You really don't use enough glue, for it to go through the surface. You can actually just use a dot-dot-dot method, if you have the patience. Even still, I wouldn't do it, on unprotected wood, just in case.

sewplease, sorry I took so long to respond--my grandkids were visiting from out of town.
I have put the glue on the fabric when I've done this. I've only done relatively small projects--up to lap size. I lie the top face down on my large ironing table, spread a thin grid of glue on the back of it, about 4" x 4" as you suggested, then I lay the batting on, and then make a similar grid, about 2" shifted over so it won't be right on top of the first one, on the back of the backing--I do this on another table. Then I place the backing onto the batting and smooth them all out. I use the iron to get both sides really smooth, and the iron dries the glue as well.
There are some other great descriptions that I've seen on this thread for how to do it on larger quilts.
Also, it's never made a mess for me--just don't use a lot of glue--keep the stream very thin.
Good luck!

I just started using it for appliques-like it sew far-price is great.

I just tried this with a queen size.
Verdict : very convenient, holds up really well. I FMQ-ed the quilt on my domestic machine, nothing fell out. So it is very sturdy.
But, I would leave the outer 10 inches or so glue free, and use safety pins. Because as I FMQ from center outwards, I realised by the time I am at the outer edges, I need to readjustment the basting. Glue does not allow for that.

I just tried this for the first time yesterday on an applique of a horse. It was great! It held the ears and legs, etc., in place so I could machine applique it in place. This will be my new "go to" method for applique! :o

I resently did a lap quilt, 50 x 60" all with glue. I held the bottle fairly high and did a drizzle (like for chocolate) in loop-de-loops. did both the front and back. Made sure as I was glueing to smooth, smooth, smooth. Let it rest for 24 hours and had absolulty NO PROBLELMS....no glumming of the needle, no puchers of any kind. Everything washed out nicely and only used about a dollars worth of glue. sure beats spray basting, as you do NOT have to worry about overspray and or inside fumes of any kind. This will be my method of choice in the future for sure. And so much better for the enviroment with no fumes.......:thumbup:

I hope it works out for you and I will be watchingfor the update.

I also noticed that basting the quilt with glue is great but even better if you do not baste all the way to the edge. I also quil from the middle and by the time I hit the edge I need to do some readjusting. Still easier that any other method and it saves my sanity and quite a few $$.

Absolutely no need to apologize - sounds like you've been having fun! :-) Thanks so much for your comments. This is a great thread and I plan to try "Elmer basting" soon!!

I have never heard of this. It sounds great. I have never actually gotten any quilts quilted but I do have two that are basted. Maybe I will try glue for the next one.