Batting Chat & Alternative (cost-effecting) Batting Choices!

[@user-tm3yw4in3l]

I am a beginner quilter and have made 10 quilts so far. Have used a white sheet, a mattress pad, a flannel sheet and regular 80/20 batting. All purchased from thrift stores. All turned out amazingly beautiful and low cost. I was even complimented by a teacher at the local quilt store. Remember that quilting done years ago didn't have strict rules. Use what u can afford and enjoy it.

[@kayla_quilts]

It's really sad that a craft born out of thrifting has become such an expensive hobby. I love the mattress pad idea!

[@Heyu7her3]

LOL 10 quilts don't make you a beginner anymore

[@yvettet9755]

@@kayla_quilts . Yes! How about it!! It is a Very Expensive hobby. It should Not be.

[@barbaramatthews4735]

My first quilt was a box of scrap fabric left over from other sewing projects. I've been sewing my whole life...well about as long as I can remember. I sew crafts and clothes.
Anyway I had a box of fabric that i didn't have any other use. I was going through a hard time physically, mentally and financially. It was a dark time.
My neighbor lady was older and very kind to me she offered to teCh me how to quilt. I took my box of fabric most of it was cotton and cotton blends and started cutting it up in 4 1/2 inch squares.
I had no rulers. No ctting mat, no rotary cutter nothing but a sharp pair of fabric scissors and some pins. All of my sewing supplies were from sewing patterns for tops and other general sewing.
I made a square out of a cardboard cereal box and traced squares on my fabric and cut them individually with scissors. It was actually fun.
My neighbor gave me the fabric for a boarder and binding and taught me a lot about how to put it all together. The back is a thrifted sheet. I spent less than $20 on the whole thing. I used polyfil batting.
I still have it. I still use it. It was about 11 years ago. I've come around since then and am in a better life situation.
I have a lot of quilting tools and rulers since then. Ive also made other quilts. I've gotten better. I can afford new fabric now.
In sharing because I hope someone reads this and gets encouraged to just try with whatever he or she has on hand. You don't have to spend a lot of money to make a quilt. You will learn a lot by just trying a first one. Better tools and fabric can come later, just dont give up.

[@Kim-tl4wz]

You're absolutely right. It's really strange how sewing can get you through rough patches. But it works! Glad you're in a better place now mentally and financially. I am as well so I totally relate!

[@TheFuzzyPetiole]

Bought an antique quilt at a flea market, my lifelong quilter mom started to make repairs and discovered there was an older quilt inside they used as the batting, just made a new top when the old one wore out. she ended up separating the tops and restored them both as finished quilts AND she made me a version of the original older quilt in reproduction fabrics. It’s a 16 patch half square triangles block.

[@eljay5623]

What a wonderful story! ❤

[@sharonking8777]

I have used quilted a mattress pad. I was working within a tight timeframe. The quilt was for a toddler, not an heirloom quality quilt. So I cut it up into 10" squares and used a QAYG pattern. It worked great. Because it was quilted, the thickness was easy to work with. I would use it again.😊

[@amydouglas6576]

wow..that's an interesting story!

[@annettegraff8323]

My grandma would make a new top and back for quilts made around 1900! It saved on batting and preserved the work of her mother! These were mainly utility quilts meant for daily use and children. They were washed regularly She didn't wash a quilt unless it was soiled. Each person had their own quilt and body odor. She considered them a personal item like a toothbrush or pj's .😂

[@myhopecreations4986]

I use sheets between for quilts. Also if I use fleece I use it more as a backing and watched several videos where its suggested not to use a batting if using fleece. I've personally tried both ways with my fleece didn't make much of a difference. Also I have never used real batting before. I have now made about 10 quilts. All a bit different because I am learning which techniques I may like or dislike. This is why I am taking my time and learning something new with each quilt.

[@jesusislord7488]

Flannel fabric also makes a good low-loft batting.

[@kayla_quilts]

Thank you, i totally forgot about this one. I even had a piece of flannel sitting right next to me and I forgot to talk about it! I always hit up the remnant bin at Joanns to see if they have something large enough for batting for a small quilt.

[@Craftythrifter]

My summer quilt is just a regular pieced quilt top with backing and tied. I’ve had it on my queen size bed for about 25 summers and has only a few signs of wear. We love it!

