Sunday, February 12, 2012

Quilt basting sprays are fabulous!

There is a great discussion on the quilting board today!  I've learned so much from this great group of women.  It's a wonderful place to visit with other quilters.  I've really enjoyed reading the thread about basting sprays.  I thought I'd add a blog post to recommend using the basting sprays according to the directions on the can.  It'll save you money this way.



The ladies on the quilting board were discussing Patsy Thompson's Basting Spray How-to Video  which explains her quilt basting spray method. You'll need to fast forward to the 6 minute mark for the spray tutorial.

Patsy's video is good, and the method she uses will work.  But it's important to note that she is using 505 incorrectly.  She calls it "505 basting spray", but if you're looking for it online it's called 505 Spray & Fix Temporary Adhesive.

1. In Patsy's video, she holds the can only 3-4 inches from the fabric surface. (The directions on the can state you should hold the can 10-12 inches from the fabric surface)

2. She states "you WILL get a glob on your needle", and she shows you what the glob looks like in the video. Yet, the can states you will NOT get a glob on your needle. The reason she gets globs is because she is holding the can 3-4" away from the fabric. When you hold the can this close, of course you get a thick, concentrated amount in a small area.  In fact, as you watch her spray the quilt in the video, you can see the adhesive turn white on top of the fabric, she really puts a lot on there.

3. Patsy says the sticky "will last up to 5 years". But the can states it is TEMPORARY. The reason she gets 4 to 5 years worth of sticky is because she's spraying a thick, concentrated amount on her fabric. When you spray a ton of adhesive on the fabric it WILL be permanent, not temporary.

In 1997, I used 505 spray on a Christmas ornament.  I used a heavy amount of 505 to hold an applique piece down.  You know when you put fabric in water it turns a darker shade?  And it lightens as the fabric dries?  The applique fabric turned darker, just like it was wet, only it was due to the 'liquid' sticky spray.  Today, 2012, the fabric piece is still dark, it never did lighten up, and the sticky adhesive is permanent.

My take on it is this: If you want the thicker sticky to last forever, spray the adhesive 3 or 4 inches from the fabric. You'll use the whole can up on a queen size quilt that way.  If you want the spray to be temporary follow the directions on the can.

Since 1999, I've used 505 for quilting and KK2000 and KK100 for machine embroidery.

When used as directed on it's label, 505 will stay around for roughly 2 months, but you can wash your fabric and it will disappear in the wash.

KK2000 and KK100 only lasts a few days.   Note: DO NOT under any circumstances wash fabric that has KK2000 or KK100 on it until it has dissipated. It WILL become permanent.


Print Friendly and PDF

2 comments:

  1. I saw your query on Quilting Board about what brand of long arm is recommended. I have a Tin Lizzie! You can see some of my quilts and quilting on my blog FabricFulfillingItsDesting.blogspot.com

    I am going to be selling it, its frame and accessories ($6000) in the next few wks as I am going to be going for their new 26" model ($21,000).

    BTW, we homeschooled our sons K-12!

    Good luck in your long arm hunting. Just thought I would share my experience with you.
    Karee

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you! This is exactly the information I needed today.

    ReplyDelete