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More uses for batting scraps
By Serena Nabeta | October 1, 2008
I’ve received lots of comments and ideas for batting scrap uses since my batting post last week. Here are just a few of the creative ideas for which you can save and use your batting scraps. Thanks to all of you who emailed me your thoughts and suggestions!
I use these for all sorts of charity projects. Yes, I do piece even those pieces under 6″. Then I use them for quilts to give bereaved, babies from underprivileged, pets (both in shelters and in the neighborhood). The list is completely endless. Even potholders, candle mats and such are welcomed by those who can’t afford things. Great to tuck into gift baskets at holiday time and more. Think puff quilts too. Also, I make covers for deployed troops and send them when appropriate.
from Jeanne in GA
You can connect batting pieces with a Joining stitch. I do this for charity quilt projects, or any project that it will be suitable, small quilts that are going to be back seat quilts. Or small pieces can be used for the insides of rag quilts.
from Debbie of Kachina Longarm Quilting
A sewing teacher in my guild, who had used up all her batting scraps requested we give our batting scraps to her for use in her classes where the students are excited about their quilting unit.
Just a thought on batting scraps. Do you have a local chapter of Project Linus? How about checking to see if they’d like a donation? I know our local quilters who make quilts for the hospital NICU are always looking for batting! And since the quilts are small, we can use about anything.
I use them for quilts made for the homeless. Just like you I stitch the pieces together to get the correct size. You should contact a guild, shelter or service organizations that would be handing out blankets and quilts to the homeless to find out who in your area makes quilts for them. Even the police station might be able to direct you. Salvation Army or any soup kitchen.
from Susan
I keep small scraps of batting, and when I get a big bag or two full…I use them for stuffing for stuffed animals. I make stuffed bears sometimes and the scraps work great.
from Joanne
I SAVE THEM! Then, occasionally I make a rag quilt. Kids love them. Just cut 5″ squares for the front and back. Center a 4″ square of batting between two pieces, sew from one corner to the opposite corner, twice, forming an X. You can just use up scraps or actually design a layout for the quilt. When you have enough squares for the size quilt you want, sew them together with 1/2″ seams. One side will have the seams showing, the other won’t. Snip all the exposed seams (they even have a set of snips that makes this easier). Wash and dry. The seams will start raveling. The more it is washed the more it ravels until it reaches the seam line. You’re saving the environment and making someone happy at the same time.
(Note: You can find step-by-step instructions on creating rag quilts with my Shaggy Raggy Quilt Pattern.)
I keep all my scraps because like you I make pot holders, coasters, wall hangings and the poly type batting I will pull apart and use in pin cushions. Then any scrap that is at least 6 inches I use to make small 5-1/2 or 6 inch square fabric books. Just the right size for tiny hands. Adults can make up stories to go with the pictures, or they can just point out the animals, colors etc. The pages of the books are also made from scrap of fabrics from my quilts, and mixed with novelty prints. very crazy quilt in design. The little books are all fabric and wash wonderfully. I have a friend that has a day care with her daughter and she loves these books because babies can chew on them as well as the toddlers looking at the colorful dogs, cats, etc and then it can be washed so no other child gets that child’s germs. they make wonderful baby shower gifts along with a cozy blankie. the actual plan when I started making these little books, was to get about 10 made and give to the police to carry in the cars for young children that have faced a traumatic experience. I will reach that goal, but at the present time, I am flooded with baby showers as well as friends wanting them for new babies in their families.
from Char
My husband found some of my small batting scraps in the trash and asked if he could have them. He uses them for polishing gun metal and other metal parts he makes. Now, I save the small scraps for him! He loves the gift!!!
from Elaine in KS
I belong to a quilt group at my church, and we do not ever throw batting scraps away. Small scraps are used in potholders, pincushions and as stuffing in ornaments and pillows. Polyester batting can be pulled apart by hand and used just like fiber fill in any sew and stuff project. Cotton batting can be used in any small project that needs to be flat such as table runners and quilted book covers. Please encourage your readers to donate any unwanted materials to charity groups, rummage sales etc. Please do not throw away anything that can be used by someone else. We need to always remember that nothing useful should ever end up in a landfill.
from Karen
The Freecycle Network is a site that is nationwide that we can recycle new or used items. Look for one in your area. I’ve already found a couple of things I want and need and have found people that want to need items that I have so I don’t have to throw them away or wait around to sell them. This is great for groups or organizations to collect or raise items for their activities……whatever!
from Mary
(Note: I haven’t personally used the Freecycle Network site, but have heard that it is a great resource! I’d love to hear from any of you who have used it!)
Topics: Guest Posts, Helpful Lessons, Links, Reuse and Recycle | 1 Comment »
October 25th, 2008 at 12:53 pm
I have always had trouble with ruffles. The starch is a great idea, and the triple rufffles are beautiful. Thanks for sharing!