Batting Piecing Tutorial

If you sew LOTS of quilts, you will have LOTS of Batting scraps left over... I'm forever trying to store them with the hope one day I will be able to use it again. I do have plans for making 12 place mats for our dining table.. So hopefully I will be able to use up these precious scraps. I have thought over time, i should be able to sew these together to make bigger pieces and use for my quilts. So lucky for us the lovely Vicki from Sew Inspired is our Featured blogger today!! And she has a great Piecing Batting Tutorial for you... I haven't seen this technique before.. But I'm keen to give it a try.

Batting Piecing by Machine Tutorial

Here are instructions for piecing together batting--I do this when I have large scraps that can be put together to make a batt large enough for a quilt, or sometimes I even piece batting for smaller projects if I need to.

Step 1: Lay out the two pieces of batting, with one overlapping the other by at least a couple inches.

Step 2: Using a rotary cutter or scissors, cut both layers of batting in a wavy line. The wavy line is important--if you stitch the batting together using a straight seam, it could come apart a little bit inside the quilt, and then you will have an obvious lumpy place and/or fold line that doesn’t look so great.

Step 3: Remove the small strips on either side of the cut you just made.

Step 4: Line up the two larger pieces of batting, matching up the edges along the wavy cut. The pieces should butt up against each other, but not overlap.

Step 5: Carefully move the batting pieces to your sewing machine. Set your machine to stitch with a wide and long zigzag stitch.

Make sure the pieces are lined up right and stitch them together so the zigzag stitches hold the two sides of batting together, without overlapping. I used a dark thread here so my stitches show in the photo, but usually I use white thread.

That's it! For piecing very large pieces of batting, you might want to hand stitch because it can be easier to keep the pieces aligned. Hand piecing is probably also better if you are using any kind of higher loft batting, as well. This tutorial at my blog includes directions for hand piecing batting, the way my grandma taught me when I was 13.

Thank you so much Vicki...I'm definitely going to give it a go!!

Vicki has a great blog over at Sew Inspired. I have been following her blog since I started following blogs she is one of my Favourites!! I hope these last few posts on Batting have helped give you options that you may not have been aware of. I also hope you have been busy sewing your QC Quilt Tops together.

 This weeks Class is all about backings!!  Fabric backs, Working out measurements, Pieced backs.. MORE OPTIONS!! xx

*** Mr Linky is back working***

 Link up

Your Quilts showing different Borders HERE

and any Batting Tips HERE

and

***Get Ready!!!..... I would LOVE for you to link up some of your Quilting posts that include a pieced back.  Share the different designs that you have done for your backs... It will be great to sit and browse through your projects for inspiration... Old and new posts are welcome as long as it shows a pieced back!***

More on Batting... with Amy.

Quilting and Blogs go hand in hand. It's so fun being able to share your creation with a world of fellow quilters who 'get' quilting.

 AND

 It's even better being able to enjoy and admire the inspiration of others... Amy has one of those blogs that you cant live without. She has great projects, great info and is such an inspiration... I'm excited to have her blogging with us today to share her wealth of knowledge! Thanks Amy.....

Hi, my name is Amy Smart and I blog about my quilting fetish at Diary of a Quilter.  I have loved finding other like-minded quilters (and fabric hoarders) of all ages in the blogosphere. I'm a mom to 4 youngsters who like to keep me on my toes. They and my husband are all extremely patient with my hobby and have learned to live amidst piles of fabric and half-finished projects in their lives.


Today Rebecca has asked me to share some thoughts on batting/wadding. Ever been overwhelmed by the variety of batting (or wadding) options available to quilt stores? Rebecca has already done a very thorough job explaining the variety of batting/wadding options available.  Sometimes choice is good, but sometimes the overwhelming number of choices can be paralyzing. So I thought today we'd discuss a few of the pros and cons of the different choices. And feel free to weigh-in. I love when you do because I haven't tried every product or technique. For example, has anyone out there used the Bamboo batting? What did you think?



Basically the definition of a quilt is a blanket made of a top (front) and back with a layer of batting sandwiched in between and held together by some kind of stitching through all three layers. The two most relevant factors in choosing a batting are Loft and Fibers.

First off – Loft. This means how thick or thin your batting is.

• Low Loft = thin and High Loft = thick.  Thin batting makes a thinner quilt (obviously) but it works much better for a running stitch whether done by hand or machine.  High Loft batts are best for a thicker comforter-type finish where the quilt is only going to be tied

Fiber defines what the batting is made of.  The three most common types of quilt batting are Polyester, 100% Cotton, and Cotton/Poly Blend and each has it’s own pros and cons.  (Wool and Silk are other options that are wonderful, but usually a lot pricier.) Another recent option is batting made from Bamboo. To be honest I haven't used Bamboo batting, but from all reviews it sounds fabulous so I need to give it a try.

