Spray Basting
@BethAnnWilliamsQuilts
@QuiltyLove
@SewingTutorials by Fabric Designer Tara Reed
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Spray basting is a fast, pin-free method to secure your quilt layers together using a temporary fabric adhesive. It reduces shifting, eliminates puckering, and saves you the hassle of stopping to remove safety pins while machine quilting.
Materials Needed:
- Temporary quilt basting spray (e.g., 505 Spray)
- Quilt backing, batting, and pieced top
- Painter’s tape or masking tape
- An old credit card or Hera marker for smoothing
- Drop cloths or old sheets to protect your floor
Tips for Success:
- Overspray will make your floors sticky! Always protect your working surface with a drop cloth.
- Work in a well-ventilated area (open windows or use a fan) to avoid inhaling the aerosol fumes.
- Less is more. You only need a light, even mist of spray to secure the layers.
1. Tape the Backing Down
- Lay your backing fabric right-side down on your protected hard surface. Use painter’s tape to secure the top center, then pull it gently taut and tape the bottom center. Tape the sides and corners until the backing is smooth and wrinkle-free.
2. Position the Batting
- Center your batting over the backing fabric. Fold one half of the batting back onto itself, exposing the bottom half of the backing fabric.
3. Spray and Smooth the Batting
- Holding the can about 10-12 inches away, apply a light, even mist of basting spray to the exposed backing fabric. Unroll the batting back over the sprayed area, using your hands to smooth it outward from the center to eliminate bubbles. Fold back the other half of the batting and repeat.
4. Position the Quilt Top
- Center your pieced quilt top right-side up on top of the batting. Just like before, fold one half of the quilt top back onto itself.
5. Spray and Smooth the Top
- Spray a light layer of adhesive directly onto the exposed batting. Carefully unroll the quilt top over the spray. Smooth it flat with your hands, a Hera marker, or an old credit card to ensure it adheres completely without wrinkles. Repeat for the other half of the quilt top.
Top FAQs for Spray Basting:
Will the spray gum up my sewing machine needle? +
High-quality temporary basting sprays (like 505) are specifically formulated not to gum up needles. Problems usually only occur if you apply too much spray or if you don’t let it dry for a few minutes before sewing. A light mist is all you need!
Does the basting spray wash out? +
Yes. Temporary quilt basting sprays are water-soluble and will completely wash out the first time you launder the finished quilt. Some brands even dissipate entirely over time or with the heat of an iron.
Can I reposition the fabric if I make a mistake? +
Absolutely. Most basting sprays are repositionable for quite a while after application. If you notice a wrinkle or a pleat, simply lift the fabric up gently, smooth out the issue, and press it back down into the adhesive.
