I only use warm and natural and occasionally 80/20. Last year i sewed all my pieces of batting together. I have them all together in one cupboard with the packages i purchased. I am very happy with what i accomplished last year during the challenge as the pieces lay better than the piles i had before just stuck here and there and are now in usable pieces. I can even make the pieces bigger if i need to. This not only made things more organized but it has a place

I also did slicing and sewing together again the different batting pieces. Small pieces I used for pillows. ..... Guess what... I watched Karen's Declutter Challenge last year 😁😁😁 I do not have any old batting laying around... Yay! 👍👍👍

I use batting leftovers to dust with. Makes my space much cleaner and declutters the batting as well!

@rebeccasorensen7925

5 ай бұрын

I used a piece to clean my longarm and longarm table yesterday. It did a very good job as I had a ton of dust or should I say literal dirt. My longarm is in the back of my home near my backyard and dog door. My backyard is in various stages of being or needing g to be redone. Hence no grass but dirt right now and it makes its way in and onto my longarm. It's a nightmare but the batting worked better than anything else I've tried.

@FayeKiser-pr2yu

5 ай бұрын

Great idea!!!

Frankin Batting has saved the day soooo many times😅

I don't throw any scraps or batting away. I save them up until I have enough to fill a dog bed. The last one I made was big enough for two full-size labs to lay on together in the garage while they are "helping" Daddy. I am ready to make another. I do quilt the patch work prior to putting the bed together. The next one will be for my sewing room so the dogs will have a spot to waych me .

I usually cut my batting pieces in gentle curves slightly overlapping, then join them by batting tape or zigzag stitch. There is no obvious or gaps when finished. Satisfies me somehow.

for the edges of quilts I take the batting and cut it into strips, 2 1/2", and use for rugs. You join 2 1/2" strips end to end, then cover the batting with the fabric and make a rug. I use the jelly roll rug pattern.

@TLStitches

5 ай бұрын

I do the same!

I've been making placemats that my guild is giving to various organizations. My smaller pieces I have in a bag for people who make dog beds. And, I keep a small stack of squares near my 3 sewing machines for mopping up excess oil and grabbing dust bunnies during machine cleaning time.

I recently made some Frankenbatting! I stitched all the pieces of cotton to each other, but you have to use fusible webbing to connect the low loft. In the end, I have two pieces suitable for two lap quilts! Many small pieces like 4" or 5" etc. make great stitch and flip Christmas ornaments which I successfully sent around the world in Christmas cards and envelopes!😁 They are pretty flat so perfect for that! People loved them!☺Postage is so high that I keep thinking what I can make that is small. Seems I succeeded this year! All the really small scraps go to a lady to stuff pet beds for the shelter! Nothing goes to waste. I also attach pieces of the Insul-Brite together and they go in potholders. I don't have anything else. Just bought 2 yds. of the cotton so I have plenty when these Frankenbattings are used!😂

I store my batting in space bags, it is amazing how much air is in batting it takes up so much less space when stored this way. I label each bag so I know its contens.

My batting is decently under control. I keep to the same brand and splice leftovers and it works perfectly fine; however, I keep them for the smaller quilts because splicing bigger pieces is hard for me. I don’t keep little scraps because I can’t be bothered with the mess and I’m good with that. I also manage the leftovers as soon as I finish the quilt because my space is so limited.

I keep my batting scraps stuffed into a kitchen size garbage bag. I use up a lot by making practice sandwiches for trying new quilting patterns or just warming up before quilting the actual quilt on my sit down longarm. Larger pieces are put together to make baby quilts or charity quilts. So that's how I keep my batting scraps under control!

I so agree about simplifying the batting you buy. My quilts all use a particular brand of poly that serves me well even in my regularly washed personal quilts so I buy and store 2 rolls of that . I make a lot of charity quilts so need plenty. However for table toppers and runners I need a thinner batting so have smaller pieces of 80/20 for those. This way I can join the left overs together as I can easily tell them apart. I think I must be more organised than I has realised!

I like to cut into rectangles for placemats, 14x19 gives me a nice 13x18 placemat when done and they are easy gifts to make around the holidays especially if you add some napkins and then it is two fold - you get rid of batting and extra yardage. Also, good for the planet to use cloth napkins instead of paper as they will last.

All my batting scraps made their way into my dog's bed I made her for Christmas. I dont even have any batting at the moment haha

I use smaller pieces to make a sandwich for testing thread tension on my sweet 16 after changing threads or bobbin.

