing, smooth the batting over it, and then do the same for the other side of the backing. I continue in this order for the remaining layers.
The flannel backed table cloth works almost like a flannel board in keeping the backing smooth. But it still is a lot easier if you have someone to help you, especially if it is a large quilt.
June 26, 2001
Ladonna D. writes:
One of the members of my quilt guild demonstrated using basting spray. She sprayed the batting instead of the fabric. The fabric is then unfolded onto the batting and smoothed out. It really seems to work better.
June 28, 2001
A Quilter's Review reader writes:
Sullivans Quilt Basting Spray works best. I've tried them all. Sullivans goes the farthest...less is better!
I find that it holds better than any other and is good with natural or synthetic batting. Compare the price and performance to any other brand.
July 2, 2001
Annette J. writes:
I've found that if there is any overspray in areas
you don't want it, like the kitchen floor or cabinets, you can use a product called Goo Gone to remove it effectively.
It's available almost everywhere.
July 2, 2001
Marianne D. writes:
Basting spray is ideal for applique, whether it is prepared or unprepared (Ellie S.), as it can be positioned and repositioned for sewing either by machine or by hand.
Washing it out after is the best way. It only needs a dip, not a heavy laundering.
July 5, 2001
Heather F. writes:
I have a closet full of pieced quilt tops because I don't have anywhere large enough to baste a big quilt. After reading about this basting spray, I rushed out and got some.
It far surpassed my expectations! It doesn't matter how many times you have to tug and pull while machine quilting, folding for storage, etc. It stays stuck.
And yet, if you find you want to reposition for any reason -- no problem. Now I can get busy finishing the "closet tops." Thanks!
July 8, 2001
Terry A. writes:
I have only used 505 spray so far. It was the only spray at the quilt shop, so I didn't need to make a decision. Based on the review and other readers' comments, I will try Sullivans when I finish the can of 505.
Basting spray has turned the most time-consuming, most dreaded, and least inspiring part of quilting into a quick 10- to 15-minute job. I love it!
July 15, 2001
Carol M. writes:
I was lazy and didn't want to trace quilting lines on a quilt top I was free-hand machine quilting, so I made a muslin stencil. I used Sullivans to hold it on to the quilt, and then machine quilted around the outside of
the muslin shape.
The shape was easy to move and didn't need much spray
to keep it tacky. I love the spray basting and will never go back to pins!
September 19, 2001
A Quilter's Review reader writes:
Like most, I hate basting. Sprays make the job very quick and easy. The smell hasn't bothered me - I put my animals in the other room and open the windows.
I have used June Tailor's spray, only because it was the only one available to me in my area. I have used it on a cotton batt quilt, using a walking foot, and on a poly batt quilt, stippled.
It was pretty great in both situations. I spray the batting very lightly, then place the fabric on the batting, rather than spray the fabric.
I noticed the needle getting a bit gummy on the poly batt project only, but I simply wiped the needle with my finger every once in a while. The cotton project did go much better, however.
I look forward to trying the other sprays mentioned.
October 2, 2001
A Quilter's Review reader writes:
I used Sullivans on a large wallhanging. Though I got some puckers on the back when I quilted, I was impressed enough with the ease of use that I want to try this method again.
I believe that if I had laid my backing over the batting, then folded back half and sprayed it, that I would have gotten better results. Thanks for the tips on this great time-saver!
October 24, 2001
Pam R. writes:
With regard to basting spray, instead of smoothing with my hand as I lay the next layer on, I have been using my large ruler and it seems to smooth out any air bubbles, all without stretching.
October 29, 2001
Sharon E. writes:
I am really pleased with 505 Basting Spray. I am new to quilting so am really slow, especially with hand quilting. The 48" samplers I have done have held up well. Even with a lot of folding and time, they have finished just as nicely as the one I thread basted.
October 29, 2001
Barbara K. writes:
I was trying to trace an embroidery pattern and the fabric kept moving with the pen. I used the Sullivans spray to hold the pattern to the fabric and was able to trace the pattern neatly. There was no damage or residue on the pattern or the back of the fabric. I was very pleased.
November 1, 2001
E. J. A. writes:
Sullivans is wonderful! The first time I used it was in our living room, where any dust which was on the furniture at the time is now permanently affixed. Since it is antique furniture, it is there until the Sullivans disperses and the dust is again free to be dusted.
I tape down the backing (right side down), apply the spray, then smooth on the batting. To save on spray I lay the top over the batting, then fold one-half back, spray, lay out over the batting.
Pick up the unsprayed piece, fold back side up over the other side, spray and then smooth back with the batting. Usually, it does not take much to smooth out any little wrinkles.
I sprayed a king-size quilt and machine quilted it in the R.V. on our way to Missouri to a wedding. It was given to the bride and then reclaimed in order that the binding could be hand finished.
Even with all the folding, unfolding, twisting and turning in a very limited space, the Sullivans held to perfection. I cannot imagine why so many quilters resist using the spray.
November 1, 2001
Wanda S. writes:
I first used Sullivans spray about three years ago on my first hand-quilted wall hanging. It took me almost five months to finish the quilting and the spray was secure the entire time. My only problem was that my markings were coming off.
I use Sullivans at all times of the year. During the winter I go out on my sun porch, even though it is cold, and spray half of the item at a time and smooth it down. I always use polyester batting and the spray works great!
November 5, 2001
Jan B. writes:
I used Sullivans spray to prepare a "comfy blankey" for our nephew. It was a whole-cloth comforter using a thick batting.
After reading your first harrowing experience, I did spray the batting in thirds and then applied the backing in thirds over the lightly sprayed portion of the comforter. I did the same with the front and was so pleased with the results. It didn't shift at all when I did the machine tacking to hold it together.
February 21, 2002
Anne Marie D. writes:
I have tried both Sullivans and 505 Basting Spray and prefer the latter. 505 doesn't have the odor of Sullivan's, nor does it gum up the needle.
I also prefer to spray the batting rather than the fabric, as it's easier to control the fabric when it is not sticky.
When I have finished basting my layers together, I press the quilt top with a warm iron to spread it out as smoothly as possible without stretching it.
505 holds for a long time (at least four months), is easy to reposition if necessary, and is great for both machine and hand quilting.
March 1, 2002
A Quilter's Review reader writes:
I threw together a baby quilt and for the first time used June Tailor basting spray. I used a very light coat but had a terrible time quilting it. The thread kept shredding!
I tried two different spools of thread with each of four different needles, all with the same results. I would quilt a little on a practice sandwich, and the thread would not shred. But when I went back to the quilt it did. The only thing I can think is that the basting spray was somehow making the thread stick and shred.
When I tried to trim the batting to size, the spray (still tacky since yesterday) gummed up my scissors something awful.
I ended up self-binding the quilt and hand-basting it in place and hand washing it to get all the spray out. When it dries I will pin-baste it and finish quilting it.
So much for saving myself a little work. In the time I have fooled with this stuff I could have pin-basted it, quilted it, and been on to something else. Never again!
March 2, 2002
Julie D. writes:
Quilt Basting Spray works best for me when I spray it onto the batting. But instead of folding in half or thirds, I use an empty fabric roll and roll up the backing. I spray the batting, unroll the backing, and smooth as I go. This is then repeated with the quilt top.
It dosen't seem to matter if the quilt top is a bit larger than the roll. But for a really large quilt, two rolls taped together and another set of hands would be just perfect.
