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This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was retired in August 2007. It is being provided by “Sew What’s Up,” which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-13-2006, 12:07 PM (1 of 12)
Does anyone know of a brand that WORKS? Daughter and I are taking a class for Celtic quilting. The instructor was using a glue stick for the narrow bias. We bought some, and it doesn't stick at all. Tried some of the cheaper Dritz/PYM and that sticks somewhat better. Also found some 1/8 iron on adhesive and tried that using a Clover mini iron. That iron doesn't seem to work, either. It's hot but I even tried bits of stitch witchery and it wouldn't bond them.
There used to be a liquid out called No More Pins. We used that on Lycra for skating outfits as it didn't bother the serger. (b4 differential feed) The newer liquids are just plain messy!. Besides hand basting, is there anything else available?

Thanks,
Weezy
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003
Total posts: 218
From: DorothyL
Date: 10-13-2006, 12:25 PM (2 of 12)
I used something called Aleene's OK To Wash-It (for a permanent fabric bond) to make a fabric vase.
It held up even through a move.
I haven't washed it though.
And it was messy -- but then I'm a bit messy myself.
I got it at JoAnne I think or maybe Michaels or AC Moore.
Dorothy
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002
Total posts: 3883
From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-13-2006, 12:31 PM (3 of 12)
I haven't used glue sticks for celtic knots but have used an Acid Free glue stick for doing applique. It is messy. I did do one celtic knot block but didn't use a glue stick. I just basted down the centre of the bias using water soluable thread. It kept the bias in place so that I could hand stitch the sides. When I had finished stitching, I just sprayed it with water and the basting thread was gone. I got the spool of thread at my local quilt store and I keep it in a plastic bag to save it from humidity. This may be an option that you would want to try.
TTFN from
Judy
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005
Total posts: 1366
From: Patty22
Date: 10-13-2006, 12:31 PM (4 of 12)
Hi Weezy...

Right now I'm using a tube of Scotch Restickable Adhesive Glue Stick. My only rule of thumb was to make sure the glue stick states it is for fabric.

The only other thing I can think of is maybe you aren't waiting for the glue stick to dry? I take my applique over to a hot iron and make sure it is really dry before I sew (especially with my machine).

The celtic quilting is very beautiful. BTW, have you seen the tiny little irons just for the small kinds of applique? (Sorry, getting off-track.) Have you tried basting with some masking tape? I use rolls of it in the sewing room.

I am anxious to hear what others have to say about their glue sticks.

:bolt:
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: bridesmom
Date: 10-14-2006, 12:50 AM (5 of 12)
Can I ask a stupid question? What do you use the glue sticks for when you are sewing??
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004
Total posts: 2026
From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-14-2006, 07:09 PM (6 of 12)
Sometimes I use it for making the applique pieces for quilt blocks. I cut out the pieces for an applique from freezer paper. Then I iron the freezer paper to the material and cut it out leaving 3/8" for the seam allowance. Then I use the glue stick to glue the seam allowance to the paper around the piece. Then I machine applique the pieces to my block. After I have finished appliquing all the pieces, I cut out the back of the block behind all the pieces, soak in water and pull out all the paper. This is the only thing I do using a glue stick.
TTFN from
Judy
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005
Total posts: 1366
From: mamahoogie
Date: 10-16-2006, 10:32 AM (7 of 12)
I took a quilt class one time and the teacher said not to waste money buying fabric glue sticks. She just used one made for paper (good quality, not from the dollar store) ....said it was the same glue and that the manufacturers just charge more for labeling it for fabric.
She had been using it for years and never had a problem.
Violet
I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002
Total posts: 461
From: weezyrider
Date: 10-16-2006, 01:03 PM (8 of 12)
They were using glue sticks for 1/4 in bias as the instructions said to cut the small roll of stitch witchery in half which was a pain. Using stitch witchery on the 3/8 in bias worked OK. Will have to hunt for 1/8 inch!

Weezy:cool:
User: weezyrider
Member since: 08-19-2003
Total posts: 218
From: Patty22
Date: 10-25-2006, 02:20 PM (9 of 12)
I went to the JoAnn sale this past weekend and I thought of this thread. I saw over in the fabric section where the glue sticks (a quilter's brand) was priced twice as much as over in the craft section. Now the craft section glue stick is one of my favorites and if you read the container it says it is for use with fabric.

Sometimes I think we pay more for products than we need to because it may have a brand name on it.
Patty
User: Patty22
Member since: 03-29-2006
Total posts: 1194
From: HeyJudee
Date: 10-25-2006, 04:37 PM (10 of 12)
When I took my applique class, I was told to look for "acid-free" glue sticks. So I pick them up anywhere. I don't remember if my quilt store even carries glue sticks.
TTFN from
Judy
User: HeyJudee
Member since: 01-25-2005
Total posts: 1366
From: MariLynntex
Date: 10-28-2006, 01:25 PM (11 of 12)
I use the ordinary for-paper glue sticks mainly for crafts. I have used some of the 1/8" tape for sticking hems down before stitching them, but that stuff is so great to use mainly because it washes out. I just use it for difficult hems, not straight skirts. As for the prefolded stuff used on Celtic designs I just stitch it from the beginning and blindstitch the other side usiing a method I have described in making molas. It is not real fast but it is faster than trying to keep it fastened down with other things and it's THERE and doesn't come undone! BTW, my 8 yo grandson Brandon came in yesterday and said, "Nonna, can you make a bat costume for Sniffy (his pet ferret!) by Tuesday?" Tuesday is the Westwood Elementary School Hallowe'en carnival. And just when I had been thinking that the weirdest thing I had ever stitched was the elephant costume for the pony to wear.....coffee 2: MariLynntex
User: MariLynntex
Member since: 01-05-2006
Total posts: 107
From: Cathie.Tombs
Date: 12-12-2006, 04:30 PM (12 of 12)
I'm not quilting, but sewing. I have been reading a Singer book, and in the chapter on "notions" the author said to use any good glue stick, that is also for fabric (I got mine at the dollar store). I would reccomend testing on a swatch. Also, keep your glue in the fridge, this really helps. And, when you use it, just allow a small amount to be turned up, and use from the edge, put a small dot about every inch. Sometimes it gets all gummy because not in the fridge, and because we use too much. I don't think we need to spend top dollars. Happy sewing!!!!!! Also, ferret and poney costimes really made us laugh. Forgot this, Barbara Deckert recommends drying the glue with hair dryer. I haven't tried yet, but have mini-dryer on hand. Cool would be good.
User: Cathie.Tombs
Member since: 08-27-2006
Total posts: 44
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