You're absolutely right, Karen...a win, win, win!

I manage my batting so much better than fabric, frackenbatting for the win

I do frankenbatting. But honestly, since I spray baste, i am finding that if I trim scraps so they lay perfectly together I can lay them on backing or quilt top and spray baste without sewing together batting. I find batting lays much smoother. I am very careful to smooth and adjust so they are in good alignment. Once sprayed and then ironed, i can turn over and spray baste other side. I always spray batting, not top or backing. I have had better luck with this than sewing together, which always ripples ever so slightly. Sometimes ironing tames the ripple; sometimes it does not do as well so since I have had no problems with it I will continue with small projects. I have not done this for anything bigger than crib size or smaller lap quilt like for a nursing home resident. For bigger quilts, I will continue to work off bolt. I do not think my method would work as well with pin basting or even thread basting. Batting probably wouid shift. IMHO

I started doing frankenbatting last year as finished each quilted project. Only use one type of batting so that’s really easy the hard part is remembering to check that I’m sewing the pieces together with the same side up😂

This day was a real challenge with the batting. I had two boxes with all different materials. I’ve not finished the process but ended up with only one box!

I hope some of the beautiful quilt tops paired with the Franken-batting show up in future videos!! I would love to see them in all their glory!

I thought my bedding scraps were under control until I saw your video. You are absolutely right instead of saving so many pieces for runners, pillow, tops, and small quilts. I should be making some Frankenbats . And I love your idea about going ahead and making some pillow forms and getting them stuffed and ready instead of buying pillow forms. Love love love your videos.

I am hopeless with batting. Being only a beginner quilter I have never really taken note of exactly what batting I have bought and have been guided by others who all think differently - at times a group of us purchase a roll of batting between us depending on need. I couldnt tell you what the scraps I have left are as I have never relabelled the batting I do have - if they are cotton, wool, polyester or mixed. After viewing this and moving forward I have decided that I will gift all the pieces of batting to the Op shop - and relabel my batting once I have opened any new or received any that isnt already labelled. Hopefully will get better at this - off to watch the frankenbatting - have viewed this before but this is a new year and hopefully I can turn over a new leaf in relation to using up scraps...

I have several different types of batting and I only buy them by the roll…they were taking up so much “floor” space! Then I had a bright idea to purchase two thin nylon hammocks and mount them from my ceilings. Each hammock holds 3 full rolls. Then I designated a large tote to hold all my scap pieces of batting. Hubby came down to help me and we squared all the leftover pieces and labeled them with their sizes. I have been blown away how many scrap pieces I have used this past month alone! It’s so nice to go to the tote and just look for an already Pre-Cut piece. I have two stacks of 10” squares and 11 1/2” squares ready to use as well. Best thing I ever did was get my batting more organized!

I love your video on how to use up the batting. I tried out a bunch of them, and they really helped. I recently used some leftover batting to make upholstered picture holders for my kids. They were supposed to be for the holidays, but they didn't get finished in time.

Frankenbatting just makes so much sense. Money and space wise. I started doing it last year after doing that sewing room challenge.

Thank you Karen. A couple years ago I watched your video of sewing binding together. Frankenbatting! Does not seem to be a problem. Take dare. Marion in Oregon.

I used up most of my batting scraps using them to wrap breakable Christmas decorations. Worked great!

@chrisclar3105

5 ай бұрын

That's a great idea. Will use it next year.

I had my own hamper of small strips of batting that I used in cat mats for pet carriers.

thanks for this video, Karen. Helps so much to do the declutter in a community. Take care and have a nice day

I'm gonna try scraps for my swifter....we'll see!

I have 1 large tub. I only have 1 type of batting and I only keep pieces that are at least 5x5. I don’t make pillows. My dog destroys them to get all the fluff out of them. She’s really a very good dog. This is the only thing I haven’t been able to break her of

Skinny pieces are saved for straps for bags. I recently bought some interfacing on sale and cut it into strips to join my batting together. Quicker than sewing and cheaper than the premade ones. I save all my scraps, material and batting, in a bag for stuffing pillows or dog beds.

I found a bag of stuffing that I thought I had used up and had to buy the second bag. Fortunately, I can combine them into one full bag. Also, fortunately, there are two large Pikachus who are waiting to be re-stuffed and that will take most of that.

