Basting the Quilt - Introduction

Once the quilt top is complete, you need to temporarily hold the quilt top, batting and back together while quilting. There are three main methods of basting the quilt:

• use a spray adhesive such as 505 Spray and Fix 
• use safety pins
• use thread to baste by hand or machine

Here I’ve outlined the advantages and any disadvantages of each method:

	Advantages	Disadvantages
Spray Basting	The temporary adhesive holds the layers together more securely because the adhesive is sprayed across the entire surface  You don’t have to stop to remove pins when quilting! It’s fast! 505 is odorless, acid free, adheres at least 5 years (ask me how I know this) and, when the quilt is washed, the adhesive releases 505 does not place any drag on your needles, nor does it gum up needles or scissors	Even though 505 is non-toxic, spray in an area with good ventilation
Pin Basting	Pin baste if you object to using a spray or prefer not to expose your quilt to the spray adhesive	Interrupting sewing to remove pins also disrupts the learning process for developing smooth free motion stitching Quilt layers are held together only where there are pins so it is easier to get pleats on the back Pin basting is slower, harder on your hands and, if you pin baste on the floor, is a killer for your knees and back
Baste by hand or machine	If stitches are not too far apart nor too long, holds layers together better than pin basting	Relatively slow, especially if basting by hand Must remove basting stitches unless you use water soluble thread

NOTE:  the quilt back and batting should be approximately 3” larger than the quilt top on all sides.

I personally will never pin baste again and can recommend the 505 spray. I have basted many quilts, ranging from small wall hangings to a queen-size, with success. The only shifting between layers I have experienced was with a lap-sized flannel quilt with wool batting. Because both the fabric and batting were fluffy, the layers were shifting slightly so I machine basted with water soluble thread in the top and bobbin - problem solved!

Ideally, your work surface is in a room other than the one in which you have your sewing machine.  To avoid getting any of the spray adhesive in or around my sewing machine, I baste my quilts on folding tables in my garage and open the garage door for good ventilation.

Next: layering for spray or pin basting.