• Polyester - Less expensive, better for hand-quilting (if it's low loft), doesn’t need to be quilted as closely together.  Tends to shift when not quilted closely and ‘beard’ (which means the polyester fibers migrate through the fabric to the outside of the quilt).
• Cotton - Feels like a thick flannel.  Better option for machine quilting. Generally must be quilted closely. Washes better without pilling. Shrinks slightly. (This can be good or bad, depending on your personal preference. I personally like when the batting shrinks after the first wash because it softens the quilt and gives it more of a vintage appearance.)
• Cotton blend (usually 80% cotton/20% polyester). Very similar to the cotton option, but is less-expensive and doesn’t shrink as much. Good for machine quilting.  This is what I use most often, mainly because of the price difference. Also I think it's a little lighter-weight than 100% Cotton, so may be easier to maneuver if you are quilting a large quilt and lighter for the finished quilt.
• Wool - generally low loft, but heavier weight and extremely warm. Good way to make a thin quilt extra warm.  Good for machine quilting and hand quilting (I've heard it's like quilting through butter). More expensive option.
• Bamboo - From all reviews I've heard sounds like a great choice and eco-friendly.  Slightly more expensive that cotton/poly option but less expensive than wool. Usually low loft so it's good for hand or machine quilting. Washes and holds shape well, although I have heard that bearding may be an issue. Anyone have that experience? I need to give this one a try myself.

Batting can be purchased by individual size, or big sewing stores will also let you buy it by the yard.  Batting goes on sale often at the big box stores. I always stock up then – or use those 40% off coupons.  And save those batting scraps. It’s very easy to whip-stitch (largish) scraps together. Or you can use your smaller scraps to make an easy quilt-as-you go table runner!

Size: you want your batting to be slightly larger than your quilt top (front) and slightly smaller than your quilt back. In other words the backing should be the biggest.

I'm so excited that Rebecca has put together such a thorough list of beginning quilting resources in one location. She asked me to mention a beginning quilting series that I put together last fall so I'll add it here because sometimes a variety of explanations can help solidify learning a new technique or hobby.


I have other basic quilting and sewing tutorials available as well as a pattern shop.

Thanks so much Rebecca for inviting me to come discuss the weighty issue of batting. ;) Best wishes to all as you continue your quilt progress! (But I will tell you now, this is a highly addictive hobby. You've all been warned!)

Thank you Amy, she knows her stuff!! And for my 2 cents... I really like Bamboo batting. I haven't experienced it bearding as yet. I'm not sure if I prefer it to 100% cotton?? But it has a silkiness that cotton doesn't have.. mmm i think i need to make a few more quilts so i can decide  ;)

Quilt Class 101 - Week 7 - Batting

When I went to the quilt shop to buy the batting/wadding for my very first quilt, the lady behind the counter got the roll and laid it out.. and i thought..."What is that?? That's not what i want.. its too thin!!"
Then, the next question?? What type do I want?  "I don't know.. they all look the same!"

So for those of you new to Quilting, Let me tell you a little about the different types of batting, their characteristics and what each one is best suited for.

Firstly, Thickness or Loft. Batting comes is different thicknesses.

 Low loft, is thin, (most popular for quilting) and 

High Loft is thick.

Most batting's have a Scrim. The scrim is fine non-woven fabric that the fibres are needle punched into. The scrim locks in fibers to prevent bearding/piling. The Scrim also gives the batting strength and firmness. Excellent for quilting.

100% Polyester is the high wadding you may be used to.. This is the wadding that i thought i initially wanted. Its breaks down in the quilt very quickly and is really difficult to quilt. Your best not to use it for Quilting.

100% Cotton is my favourite choice and i use it 95% of the time. It is a low loft, it drapes beautifully, soft, cuddly, warm and natural. Cotton batting tends to stick to the backing and top fabrics well so it doesn't shift around as much and easy to make your quilt sandwich. It is available in bleached white, great for your white quilts, natural in colouring or grey for your darker quilts. 95% of the time I use this batting in the natural colour. I love it.

70%Cotton / 30% Polyester - This Batting has the same characteristics as 100% cotton but is lighter in weight. You may prefer it if your making a large quilt.

60% Cotton / 40% Silky Wool. All natural, very soft and luxurious. Med Loft.

100% Wool is a great wadding if you want the extra warmth. It has a scrim on both sides to prevent the fibers piling out of the top. I used it for a Quilt for our bed. It is heavier in weight than 100% cotton. Can be heavy to Quilt and hand quilt.

60% Wool/40% Polyester. It has the warmth of wool batting but a lighter option. Quick to dry after washing and lighter on the bed. Its great for wall hangings and also available in grey. High loft.

60%Wool / 40% Cotton. This batting is soft to touch and drapes better than the wool/poly batting. It has the warmth of wool with the softness of cotton. Low - Medium loft.

Bamboo Batting is amazingly soft, drapes beautifully, low loft so its easier for hand quilting. Bamboo batting dries 3 times faster than cotton batting and will not allow mold or mildew to grow. This is my next favourite choice.

Fusible batting. There are a few different ones I have tried recently. You can use it doubled over for a high loft, or pull it apart into a thin low loft batting. Its popular with the quilt as you go techniques and I have only ever used it for small projects.

Insul-Bright.  This batting has a thin foil insulating layer in the batting. It is needle punched polyester fibers that reflect the hot/cold back to its source. I use this batting for making projects such as ironing board cover, insulating bags, hot pads etc. It is a bit noisy/crinkly. Don't use it for your Quilt.

Now the next most important Question... How to buy???

Most of the time Batting is sold on the roll. You will find that they vary in their widths.. The cotton Batting I use is 240cm wide. If your quilt wont fit into that size... you may need to order a piece bigger.

How much to buy??? Measure the width of your quilt top. Add 4-6 inches to the measurement to give you the amount you need. For eg, The width of the QC Quilt is 50". So buy a piece of batting 56" x the width of the Roll.

I hope this helps you...

If your QC top isn't fully complete (like mine) keep sewing and we are close to putting our quilt sandwich together...