Love Elmer's school glue, never gums your needle or machine, washes out.

I make my own basting spray. It's easy and it works. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVRrFGFXXfc

If you wouldn't use basting spray in your hair, you probably shouldn't use hair spray to baste your quilt! LOL

I would be a little worried about using hair spray for basting. That would be quite sticky on the fabrics and possibly gum up the sewing machine needle. There is a method of home made starch that my quilting group of ladies are using. I don't have the recipe in front of me but I would be happy to look it up if you are interested to give to your friend. You can PM me and I will find it. Oh---I guess you are looking for a basting solution and not starch. Just went back and reread your message.

Years ago I did use Final Net hairspray to baste a few table runners.I sprayed one day & quilted the next. Wanted to make sure it was dry. I had no problems.

I remember long ago when I used curling irons and hairspray. Every so often I would have to clean the hairspray build up off my curling iron. I'd think it might also build up on your machine needle. Your friend could try it out once to see what happens.

Thank you Onebyone, I will give this a try.

I cannot see how hair spray would ever work as a spray baste for quilts. It gums up a curling iron, so there's no doubt in my mind that it would also gum up your sewing machine needle. Also, hair spray is not easily washed out of one's hair, much less being washed out of fabric. I think it would present problems with batting as well. I know I wouldn't risk any quilt I make with trying to use hair spray as a "basting spray".

Boy, I woldn't use my hairspray. I expect it to hold like glue during a tornado! The overspray gets gummy also. I use a pretty cheap brand though. Didn't realize how expensive spray is in Canada!

I'm an Elmer's fan through and through!!! I have convinced several of my quild buddies and we would never go back to pins or spray. I thin very slightly with water and apply with the Elmer's squeeze bottle in a grid an then us a damp sponge brush to smooth it out. I heat set with a medium iron (even poly) and pile them up on the futon in my guest room. It may be several months before I get to the bottom of the pile and I have never had puckers, pleats, or a problem with my sweet 16 quilting it. I usually baste 6 or 7 at time. Most of my quilts are for charity.