Spray Basting vs. Pinning: Which Is Better for Quilting?
Quilting is a centuries-old tradition that many people have enjoyed. There are different ways to quilt, and the two most popular methods are spray basting and pinning.
So, spray basting vs pinning, which is better? In this blog post, we will discuss the specifications of both methods and the benefits and disadvantages of each. We hope that this information will help you make the best decision for your quilting needs!
TL;DR If you’re on a budget, pins are a wonderful alternative. If you’re new to basting, go with spray instant of pins; it’s an excellent choice. Both pinning and spray basting have their own set of advantages, so it’s best to try both to see which method suits you best!
What Is Spray Basting?
Spray basting is a quilting method that uses a spray adhesive to attach the layers of fabric together. This method is quick and easy, and it does not require any pins!
Spray Basting Process (Step-By-Step)
- To begin the spray basting process, you’ll need to gather your materials. You will need a stencil roller and a long ruler with measurements on it. Make sure that the surface is covered with an old sheet or plastic drop cloth when spraying.
- If you have a scrap piece of fabric, you can use this to test the spray adhesive.
- When spraying, hold the nozzle about 6 inches from where your fabric will come together, and make sure that you evenly apply enough glue for a good bond.
- Roll the two pieces of fabric together.
- When you’ve finished rolling the fabric together, use your long ruler and iron to smooth out all of the creases in the quilt.
By doing this step before you’ve started sewing, it will ensure that your quilt layers are completely flat and even with each other.
- Now it is time to sew! Place your quilt top and bottom piece right sides together and set the sandwich on your sewing machine so that you can safely start stitching. You will want to use a 1/4-inch seam allowance for this type of project.
- Once you have finished stitching, use scissors to trim off excess batting and backstitching. Gently pull the quilt top away from the quilt bottom. This will reveal your basting!
- Remove the plastic or drop sheet carefully, as this will now be covered in bits of fabric.
- So that you can quilt your design, cut the top and back panels away from the bottom piece of batting to create a sandwich with all your layers exposed, similar to a traditional quilting pattern. At this point, use an ironing board or flat surface to work on your design.
- With a quilting needle and thread, you can begin to stitch along the open edges of your quilt sandwich.
- Your project is now complete! Spray basting is a quick and easy method that anyone can do with minimal supplies.
What Are the Benefits?
- No damage is done to the fabric when using this method
- It is easy and quick
- No pins needed! This makes the quilting process much easier and faster
- The spray adhesive for quilting creates a strong bond between the fabric layers, which helps to prevent shifting and fabric puckering
- There is less chance of tearing or distorting the fabric when quilting
- This technique helps to suppress the fabric from fraying
What Are the Disadvantages?
- The adhesive can be messy and difficult to clean up
- It may not hold the fabric together as well as pins, which could result in fabric shifting or puckering
- This approach is more expensive than other methods
- The adhesive is typically water-based, which attracts bugs
- There may be issues with the application of the adhesive, causing stains on fabric, which make this approach unsuitable for some fabrics
- The adhesive will not hold to some fabrics (e.g., silk)
- Beware, those fumes from Spray Basting can be harmful if inhaled in large amounts
What Is Pinning?
Pinning is a quilting method that uses pins to attach the layers of fabric together. This method is slow and tedious, but it produces a very strong bond between the fabric layers.
Pinning Process (Step-By-Step)
- Gather all your materials.
- Lay out the batting, backing, and quilt top panels on a flat surface to make sure that they are the correct size for your project.
- If any of these layers are not long enough to fit between two panels, you will need to iron out any creases or wrinkles in the fabric to make sure that your quilt layers are all smooth and flat with each other.
- Keep in mind that pinning pulls on fabric, so it’s important to make sure that everything is nice and smooth before you begin stitching.
- Using your rotary cutter and ruler, cut out all the quilt top pieces in preparation for sewing. It can be helpful to measure between each section to make sure that everything is even and precise.
- If you need to join two pieces of fabric to sew your pieces together, it is recommended to use a 1/4-inch seam allowance.
However, different fabrics require different seam allowances, so make sure that you are using the correct one for your project. You will also want to keep in mind that pinning pulls on the fabric.
- Once you have finished sewing your pieces together, remove any pins you used to keep the fabric layers in order while quilting.
- Use an ironing board or flat surface to work on your design. Arrange your batting and backing so that they are facing.
- Now you are ready to begin quilting!
What Are the Benefits?
- This approach creates a very strong bond between the fabric layers, which helps to prevent shifting and puckering
- Pinning is a tried-and-true quilting method that has been used for centuries
- Way cheaper than adhesive spray
- These are the same pins that you’ll need for your quilt; they’re reusable so that you may use them again for another quilt
- Pins can assist to keep your quilt sandwich flat, as well as relieve the strain on the fabric layers from tugging on one another.
- Pinning prevents distorting the shape of curved pieces when you sew them together
- When you need to match several oddly shaped pieces, pinning will help keep everything at its proper angle as you sew
What Are the Disadvantages?
- This approach is time-consuming and tedious; you will need a lot of patience to get through this process!
- Pinning causes damage to the fabric; since you will be pushing a pin all the way through, it can tear or distort the fabric
- You will need a lot of different tools, which can make this method more expensive
- There are many opportunities for you to make mistakes while pinning, so it may be difficult to get accurate designs
- Pins can be sharp, and they can pierce the fabric layers if they are not inserted properly; this could result in fabric distortion or tearing
- Sometimes you might get hurt by pins
Which Method Should You Use?
Spray Basting
Spray basting is a great solution if you want to try something new and you don’t mind spending a little extra money. It is quick and easy, and it does not require any pins! We would recommend this method for beginners who are trying their hand at quilting for the first time.
Tips for Spray Basting: Make sure to do a test run first, as all spray bottles are different. You can also experiment with how close or far away from the fabric you want the nozzle of the bottle to be.
Pinning
If you want a tried-and-true method that has been used for centuries, then pinning is the way to go. Pinning creates a very strong bond between the fabric layers, and it prevents shifting and puckering. This approach can be time-consuming, but it leads to high-quality results.
Tips for Pinning: Use silk pins or fine quilting pins, which are available in regular and extra-long sizes. The regular size is best for pinning large pieces of fabric, while the long ones are good for working with smaller areas.
Final Words
If you’re on a budget, pins are a good option. If you’re new to basting, go with spray instant of pins; it’s an excellent choice. It’s best to experiment with both pinning and spray basting on your quilt top because each technique has its own set of benefits.
Oh! Don’t forget to check out our article on quilt basting where we discussed all the queries regarding quilt basting.
Adios!
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