How to Baste a Quilt with Spray Adhesive
One of the essential steps to do as you learn to quilt is learning how to baste a quilt. I personally prefer a method of quilt basting known as “spray basting” where you use a spray adhesive to adhere the layers of a quilt, but you should know there are other methods involved in making the quilt sandwich that can work for you too! This quilting tutorial will teach you exactly how I spray baste a quilt!
If videos are more your speed, check out this quilt basting tutorial video here:
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What Is Basting Spray?
Basting spray is a temporary adhesive spray that holds the layers of a quilt together while you quilt them. Many quilters use it instead of pins because it keeps the layers smooth and secure without having pins in the way, making quilting easier and faster.
Quick Steps: How to Spray Baste a Quilt
- Prepare your quilt backing, batting, and quilt top.
- Lay the backing flat and secure it to your work surface with painter’s tape.
- Smooth the batting over the backing.
- Fold back one section of the batting and apply a light, even coat of basting spray.
- Smooth the batting back into place, working from the center toward the edges.
- Continue working in sections until the batting is secured to the backing.
- Repeat the process to attach the quilt top to the batting.
- Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles, and your quilt is ready to quilt!
Supplies Needed to Baste a Quilt
Before we can get started basting the quilt, you need to gather the supplies. In addition to having your pieced quilt top, quilt batting, and quilt backing, you’ll need these tools:
- Quilt top
- Quilt batting
- Quilt backing – I prefer extra wide backing fabrics when possible
- Masking Tape or Painter’s Tape
- Odif 505 (or another spray adhesive for basting)
- Curved Safety Pins (to add extra security)
- Scissors
- A large, flat work surface
- A drop cloth, old sheet, or other protective covering for your work surface
Tip: If you’re not sure which basting spray to use, check out my Quilter’s Spray Basting Comparison for a look at several popular options I’ve tried.
If you’re not sure what type of quilt batting to use, check out this quilt batting overview tutorial that will help you learn the differences and decide which one to pick for your quilting project!
Before You Begin
Before you start spray basting, make sure your quilt top and backing are pressed and free of wrinkles. You’ll also want to choose a large, flat work surface where you can spread out your entire quilt.
Because basting spray can create overspray, protect the surface underneath your quilt with an old sheet or drop cloth. I also recommend working in a well-ventilated area and following the instructions on your specific spray adhesive.
How Much Basting Spray Should You Use?
You don’t need to completely saturate your fabric with basting spray. A light, even coat is usually enough to hold the quilt layers together while you quilt.
I recommend working in small sections and smoothing each section as you go. If you find yourself using a lot of spray to get the layers to stick, try moving the can a little closer or farther away according to the manufacturer’s directions rather than simply adding more adhesive.
My Best Spray Basting Tips
- Work from the center outward. Smooth each layer from the middle toward the edges to help prevent wrinkles and bubbles.
- Don’t stretch your backing. You want your backing smooth and flat, but stretching it can cause it to shift or distort later.
- Work in sections. There’s no need to spray the entire quilt at once. Smaller sections are much easier to manage.
- Use a light coat of spray. More adhesive isn’t necessarily better, and using too much can create unnecessary overspray and residue.
- Take your time smoothing the layers. Once the adhesive is applied, carefully smooth the fabric into place before moving on to the next section.
- Protect your work surface. Basting spray can leave a sticky residue on floors, tables, and other nearby surfaces, so cover anything you don’t want sprayed.
Step 1: Get your Batting Wrinkle-Free
Once you’ve picked out your batting, it’s time to get it ready!
If your batting came folded up in a package, you’ll want to freshen it up and get the wrinkles out. The easiest way for me to prepare my batting is to toss it in the dryer for about 15-20 minutes with a damp washcloth. You could also use your iron and press the batting, but certain types of batting don’t do well with high heat. I only recommend pressing with an iron if you are not using wool or anything synthetic such as polyester.
Step 2: Tape Your Backing to the Floor
While my batting is in the dryer, I’ll get my backing ready. If your quilt backing has wrinkles, iron them out before taping it down.
I like to use masking tape or painters tape to adhere the quilt backing to hard wood or tile floor for basting. The right side of the backing fabric faces the floor, with the wrong side facing up. I’ll typically begin by taping all 4 corners, and then go around the sides to make sure it is flat, but not stretched out. See the video above for more visuals!
If you don’t have hard floors, you could also consider doing a similar process but instead of taping to the floor you’d hang the pieces on a wall or a large table/counter top. Just make sure it’s clean first!