[@ritaniemeyer4401]

I’ve used flannel for batting. Also used denim and did not need batting, it was very heavy. Made a great picnic quilt

[@meacadwell]

A "quilt" with no batting is a coverlet and coverlets have been made for centuries (Jane Austen and her family made one that's in her museum). The 2nd "quilt" I ever made was a coverlet for my bed, it had no batting and was queen sized.
For batting you an use wool blankets from a local Army/Navy store or from thrift stores/garage sales - always wash due to shrinkage (as you said to do). You don't need batting though - fleece or wool can be used as backing eliminating the need for batting.

[@alfonzograzadaushka3470]

I save ALL of my fabric and batting scraps no matter how small..These make for awesome fill on my puff quilts..I perceive myself as being frugal, though some folks I know think of me as being cheap!!!

[@Kim-tl4wz]

I also keep my batting that is 5 inches or less however I use it for my string quilts. I use the batting with fabric on the back to make the string quilts then piece together to start a rag quilt. That way I also use up every bit of my leftover scrap fabric. I also keep all of my fabric that is 1 1/2 inches or more. I have a drawer for 1 1/2 inch strips of fabric and a box for my 1 1/2 inch squares. That way they're ready to use when I need them. Also do for other sizes of leftover fabric.

[@fransak2723]

I use wool frequently. I find it lightweight, cool in summer, warm in winter. The quilt on my bed has been washed and dried in the dryer many times without any adverse reactions. I have used flannel yardage and flannel sheets for a thin batting too. I often use batting scraps pieced together for batting. I’ll cut a straight edge along two pieces and zig zag them together. Bonnie Hunter calls this “Franken- batting”😊

[@26debsterdots]

I have used an electric blanket that no longer worked. I took out the electrical parts and found that there was 2 thin blankets in the 1 electric blanket. There was stitching that held it together so I cut that. I bit of work but worth it I think. Not a summer quilt but not real heavy either. Worked out nice. I quilted it kinda lightly -medium.

[@FlickiChicki]

As one in a hot climate - fleece is the WORST as it traps heat awful because they’re usually poly. Flannel is okish, but it’s still warm. A wool blanket works vastly better. But I accept the cost and pay for the wool batting. It’s expensive, but it’s comfortable and usable. I do have a fluffy bamboo silk blend that’s cooler but that’s more expensive than wool.

[@Em-vt6zz]

Thanks for your video! It was just the information I was looking for. Appreciated all the comments too.

[@bflogal18]

I love bamboo batting! It’s warm and quilts like a dream. I’ve used fusible batting for placemats and small projects. Currently I am working on a summer quilt. I saw an example that had no batting at all. The back of the quilt was hand stitched to the quilt top and folded over instead of binding.

[@starkravenwild791]

DRYER LINT@!@! It's clean and gets sewn up sandwiched between the dryer sheets that come out with the dried clothes. I am currently testing this by making potholders in various thicknesses of "lint-a-batt" to hand quilt and machine quilt to see if its viable for a larger project. Otherwise it's just more fodder to clog up the landfill. Not to mention shipping proper materials to Panama is an additional $4 per pound. normally I do prefer Quilters Dream Natural Cotton Request Batting.

[@garnettasmith1717]

Drapery interlining makes a great batting. I deconstructed some custom drapes to use the interlining. It’s a little heavier than regular flannel and feels great.

[@sharonking8777]

I have used a quilted mattress pad. I was working within a tight timeframe. The quilt was for a toddler, not an heirloom quality quilt. So I cut it up into 10" squares and used a QAYG pattern. It worked great. Because it was quilted, the thickness was easy to work with. I would use it again.😊

[@heymish]

Could I use a thrifted wool blanket (washed of course)? I love 100% wool bc it's breathable and helps regulate body temperature so if I make a quilt that's all cotton and put a wool blanket inside, it seems like it would be light & slim yet warm, but will it mess everything up in the long arm? Making my first ever quilt presently & trying to do it with 100% non-new materials (except thread & a bit of interfacing in a couple spots)

[@kathleenclark9349]

I have used fleece yardage for the backing to my repurposed shirt quilts. No batting needed. very economical quilt and so soft.

[@kayla_quilts]

I want to know what you use for cost-effective batting for your quilts! My go-to is the $3 fleece blankets from Walmart

[@FlickiChicki]

Old military surplus wool blankets work well for darker quilts.

[@moonhunter9993]

What about old sweatshirts? I am learning still. Have a lot of fabric and scraps. Just don't feel like spending money on batting at this stage...

