sanann wrote:
I always use basting spray and I always use a few pins, depending on the size of the project, especially around the edges. However, I hand quilt and have found that many sprays gum up my needle so bad that I have to change needles VERY frequently. The best sprays that I have found are Sulky Temporary Fabric Basing Spray, however, the cans are very small and very expensive. Now my favorite is Dritz Temporary Fabric Basting Spray. For the same price as Sulky you get double the amount and neither gum up the needle. Hope this helps.

I found some 96" boards at Lowe's and they weren't that expensive. They had 120" boards too, but I'm never going to make a king-size quilt.

Pat in Rockport, TX

ipquilter wrote:
I hear ya! Did you view the Sharon Schamber video suggestion from pknord? I'm toying with that method in my mind. This project would need really long and wider boards which could be expensive... Plus I don't know how to manage all the diagonal seams ....

jbtaz36 wrote:
I also bought a fusible batting in hopes that it would make this project easier but was later warned that it makes a very stiff backing. I'll experiment with it in wallhangings and smaller pieces first rather than a bed quilt. Also, I didn't purchase enough for what's become a real whopper!

Hobbs has some sticky batting called Heirloom fusible. I ordered it from the Hancock of Paducah catalog. I have used it once thinking that you didn't have to pin but you do. Judy in AZ

I, too, have a quilt top that reached frightening proportions! I put it away months ago cuz the thought of basting that bad boy is so intimidating! I need a couple of days and LOTS of room to spread it out. Gotta get myself real motivated!

pknord wrote:
I am so grateful for this thorough and instructive resource you've passed along. I'm very stuck and have been trying to figure out how to manage a quilt that finally stopped growing at 108", :shock: way beyond anything I've done before. In addition to the control, I really like how the method allows you to correct wayward seam allowances, loose threads, so on.

Would love to read your tips as well as anyone's advice on how to work with frighteningly large projects.

Thanks!

I've now basted 3 small quilts using Sharon Schamber's method, seated comfortably at my dining room table, and I'll never go back to my old method of pin basting on my cutting table--always got a sore back from that. Give her way a try, it's great. If you go to YouTube and do a search on her name, you'll find the video on how to baste with her method.

Pat in Rockport, TX

Judymc wrote:
Judy, the thread is awesome. You can see how I use it in my blogs about the journey to get the raffle quilt done. The most important thing is to make sure all your layers are either pinned or taped down. I use blue painters tape to hold everything in place until all the basting is done. There are pics of that process also.

Happy Quilting, Linda

Thank you for the advice, so far its holding well. I hope to finish the project this weekend. Sandi in FL

I use basting spray on almost all my projects. It is great for smaller ones - no pins needed!! On larger projects I have found that I needed to do at least a little pinning, especially around the edges as they tend to pull loose as I am shifting the quilt around. I have never had any problems with my machines using the spray either. No gummy needles or anything, so I think it is pretty safe. I do change my needles fairly often though.

I love spray basting, even on larger quilts. After spray basting, I do stitch in the ditch around the main blocks and borders to stabilize it all prior to any further quilting.

I use 505 spray.

<a href="http://www.tinkletimes.com"> Have you "Tinkled" today?</a>

I was taught to use basting spray when I took the class to learn how to use my new Bernina. Since then, I went on Diane Gaudynski's website and she said it gets in your machine and on your needles and that she doesn't use it now. Have any of you had any problems with this? Ricky mentioned using water soluble thread for basting (he mentioned it in the first show with Joe Cunningham--I'm going back and re-watching the shows). I'm going to try the thread and see how that works.

WOW! Pat your quilts are great..........You have quite a knack with demension!!Love them...........I use spray adhesive almost exclusively, and I use a lot of it, especially on large projects. I throw in a few pins for good luck, but they really aren't necessary if you have used a lot of spray........I agree with Pat, It's best to do it outside on on the covered floor of the garage........The over spray can make a big mess in your sewing room........the voice of experience........