Using fabric adhesive spray, such as SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray, allows you to temporarily bond layers of fabric together for creative projects like quilting, appliqué, and scrapbooking, making it easier to sew or work with the pieces.
Fabric adhesive spray, often used as a basting spray, provides a temporary or sometimes permanent hold between fabric layers without the need for pins or lengthy hand-basting. This is particularly useful when adding extra creative touches to your fabric projects, as mentioned in the context of SpraynBond Basting Adhesive Spray by Thermo.
Using fabric adhesive spray is a straightforward process, but following a few key steps ensures the best results, providing a secure yet often temporary bond ideal for tasks like basting quilts or holding appliqué pieces in place before stitching.
Preparation is Key
Before you begin spraying, proper preparation is essential for a clean and effective application.
- Protect Your Workspace: Fabric adhesive spray can leave a sticky residue. Lay down a protective sheet, old newspaper, or cardboard to cover your work surface and surrounding areas.
- Prepare Fabrics: Ensure your fabrics are clean, dry, and wrinkle-free. If you are basting layers (like for quilting), lay out your backing fabric, batting, and top fabric smoothly.
- Ventilation: Work in a well-ventilated area, or open windows, as sprays can have fumes.
The Application Process
Applying the adhesive is the core step. Remember that different sprays offer varying degrees of tackiness and permanence, so always read the product instructions. Basting sprays like SpraynBond typically offer a repositionable, temporary hold.
- Shake the Can: Thoroughly shake the spray can for about 30-60 seconds to ensure the adhesive is properly mixed.
- Hold at the Correct Distance: Hold the can upright, typically 8-12 inches away from the fabric surface. Check the specific product's instructions for the recommended distance.
- Apply a Light, Even Coat: Spray in a sweeping motion across the surface you want to make adhesive. Apply a light, even coat. Avoid oversaturating the fabric, as this can make it stiff or bleed through.
- For Basting: Often, you only need to spray one of the two surfaces you are joining. For quilt basting, spray the batting or the wrong side of the quilt top before smoothing it onto the backing or batting.
- For Appliqué: Spray the wrong side of the appliqué piece.
- Allow Tack Time (if needed): Some sprays recommend waiting a few seconds to a minute after spraying before joining the fabrics. This allows the adhesive to become tacky.
Joining the Fabrics
Once the adhesive is applied, carefully bring your fabric layers together.
- Position Carefully: Align the fabric layers as needed.
- Smooth Out: Gently smooth the top layer onto the sprayed surface, working from the center outwards to remove any wrinkles or bubbles. Reposition if necessary (especially with temporary basting sprays).
Post-Application
After the fabrics are joined, you can typically proceed with your sewing or crafting project. The spray holds the layers together, eliminating the need for pins in many cases.
- Drying/Curing: While the hold is often immediate, the bond might strengthen slightly as it dries completely.
- Clean Up: Clean the spray nozzle after use to prevent clogging. Any overspray on surfaces can usually be cleaned with a solvent recommended by the spray manufacturer (often a citrus-based cleaner or mineral spirits).
Using fabric adhesive spray is a quick way to stabilize fabric layers, perfect for projects requiring precision like free-motion quilting or intricate appliqué designs.