[@56cortez]

I bought some 50 x 60 fleece blankets on Amazon. In bulk (6 for $36) In a light pale beige, they are soft, thin and washed well.

[@windycityliz7711]

These are great ideas! I never knew this. My challenge is the cost of batting - and now it's not and this makes me happy :)

[@nevafitzgerald2402]

If there is not middle it is not a quilt a quilt has 3parts. 2pieces serene together is called a coverlet. For baby quilts flannel is a great alter ❤

[@amc5936]

id argue that. batting was not always around. and a quilt becomes a quilt when you quilt it. your quilting it when you attach the layers together, so just because you are only attaching 2 layers verses three is can not be called a quilt? that just seems illogical

[@CountryLadyInBoots]

You're correct according to Websters 1828
QUILT, noun [Latin culcita.]
A cover or garment made by putting wool, cotton or other substance between two cloths and sewing them together; as beds covered with magnificent quilts.
QUILT, verb transitive
1. To stitch together two pieces of cloth with some soft and warm substance between them; as a quilted bedcover; a quilted coat.
2. To sew in the manner of a quilt

[@bobbiebrandel3152]

Let's not split hairs. A quilt is a blanket you've put some love into.

[@windycityliz7711]

@@CountryLadyInBoots Well, this is actually interesting quite interesting. I do it a lot and never took the trouble to be specific about what I was do-ing. Thanks.

[@Lea-bw9wj]

I've used old blankets that had where full of holes. I sewed up the small holes and the larger ones I "stuffed" with some stuffing. Once it was quilted you had to really look to find where the stuffing was. It didn't feel as dense but only because I new what I was feeling. Couldn't tell by looking at the finished quilt.

[@trekkiemary]

Thanks for the info on a summer quilt. I’ve heard the term but wasn’t sure how one would be made. I have a couple of worn out blankets which are in my mending pile. Interesting thought to maybe use them as batting instead. Might just do that.

[@theblerdshow]

My first quilt I used felt from a Christmas project. It's for my little boy, used flannel for backing fabric. My other baby quilts were poly/cotton blend batting with flannel backing.

[@LottieSue]

Most of my quilts are made with Warm and Natural Batting, I have a couple child quilts of Polar Fleece backing. I'm looking for alternatives with mostly cotton with higher loft.

[@roxannesmith6656]

Great ideas ! Thank you ! I have used a thin flannel blanket in a small quilt. Worked pretty good !😊

[@melbymckechnie2031]

I’ve use flannel sheets for the batting as well

[@jodylatwesen5487]

A friend of mine has used mattress pads that she picked up at a garage sale.

[@chelseagradney3341]

great video. I loved the part about using old quilts.

[@sgtpepper.6511]

Have you ever considered the frequency of different fibers..? There have been several studies in the frequency of fibers and how these different frequencies effect the human body. ❤❤❤

[@talleysartstudio]

I keep an eye out for used baby blankets at thrift shops for batting. They are usually cotton/polyester blend. ALOT cheaper than buying by the role.

[@jennaforesti]

Currently using a worn fleece blanket. It's fairly easy to hand quilt through.

[@Krys1973]

First quilt I made... Not knowing anything but not having a lot of money, I used an old blanket that has no holes and the silk edging has come off.

[@karenraabis5296]

I want to try the minky type blanket without batting. So just as a backing. I heard a you tuber say that she goes to good will and purchases a blanket there and washes it. Once she bought 2 identical soft blankets and sewed them together to make it larger. I am going to go to a discount store like Home Goods. You can get a soft blanket for 11.99 - 19.99 there and it would also be sewn together. Fingers crossed it works

[@spearageddon3279]

If you haven't done it yet, I saw a tip to use "press-n-seal" along stich lines to hold the minky in place and prevent stretching while trying to sew it ... then it just tears off easily once sewn. I assume this would work with most stretchy or slippery fabrics.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

@@spearageddon3279great idea! I’ve never used Minky mainly because of my concern over the stretch. Thank you for sharing.❤

[@dianahampton8768]

Fleece blankets make an excellent bedding I have made a couple that way and the hand after it is sewn it’s just absolutely soft and wonderful. Also, I prefer to use a fleece blanket that has been used for a while and is pilled up, that way it’s really like free and you’re not buying anything new, then the new fleece blanket can go on your bed, L O L

[@jayneterry8701]

For placemats, bags, etc I have used rumple felt. Its polyester , fused denser than polyester batting. It may have other names. Your wine glasses wont tip over.

