Here some ways to make your own quilt batting out of recycled These tips are from our ThriftyFun community. Post your own ideas below.
I never use batting. Every time I do and then wash the quilt it just falls away from the quilting and bunches up in balls all over the quilt. I use layers of flannel.
By Allison
I've made several "summer" quilts after seeing an antique one in a quilt shop. No batting at all, just the top and backing. Works best with a foundation pieced (on fabric) top and is just right for cooler summer nights on the porch swing.
By duckmom
I have successfully used the guts of an old sleeping bag and an old comforter for batting. The stitching is easily removed and you can cut off the zippers (on sleeping bags) for possible reuse. Often comforter made for children are of cheap, nasty fabric that pills and fades instantly but the batting is polyester and fine. Kids probably have such items at home that they could bring in for a school project.
By teaysvalleygirl
I have made several quilts by covering up stained or dated comforters that are still in good condition. I just made the quilt like a big pillowcase, sewed up the end and tacked it down in several places.
Deanna
I have known quilters that have re-used the following for batting. I don't know how well they worked but I can't imagine them not working.
The good thing about using 'old' stuff is that it has probably been washed many times. It shouldn't shrink any more and your hand quilting (if you do that) should not pucker. As long as the outer has been pre-shrunk also.
By Rosalie
Old cotton blankets are good batting for quilts. Mom used them in nearly all quilts she made, they laundered easily.
By Betty
Old mattress pads work well as quilt batting.
By Jewels955
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thats great! I have reused quilts for new quilts...they worked out great and it didn't bunch up. :)
My first mother-in-law and her Mama were the ones that taught me to quilt, God rest their souls, and they always used old blankets. Those quilts were so warm and cozy? I am a member of our Freecycle group here and, when someone gives away blankets or I see some for a reasonable price at a garage sale, I latch onto it because you just never know when someone will need a blanket or two or that I want to have them to use for quilts.
I was at the store today getting things together to make my daughter a comforter and pillow cases for her birthday coming up and I actually picked up a mattress pad and thought you know what this would make great batting instead of spending all that money on the real stuff so that isn't awesome idea and great minds think alike
That is great idea, my granddaughter doesn't like the density from long arm quilting, she would rather have a comforter type quilt. I think this idea would work well.
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