2018 Finishes

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Piecing Batting

Batting scraps needing to be pieced
Goal number nine on my February list was to piece together the batting chunks that have accumulated since I finished Indigo Way. I know that some quilters label their chunks. I piece my chunks together. I'd rather keep track of one or two pieces of batting instead of a bunch of chunks. I also piece like battings together. . .all 80/20 and all wool; but, I don't mix the battings.

Piecing the batting with Bernie

With the larger chunks, I butt the edges together. Using a wide and long zig zag stitch (I use a 9 mm wide by 5mm long stitch setting.) I stitch until I have used all the big chunks of fabric. I generally square the piece so that when I'm ready to use it, it will play nice in my batting sandwich. I ended up with a piece that was around 70 inches square. 

Batting ready for use
There isn't much to see in the photo; but it is of the chunk that is ready to be used in a project. I use these pieces as I would any other piece of batting. 

Slicing the narrow strips into bits
Any skinny or narrow strips of batting, I cut into small pieces with my rotary cutting. I store these in a two gallon plastic ziplock bag. When I need to stuff a pincushion or a pillow, I'll use those stored bits.No batting scraps go in the trash.

Batting scraps ready to use as stuffing
In keeping the bits out of the landfill, I figure I am doing my part to reduce the impact on the environment. I really do use all the leftover pieces. Yes, it takes some time to piece the chunks together. I do save money because I can stretch the batting into more projects. Although, if I were to consider the amount of time it takes, I probably don't save as much as I think! In the end, I have a piece ready to use. I'm not sorting though pieces to find one that is the right size nor am I storing many batting scraps. It is a win for me!

Linking to Alycia at Finished or Not Friday.


4 comments:

  1. I too piece battings, small pieces are used for table runners and small wall hangings. Can't afford to waste anything anymore!

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  2. I piece my battings too, though I usually just label them and sort by type until I am ready to sew them together. I donate my little scraps to someone in my guild who uses them in pet beds.

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  3. Great job keeping the scrap batting out of the landfill, Terry! I like to piece my scraps for baby quilts.

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  4. That is quite a chore - but good for yoU!

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