If you have ever been curious about glue basting a quilt this video is for you.
In this video I glue baste my “Stars in Court” quilt top (free when you sign up for my newsletter via the link) using Elmer’s washable glue.
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1 - tape down the backing, so it can’t move or slip.
2 - layout and smooth the batting on top of the backing.
3 - pull the batting up to expose 1/2 of the backing.
4- apply glue in a 4”-6” grid like pattern on half of the exposed section.
5 - pull the batting taut over the glue grid that was created then rub and smooth the batting onto the backing.
6 - repeat the glue grid on the remaining half of the backing and pull over the batting and repeat as in step 5z
7 - repeat on the opposite side of the batting until the entire batting has been basted into the backing.
8 - using the same method glue baste the quilt top working in sections.
9 - allow the basted quilt sandwich to dry overnight or heat set the quilt using your iron.
10 - quilt and bind as desired.
11 - wash the quilt using a pre-soak, extra wash and using warm water.
12 - check for obvious glue spots and if non are apparent you can dry the quilt. If there are apparent glue spots repeat step 11.
Tips -
1 - try this method on a pillow top or whole cloth quilt before trying it on a pieced quilt. Work your way up to larger sizes starting with small wall hangings and building to bed sized quilts.
2 - let the quilt air dry in place for an hour before moving to ensure no movement in the quilt sandwich.
3 - mop and vacuum your basting spot prior to basting. Mop your basting spot after basting.
4 - clean your glue nozzle and make sure nothing is plugging it. If you are having a hard time getting glue out that’s probably the reason.
5. This method can be used while table or wall basting using the same concept.
Information:
I have been glue basting since 2019 and have never noticed gumming of my needle or glue transfer onto my machine.
ONLY use the glue labeled “washable Elmer’s glue”. This glue is a PVA (polyvinyl acetate) and the carboxyl groups make it high soluble in water (that means it washes out in water).
I take no responsibility for any quilts you deem ruined while using this method. This is a method I have taken years to perfect and it’s ultimately up to you to execute your best judgement and proceed with caution.
I didn’t make up this method, I use the Sharon schambers binding tutorial and I had seen someone else glue baste, using a different method, on Instagram. After that a quick google search showed forums talking about glue basting as early as 2011.
Any other questions or comments are welcome below.