Do you have trouble with moving fabric layers while sewing? Have you ever been upset because your perfectly placed applique got pushed to the other side of a seam as you sewed? If that sounds like you, then this is the list for you.
The good news is that Earth is a world of solutions; just about any problem can be solved. Fortunately, this problem has a solution to make your embroidery and sewing projects manageable. Today, we will discuss an all-encompassing must-have for needleworkers: temporary spray adhesive.
What is a Temporary Spray Adhesive?
A temporary spray adhesive is exactly what its name suggests—a repositionable adhesive in a spray can. While many temporary adhesive products exist on the market, spray adhesives are more common.
This is because they create a temporary bond that holds fabric layers together. Moreover, if you want to readjust part of the material, the adhesive allows you to separate them when needed.
Unlike permanent adhesives, temporary spray alternatives disappear without a trace after use. This unique technology prevents the formation of residue that could ruin precious fabrics.
Types and Examples of Temporary Spray Adhesives
Type 1: Light-Duty Sprays For Delicate Fabrics And Temporary Holding
a. Sprayidea DY-100 Repositionable Tacky Spray Adhesive
Sprayidea DY-100 is perfect for light materials. It is quick-drying, colorless, and has a mild odor. This spray remains tacky for 30 minutes and can last up to 24 months in ideal conditions.
b. Sulky KK2000
It is the perfect glue for embroidery with an extremely light hold. It is affordable and washes out easily.
Type 2: Medium-Duty Adhesives For General Embroidery And Sewing
a. June Tailor JT440 Quilt Basting Spray
It is easy to find and has a reliable medium hold that works well for general sewing.
b. Dritz Temporary Spray Adhesive
It is an all-purpose spray that maintains constant spray patterns on fabric.
Type 3: Heavy-Duty Sprays For Quilting And Multiple Layers
a. Sprayidea Super 88
This spray is excellent for quilting. It is white in appearance and offers a strong and long-lasting hold. Our Super88 peels off easily and doesn’t contain harmful ingredients that could affect users.
b. Sprayidea85 Hi-tack Embroidery Spray
This spray is excellent for quilting and thick embroidery pieces. It has a mist spray pattern and remains tacky for 45 minutes. In addition, it is clear in color and doesn’t turn yellow over time.
c. Sullivan’s Quilters Basting Spray
It is strong, long-lasting, and perfect for gluing multiple layers. It is also ozone-friendly and acid-free. To reactivate the adhesive, steam the fabric with an iron.
Type 4: Water Soluble Spray Adhesives for Sensitive Materials
a. Sprayidea Embroidery Spray Adhesive Super 81:
It dissolves in water and leaves zero residues. It also has a clear spray pattern with an average drying time of 1 to 2 minutes.
b. Prym Temporary Spray Adhesive:
This is a European-made formula that dissolves in water. It has a web-like spray pattern and dries on an average time of 30 to 60 seconds.
Reasons To Use Temporary Spray Adhesives in Embroidery and Sewing
In Embroidery:
In embroidery, temporary spray adhesives offer two main advantages. These include keeping the fabric in place during sewing and applique work.
One of the most challenging aspects of embroidery is stabilizing the fabric in hoops. However, with a light spray of temporary adhesive, your fabric becomes manageable. The glue keeps it in the exact place you want, allowing you to work without disturbances. This erases concerns over shifting and distortion of your designs while you work.
Additionally, spray adhesives help prevent puckering. This is a common problem that can ruin the appearance of your designs. Furthermore, when working with appliques, the spray holds the fabric pieces in place until you can secure them with stitches. A direct example would be a wedding gown embellishment project.
The entire process requires precise placement of lace appliques. Imagine attaching every piece of lace to the gown with sharp pins. There is a high probability that the wedding gown will be riddled with holes when you finish.
However, spray adhesive allows you to place each piece and make modifications as you go. It preserves delicate laces while helping you obtain excellent results in half the time.
