BellaBoo

I'm going to make a sample square sandwich and staple it all over and just see what it does. I can't imagine getting them all out without a hole or tear but I'm game to try. I have regular staples and I don't know if very fine thin staples are available.

Oh, what kind of stapler open up to staple? None I have will do that.

kaykid815

Maybe I should try a sample also.. The lady who machine quilted my quilt does beautiful work, and on close inspection of my quilt, I don't see any holes, any torn threads, any snags, or any left over staples...

Prism99

Have you considered basting spray?

Regarding the tacks being too loose, you may have the larger type of tacking gun. Some people go in and out the top (so both ends are on the top) like a stitch to keep the layers stable. I have a micro tacking gun -- smaller needle and uses smaller, shorter tacks -- and that one works fine just going through the layers (one end on top and the other on the bottom).

I don't understand how staples would work. If she opens the gun to shoot the staples, the sharp ends will be sticking out the back because there will be nothing there to bend them closed. Is she by chance a longarm quilter? That might work on a longarm setup where you just need to tack down the edges to the leaders.

littlehud

Staples are a little scary to me. I don't think I would use them.

Celeste

A grapefruit spoon works great too!

steelecg

I agree - yikes staples??

Norene B

I hand baste my quilts. I've use straight pins, curved safety pins and like the hand basted method the best. I would never use staples. Don't want to make those big holes in my quilt taking them out.

ann clare

I would not use staples. Knowing me I would tear the quilt when removing.

bstanbro

I use large safety pins and one of those tools (Kwik clip?)--a round handle with a non-pointed sort of nail at the end. It works great. I only use the large ones, however. The smaller ones make the work more tedious.

Ilovemydogs

Have you ever tried the curved safety pins? The larger the better. They are easier use than regular safety pins. I have never tried basting spray. Sounds like it works pretty good!