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Glue Basting Your Seams {Video!!}

June 04, 2013

If I could, I would scream it from the rooftops: "Glue basting is life changing!!"

I get a bit of reluctance from some quilters, and sewists, who haven't tried glue basting, or are cautious (maybe even scared) of trying it. Almost always, once they try glue basting, they "get it" and understand why it works so well. Then they discover how it can work for them and their sewing. This simple technique of glue basting can change your world, if you want it to, and if you give it a try. You might just love what you make, even more.

Good technique matters (another little thing I want to scream from the rooftops). Whether your style of sewing and quilting is modern, traditional or anything in between. Knowing and using techniques that are simple, easy, and efficient will give you better results. Awesome, right?!

There are lots of things I use glue basting on: seams, binding, applique, and clothing. I really enjoy the simple precision I get from this easy technique.

You only need three things: Elmer's Washable School Glue, Glue Tips, and a hot, dry iron. I prefer Elmer's over other basting glues because it's less expensive and washes out better than others I've tried.

For glue basting basics, you can watch the video I put together. Also, I've listed the steps below, in a simple tutorial. Enjoy!

The Video:

Step 1:
Draw a thin line of glue on the inside of your seam allowance, close to the edge of the fabric.

Glue it.

Step 2:
Put two pieces of fabric together, lining up the edges of where the seam will be. If you are matching up seams that have been previously sewn, you can nest them very easily here.

Nest it.

Step 3:
Heat set the glue with a hot, dry iron. No steam please! We want the glue to dry, completely. If you let it dry, or use steam, it will stay gummy. When it's heat set, you can sew it up right away, and it's perfectly safe for your needles and machine.

Heat set.

Step 4:

Sew it up! Generally, I use a scant 1/4".

Sew it.

Step 5: Press your seams to the side, and take a look at your results! Nicely done!

Press the seams to the side.

Not a single pin was used, or injured, in the making of this quilt. And just look at that precision! I love it. It makes me proud, and a bit giddy to see how nicely my seams and corners all match up. And it was so easy.

Perfectly matched.

Once I finish the quilt, and wash it, the glue will wash away completely. I also have a {tutorial} on foundation piecing, using glue basting. That's one of my favorite ways to use glue basting.

I have a giveaway for you! If you leave a comment below, telling one way you'd like to try glue basting, you'll be entered to win a set of glue tips, bottle of glue, and Sharon Schamber's Perfect Binding DVD.

Are you on Instagram?? I'm taking this giveaway over there, too. Follow me (I'm cristycreates), and repost my giveaway pic with the hashtag #gluebastegiveaway and you'll be entered to win!