Step 3: Lay the Batting & Quilt Top on the Quilt Backing
Next, grab the quilt batting from the dryer and smooth it out over your backing, aligning one edge of your backing to one edge of the batting. Once the batting is nice & smooth, do the same with your quilt top. I personally like to trim off any extra batting with a pair of fabric sheers after laying out the quilt top. I save the batting scraps for smaller projects, and often zig-zag stitch them together so they can be reused in my next quilt.
Step 4: Spray the Backing to the Batting
Once your quilt sandwich is assembled, it’s time to spray the layer together so they’ll stay put for quilting. Begin by rolling the batting and quilt top up about half way, and spray a light layer of spray adhesive on the wrong side of the quilt backing. I like to do it in sections of up to about 10-20″ at a time, starting in the middle of the quilt.
Spray the adhesive in a section, then unroll the batting. Next, press down to get the batting & backing to stick together. Repeat this process until the entire batting piece is adhered to the quilt back fabric.
Step 5: Spray the Batting to the Quilt Top
Repeat the process we did in step 4 to adhere the batting to the quilt top. Press it out smooth and flat and check to make sure the corners and nice & secure!
Step 6: Add pins for extra Security
I’ll be honest and say I really don’t think this step is essential, BUT I still do it every time! I just can’t help myself! Grab a handful of curved safety pins and pin your quilt layers together. I typically pin about every 10 inches or so, with extra attention around the edges and corners. The pins aren’t entirely necessary, but if it may take you a while to finish the quilting they can help ensure the sandwich stays in place!
Spray Basting vs. Pin Basting
Both spray basting and pin basting are popular ways to hold the layers of a quilt together while you quilt. The best method really comes down to personal preference and what works best for your project.
| Spray Basting | Pin Basting |
|---|---|
| No pins to remove while quilting | Pins need to be removed as you quilt |
| Quick to apply | Can take a little longer to set up |
| Keeps the layers smooth and secure | Allows you to reposition individual areas |
| Requires temporary adhesive | Doesn’t require spray adhesive |
| Can create overspray | No overspray or adhesive residue |
I personally like spray basting because I find it quick and easy, especially when I want to start quilting right away. But pin basting is a great option too!
Can You Spray Baste a Quilt with Minky?
Yes! Spray basting can be especially helpful when using Minky or another slippery quilt backing fabric because it helps keep the layers from shifting while you quilt.
If you’re new to using Minky as a quilt backing, check out my guide on How to Use Minky Fabric for Quilt Backing for my tips on preparing, cutting, and quilting with Minky.
Common Spray Basting Mistakes
- Using too much spray. You only need a light, even coating to hold the layers together. Too much spray can create unnecessary overspray and residue.
- Stretching the backing. Smooth your backing without pulling it tight. Stretching can cause the fabric to shift or distort as you quilt.
- Trying to spray the entire quilt at once. Working in smaller sections makes it much easier to keep everything smooth and wrinkle-free.
- Skipping the smoothing step. Take the time to smooth each layer from the center outward before moving on.
- Forgetting to protect your work surface. Overspray can leave a sticky residue, so always protect the floor or table underneath your quilt.
Now it’s time to QUILT
Once your quilt sandwich is basted, you’re ready to quilt it on your home sewing machine. You can try Free Motion Quilting or Straight Line quilting, or do a fun design using a walking foot. Learn more about straight line quilting over at this article 3 Hacks for Quilting Straight Lines. You might also enjoy a more comprehensive overview for how to make a quilt.
The quilt shown in this tutorial is the Sprightly quilt pattern. I also have a blog post up all about the floral baby quilt.
Spray Basting a Quilt FAQs
What is basting spray?
Basting spray is a temporary adhesive spray used to hold the layers of a quilt together while you quilt. It is a popular alternative to pin basting because it keeps the layers secure without putting pins throughout the quilt.
Is spray basting better than pin basting?
Neither method is necessarily better. Spray basting is quick and means you don’t have pins to remove while quilting, while pin basting doesn’t require adhesive and makes it easy to reposition individual areas.
Can you quilt immediately after spray basting?
Yes! Once your quilt layers are securely basted and you’ve smoothed out any wrinkles or bubbles, you can begin quilting. Always follow the instructions for the specific basting spray you’re using.
Does quilt basting spray wash out?
This depends on the specific product you’re using. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for information about washing and removing the adhesive.
How much basting spray do I need?
A light, even coating is generally all you need. It’s better to work in smaller sections and apply a thin layer than to heavily saturate the fabric with spray.
Can you spray baste a quilt with Minky?
Yes. Spray basting can be particularly helpful when using Minky as a quilt backing because it helps keep the slippery layers from shifting while you quilt.
