Applique/glue stick question, again

This is the kind I've used for appliqué (both hand and machine) before, and had NO problems with gumming.

I've used the same glue stick that Kathy recommended -- in addition to several other brands of fabric glue sticks -- with no problems. I haven't used it for appliqué but for regular sewing jobs like sticking a zipper in place before sewing it in, sticking buttons in place, getting heavy beaded appliqués to stay put for sewing, etc. Actually, I have often used regular old Elmer's glue stick for most of these same jobs with no problem! I also use the Elmer's for my fancy machine embroidery -- I mount the stiff underlayment fabric in the machine emb. hoop and then use the glue stick to stick the item to be embroidered to the underlayment fabric. The stuff dries fairly quickly so that when you sew through it, it's dry and doesn't gum up the needle. It also washes out nicely once the job is finished and the item is laundered. CiaoMeow >^;;^<

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There is also a basting glue that I like. It has a very narrow spout so you can glue even tiny turn-unders. You can sew right through it with no problems and when you wash the item it disappears.

Please share the glue brand names.

Thanks, Sunny

Boca Jan wrote:

hey Tina, as long as the glue stick is usable on fabric and is water soluble or washes away when washed you'll be okie dokie. when dry it wont gum up needle so let it dry well before sewing it together. the roxannes is nice glue but way more expensive than the regular sticks you can use...various brand names, just check for fabric use and water soluble on those. the one i use mostly is the same as Beth Ferrier of

T> Ok, I'm going to have to try this applique business again.

Hey Tina: I've been using Elmer's Washable School Glue Sticks for quite a few months now. It goes on purple and dries to clear. It's acid free and non-toxic. It can be used on fabric. Once it dries you can sew your pieces together. It hasn't gummed up my SM needles at all. I bought mine at Walmart in August. Two sticks were only 20 cents. I tried the liquid washable glue but it was too runny and stuck to everything including my fingers but would not stick the fabric together. When it did work, the pieces had to dry overnight while the glue stick took only a few minutes to dry.

Hope this helps.

Kate T. South Mississippi

It is called Quilter's Choice Basting Glue

Thank you ALL for the recommendations! Tomorrow I will making a shop run and pick up a couple of glue sticks and start trying them out!

Hugs, Tina

Be sure to get at least 2. Keep one in the fridge while you are using the other. If is starts to get too warm and gummy, pop it in the fridge and grab the one there waiting for you. Using one that is "cold" keeps the amount of glue that actually transfers to a minimum -- and it dries very quickly -- so there really isn't much in the way of mess with your needle.

Kate in MI

LOL - down here we all use just regular old UHU glue sticks - the same things the kidlets use in school - works a treat and washes out nicely.

Me too. It works a charm. Debra in VA See my quilts at