Batting and interfacing are bulky so shipping is VERY expensive (especially for those who order them from abroad, like me!). That makes every little scrap of it valuable.
So, what can we do with batting scraps? Small bags and pouches are just two options. But I use scraps when I have to make larger pieces too. I “piece” the batting scraps into bigger pieces and I am able to use them for baby quilts, table runners, pillows or large bags.
So here is how to piece two batting pieces.
You need to lay the pieces on a cutting mat, overlapping them by at least 1-2 inches.
Then with a rotary cutter, cut a wavy line through both layers.
Remove the small strips and now the edges of the two pieces should look like this picture.
Line up the two pieces, matching the curves. Join the two pieces with a hand stitching. Make sure the joining stitching keeps everything flat, the edges don’t have to overlap.
Here is a close-up; stitch as densely as you wish, it depends on how heavily you quilt your piece. Use thread in a MATCHING color.
You could join the pieces by machine too, but I find this more difficult than stitching by hand. You have to use a wide zig zag stitch. Little pieces of adhesive tape (that can be easily removed) could be of help to keep the pieces next to each other while sewing.
How about interfacing? If you make bags, I bet you have a big box of scraps. I save those too!
You just have to straighten the edges with a rotary cutter…
…and join them with a zig zag stitch. Do not overlap the edges.
Use FINE thread in a MATCHING color.
I fused this piece to fabric.
Even if I use fusible interfacing, I like to stitch on the interfacing +fabric piece as in the image below. It keeps the layers together better and if I used a scrappy interfacing, then this stitching makes the piece stronger.
But what if the pieces are really small? Use them to make bowls or boxes
So save your batting or interfacing scraps and put them to good use!
Geta
Yes, I save all my rests of batting too.
Nana
I save them all too – I really must sew them together!!!
I do the same thing with my scraps too, lol!!
I have been saving mine too but not sure exactly where or how to use them. Thank you for your detailed instructions. i am headed to the sewing studio to put them to good use!
Your European thrift is commendable with quilting supplies getting more expensive
I save my all scraps (fabric, batting, and interfacing). Instead of handstitching or zigzagging my batting scraps together, I iron on strips of interfacing to connect the cut edges.
There is a product made in the USA which is called “Heat Press”; it allows you to fuse batting pieces together. My package includes 15 yards (13.7 meters) x 1.5″ (3.8 cms) and instructions for use with different types of batting. Originator is Jean Harwood, and manufacturer’s website is http://www.heatpressbattingtogether.com (quicker than stitching).
Good Evening Greta! I read a tip like this quite a few years ago, although not any where as detailed, and have been saving batting scraps and interfacing scraps ever since. I really like the way that you stitch your batting pieces together; it really makes it look professional and not bowed the way mine do. So, I will definitely be trying your method of rounding the two pieces and then using a larger zig zag stitch. Being a “poorer” quilter got me started in scrap quilting and I save almost every scrap of fabric I can also. Thank you for sharing tour tips and tutorials! Have a fantastic creative day!
HELP PLEASE!!! I now have 5 bins of batting scraps and I’m reorganizing all of my sewing supplies and room/storage. Can you offer ideas on how to store the batting scraps? I organize by type because I have 5 different types, and I am trimming the edges of each piece to at least be square. But I have no good ideas on how to store them other than shove them back into a storage bin in the closet. I suppose that works, but I’ve searched the internet and only get ideas on how to use them, not how to store them. I have a lovely fabric scrap storage solution but that in my sewing room and looks lovely. I need closet storage ideas for batting scraps. Any ideas from you wonderful quilters?? Thanks in advance