How To Use 505 Spray For Quilting

Using 505 Spray for quilting is one of the easiest ways to baste quilt layers without hundreds of pins. When applied correctly, it keeps your backing, batting, and quilt top smoothly layered while you sew—without wrinkles, shifting, or gummed-up needles.

Below you’ll find a simple, step-by-step guide to using 505 Temporary Adhesive Spray for quilt basting, plus answers to common questions quilters ask about ironing, how much to use, and whether basting spray is permanent.

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What Is 505 Basting Spray Used for in Quilting?

505 Spray is a temporary fabric adhesive used to hold quilt layers together while you quilt. Instead of pinning through all three layers, you lightly mist 505 onto the batting or backing so the quilt sandwich stays flat and stable as you move it under the needle.

It’s especially helpful for:

• keeping backing, batting, and top from shifting
• avoiding tucks, bubbles, and wrinkles
• handling large quilts on a domestic machine
• speeding up basting compared to safety pins

How to Use 505 Spray for Quilt Basting (Step-by-Step)

Here’s a straightforward way to baste a quilt with 505:

1. Prepare your space. Work in a well-ventilated area and protect your floor or table with a sheet, drop cloth, or large piece of paper. Many quilters like to use a “spray box” made from cardboard to contain overspray.
2. Lay out the quilt backing. Place the backing wrong side up, smoothing it flat. You can tape the edges lightly to keep it from shifting if needed.
3. Add the batting. Lay the batting over the backing and smooth out any wrinkles or folds.
4. Fold back half of the batting. Fold the top half of the batting down toward the middle so the backing is exposed.
5. Spray the backing lightly with 505. Holding the can 10–12 inches away, apply a light, even mist to the exposed backing. You’re aiming for a gentle tack, not a heavy coat.
6. Lay the batting back in place. Gently smooth the batting back over the sprayed section, working from the center outward to remove any bubbles.
7. Repeat for the other half. Fold back the unsprayed half of the batting, spray the backing, and smooth the batting into place.
8. Add the quilt top. Once the batting is secured to the backing, repeat the same process to attach the quilt top to the batting—fold back half, spray a light mist on the batting, then smooth the top down.
9. Check for wrinkles and adjust. Because 505 is temporary and repositionable, you can lift and re-smooth sections if needed.
10. Quilt as usual. Your layers should now move as one smooth sandwich under the needle.

Remember: light, even coats work best. If the fabric feels overly tacky, you’re probably using too much spray or holding the can too close.

Do You Iron After Spray Basting With 505?

Yes — you can iron after spray basting with 505, but it’s optional and should be done carefully. 505 is heat-safe, but high heat or steam can make the adhesive feel tackier than intended.

If you want to press your layers after spraying, follow these simple guidelines:

• use a dry iron (no steam)
• set the heat to medium
• keep the iron moving — avoid long holds in one spot
• press from the fabric side, not directly on visible overspray

Most quilters get great results by smoothing layers by hand as they go, but a light dry press is perfectly fine if needed.

For best results, press your quilt top and backing before spraying, then baste with 505. Any additional pressing afterward should be gentle and minimal.

How Much 505 Spray Do You Need for a Quilt?

How much 505 you use depends on the size of the quilt and how heavily you spray. In general:

• Baby or wall quilt: a small fraction of a can
• Throw-size quilt: roughly 1/4–1/3 of a standard can
• Queen or larger: around 1/3–1/2 of a can, depending on coverage

You’re not trying to “coat” the fabric—just give it a light, even tack. If surfaces feel very sticky or wet, you’re using more than you need.

What Spray Adhesive Do Quilters Use?

There are several fabric sprays on the market, but 505 Temporary Adhesive Spray is one of the most commonly used products for quilt basting. Quilters appreciate that it:

• sprays in a fine, even mist
• does not gum up needles when used correctly
• is odorless and colorless
• is temporary and repositionable
• washes out in a normal laundry cycle

Because of its consistency and reliability, many quilters and embroidery shops rely on 505 as their go-to basting spray.

Is Quilt Basting Spray Permanent?

No—505 quilt basting spray is not permanent. It’s designed to be a temporary adhesive that holds layers together while you quilt, then washes out completely when laundered.

The adhesive will:

• stay tacky long enough for you to quilt
• allow repositioning as you smooth layers
• wash out in a standard wash cycle

If a project will never be washed (like a wall hanging), the adhesive residue gradually softens and becomes unnoticeable over time.

Does 505 Spray Make a Difference in Quilting?

Yes—505 Spray can make a big difference in how smoothly your quilting goes, especially on larger projects. By keeping layers flat and secure, it helps you avoid:

• puckers on the back of the quilt
• shifting layers while you quilt
• the time and effort of placing (and removing) dozens or hundreds of pins

Many quilters find that spray basting with 505 speeds up the basting process and gives them more confidence when quilting on a domestic machine.

Tips to Avoid Overspray When Using 505

Because 505 is an aerosol, a little extra care keeps the adhesive where you want it:

• always spray away from your machine and cutting area
• use a cardboard spray box or cover nearby surfaces
• hold the can 10–12 inches away for a light mist
• press the nozzle in short bursts instead of a long stream

If you do get a little overspray on hoops, tools, or tables, it can be cleaned up easily with the right products and a soft cloth.

Bottom Line

When used correctly, 505 Spray is a fast, reliable way to baste quilt layers without the hassle of pins. A light, even mist on the batting or backing keeps everything smooth and stable while you quilt, and the temporary bond washes out when your project is finished.