[@patriciadriggers6263]

I have used a lot of different batting’s. I was wondering about the backing can it be a silky, smooth texture like satiny smooth My granddaughter wants something that smooth up against her skin. And I don’t know what to do or use ❤. And should I send it out to the long arm?
I enjoy your videos They are so helpful and down to earth. Thank you for all you do😊

[@darleensanford7231]

I usually use 80/20 due to the cost. I need to consider the fleece sheets.

[@Dilsere1]

Can we use a plush blanket as the backing for a quilt top?

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

Thanks for sharing

[@kayla_quilts]

Thank you! I always look forward to your name popping up in my comment notifications when I upload a video 🥰

[@ShadowMoonFarms]

@@kayla_quilts Thank you for that. Comments make your channel grow. It's the least I can do for you taking the time to make your videos.

[@rainydaydiva6320]

I always use Missouri Star quilt batting, it’s an 80/20 blend. It has a nice feel to it, it quilts well and my quilts drape nicely with it. I have tried the warm & natural from wal-mart, but for me and my husband it makes the quilt too hot. I do wanna try making one using flannel as my batting. I just don’t know how it would look quilted.

[@cutflower36]

Whats a good polyester batting for quilted hand bag. Maybe something i can get at Walmart or Michaels? Thanks

[@lulajuliavaisanen1096]

ive been corcheting most of my life but i recently got over a few boxes with diffrent fabrics, ill like to start sewing but right now im trying to reserch a little and since englidh isnt my first langues im struggeling, would anyone explain a few things for me ?
i dont think if i wanna try quilting just yet but a few projects ive been looking at tells me i need to get batting
1. what is batting is it "just" the fabric in between?
2. as mentioned in the video can it be just anyting to give structure or is there some type of rule i have to follow?
3. at the moment i have fabric siccors and imbroidery thread, an old sewing macheen and some pins, what do i need to buy what is the "you cant live without" becaus internet tells me i need tons of stuff and i cant buy all of that, so what is the most important
4. ive come over a few bags of old unwanted clothes would i be looked down upon if i cut them apart and use that fabric too? or do i need to only use the fabrics from the stores ?
5. for non wearable things like bags and bookmarks, can i use diffrent types of fabrics or does it need to be all poliester or all cotton ?

[@kayla_quilts]

I'm going to try to answer all your questions:
1) batting is the layer between the top and backing, it adds a layer for warmth and can be purchased batting, or I have also used a thin cheap blanket too. You'll want to take in account shrinkage of the material and durability but it doesn't have to be specific 'batting' from a fabric shop. Also, people in hot climates will not even use a batting layer so quilts can be used even when it's too hot.
3) You'll also want a rotary cutter, rotary mat and a ruler for cutting accurately. But if you are making a quilt out of squares and are accurate with scissors then that can wait. You'll also need thread for the sewing machine, I typically use 40 or 50 weight cotton thread. Remember that 100+ years ago they didn't have all the things that we have now, and although some things make quilting easier and faster it is not 100% necessary.
4) You can most definitely use any material that is durable to last through washing and using. But for your first quilt, I would not recommend any fabric that stretches. They are very hard to work with and typically needs a stabilizer. So stick with wovens until ready to move to other types of material.
5) Fabric interfacing, fusible interfacing, or products with similar names will help a lot if using stretch material. I like to experiment with fabrics, and sometimes it just doesn't work out, but sometimes it does.
Please let me know if you need any more help! and happy quilting 🥰

[@clairematthew891]

I am thinking of making a quilt batting g using hand towels we no longer use, zig zag stitched together, has anyone else tried this.

[@kimconnollysolocampermarri467]

No but I was thinking about old towels as a batting but I haven’t done it.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

I haven’t tried that either but would think the larger the quilt top the heavier with towels for batting.

[@betteolivieri7644]

can you use felt instead of batting. I have a bunch of the 72 inch felt

[@theblerdshow]

I read that you could, so I did for my first quilt. The only difference I see is that the quilt is heavier and more dense. It was for my son, he took it to school for nap time when he was 3-4 yo, plenty of washes. There are no issues I have seen with it. I even quilted it on my domestic machine, basic 6" crosshatch pattern.

[@MarkCampbell553]

Minky as a backing with no batting.

[@jacquelinespivey2413]

❤

[@sandrakeske2176]

What about muslin?