In Sewing:
Temporary spray adhesives are as important in sewing. They are used as a guide for cutting so that your pattern pieces stay in place and do not slip. This saves tailors from using pins that could potentially damage their fabrics.
Similarly, spray adhesives can hold many pieces of fabric together when working on a quilting project. It becomes much easier to mix patterns and stripes when you aren’t worrying about what piece to pin. On average, a queen-size quilt needs hundreds of layers to join. This process no doubt sucks a ton of time and pins.
With spray adhesives instead, the following occurs:
- Takes 75% less time to prepare
- It stops the quilt from shifting
- Improves stitch quality
- Reduces physical strain
- Makes handling easier
Another added benefit is that spray adhesive saves time by reducing the extra minutes you use to attach pins to the fabric. This promotes efficiency and allows you to achieve more stitches per project.
Directions For Use
A temporary spray adhesive comes in a spray can. That much has been established. However, there are a few rules you have to follow if you want to achieve the best results.
- First, shake the can thoroughly before each use. This will ensure an even mixture of the ingredients and prevent inconsistent spraying.
- Always use your spray adhesive in a well-ventilated area to avoid inhaling the toxic fumes. Working in an open space also makes the glue dry faster.
- Maintain a consistent distance of about 12 to 15 inches. This prevents the adhesive from oversaturating and creates even coverage.
- Use sweeping motions to achieve an even spread.
- Proper drying time should be allowed based on fabric type. This helps achieve the best level of tackiness and prevents permanent bonding.
- Test the spray adhesive on scraps or rags before working on the main project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t spray too close to the fabric or apply too much adhesive. Sometimes a spritz would do just fine. If you spray too close to the material, you could create wet spots that may leave permanent stains and make the fabric sticky. Too much adhesive on your fabric makes it stiff and hard to sew. It gums up your machine needles and creates residues that are difficult to remove.
- Store your cans vertically, not horizontally. Laying your can on its side could clog the nozzle and create uneven spray patterns. Keep your spray can upright to avoid wastage and preserve its shelf life.
- Avoid expired products. They’re useless and toxic to your health.
- Be patient with the drying time. Good things take time. If you rush the wait time, the adhesive will create permanent bonds and make repositioning impossible.
Other Methods and Tools Used in Sewing and Embroidery
1. Pins and Clips:
Using pins and clips to secure materials for sewing and embroidery is an ancient practice. Even today, many people prefer to hold their fabric layers together with them. These tools are reusable and easy to find, making them a common choice for people in the 21st century, where convenience is the top priority.
Pins and clips are great for quick holds and heavy fabrics, but they also have an obvious downside. If you aren’t careful, they could leave holes in your material and snag the fabric.
2. Basting stitches:
These long, temporary stitches hold fabric pieces together before the final stitching. They are like a first draft that you can edit and adjust later. Basting stitches provide a secure hold for your fabrics. However, they are much longer than regular stitches (about 1/4 to 1/2 inches long) and leave visible holes when removed. They are also time-consuming, considering how long it takes to put them in and take them out.
3. Fabric Weights:
These are objects used to keep fabrics flat while cutting or making patterns. They are an alternative to pins and useful for delicate and slippery fabrics. Fabric weights are also great options for leatherwork. You can use them instead of pins or stitches that could leave permanent holes. Overall, they are great tools for sewing and embroidery. But they are unsuitable for vertical work and, unlike spray adhesives, can move around.
In Conclusion
Temporary spray adhesives are changing the way we sew and embroider. Unlike pins and basting stitches that leave holes in the fabric, these sprays keep them safe and in position. Depending on your type of fabric, you can select different spray adhesives with varying strengths. For instance, light sprays are used for delicate fabrics, and stronger ones are used for quilts.
An added advantage of spray adhesives is that they reduce the time spent prepping your work. For better results, remember to follow the directions for use listed above. Additionally, give the adhesive time to dry to get the current level of tackiness. This will allow you to create better projects without hassle and more confidently.