This is a category I’ve conquered for me! I allow myself one bin - I mark each scarp with size on a post it pinned to it, and keep a list by size. I consult the list and frankenbat as needed - sewing for project Linus gives me lots of opportunity to use up batting. I keep one roll on a chair base that rolls around my room as needed. This one is a breeze!

One of the pet rescues near me accepts homemade pet beds. They send them home with adopted pets. An old pillowcase filled with batting scraps makes a great bed for a cat or small dog, and a larger dog can be accommodated by sheeting (stained or ripped) that's pieced to make a cover.

I have one drawer of batting that has a couple different types. I splice all the like types together and use as needed

I used up a bunch of my bigger pieces of batting making "rag" quilts, using flannel squares, and the small scraps save for pillows.

I have all different sorts of batting for all different sorts of projects. I store them in a wooden armoire and won't get rid of it because it costs too much to replace. I use even the smallest pieces for stuffing so it will all, eventually, get used up. And I am a huge fan of frankenbatting. :)

I don’t make many quilts but I do save my batting from each project. I think I will take your suggestions about cutting the small pieces for pillows. I hope to make more quilts now that I have bought a cutie frame.

I've used Franken-batting after last year's declutter challenge and watching your video. The first time I forgot to check that the scrim was on the same side for all pieces. Lesson learned. Thanks for saving me money and a trip to the store.

Yup. I have a bunch of tiny batting scraps waiting for me to finish that is just waiting for me to finish that UFO pillow for the guest room. I'll be so happy when both are taken care of!

I used a heap in a ravioli block which is denim then piece of 5 inch wadding then flannel 6 inch back😊 thanks again Karen for all your tips

@m.rommiemclane14

5 ай бұрын

What’s a “ravioli block” used for?

I use my batting and other scraps to fill pet beds for local humane societies.

Last year I made several utility quilts to use up fabric scraps. One of them also had a "Franken-batting" of 9 pieces of batting. So satisfying!

I've been doing this for quite a few years now and it really does save money, and time, if you can piece larger chunks ahead of time

I want to make bowl cozies and hot pads with my leftover batting scraps ❤

@jilbertb

5 ай бұрын

Needs to be 100% cotton with no scrim, if you plan to use in the microwave.

I just have 2 bags right now. One of poly batting pieces left from general crafts and lap quilts, and one of leftover wool batting from a tied quilt I finished a couple of years ago. I will keep in mind the idea of only buying one type of batting from now on so I can make frankenbatting with leftovers.

The batting scraps and how to use them.was great . thank you

Thank you Karen 🧵

That's a good idea, Karen, to stick to one type of batting and buying it by the roll! Unfortunately, I don't have room for a roll in my teeny tiny space. But if I stick to one type, that will simplify matters. Right now I have my packaged batting and scraps in a large clear tote in the bottom of my sewing room closet.

I do love 100% cotton batting, but do use 80/20 occasionally. I made up Franken batting this fall and used all of it. I have a few scraps in a zippy bag. That's it for now.

Great video, Karen. Using the bits and pieces for stuffing pillows of all sizes is a great idea. Thank you! Have a great day. 😊

You are inspiration for me!!! Thank you.❤

Very helpful video Karen! Appreciate your help!

I store my batting in vacuum bags and a small one for the scraps. What do you consider the best batting overall and what batting is best for the various types of projects? What is the hardiest and what batting has successfully been used in antique quilts from the past? It’s a big subject.

I label my scraps with the size when I trim them . That way I can figure out how big the pieced batting will be when I join them.

Great info, I'm motivated to organize my batting.

I have too many bags and boxes of scrap batting. I'm going to be using some of the larger scrap pieces inside Project Linus quilts. I really do need to make some long cushions for my dining room benches (I can't buy the right sizes anywhere). My smaller scraps could be used inside bench cushions. It would be very nice to have some cushions for my outside chairs and bench (for the warmer months). I have a lot of new neighbors (with more coming) to enjoy my outside shade and seating with). I am hoping there will be at least one sewing buddy among my new neighbors.

I cut long thin batting strips into 2 inch strips for purses or jelly roll rugs

I use Franken batting all the time.

That is a beautiful quilt in progress on your millie in the background.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

Thank you

I use up 2 1/4 inch wide batting scraps in jelly roll rugs. I have not found that mixing content matters.

Franken batting has definitely saved the day for me, but currently I'm using my scraps for quilt as you go hexagon quilt from Daisy and Grace. This is the second time that I've made it and it really gobbles up those 5 inch pieces from the cut off sides of another quilt.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

I need to check that out

@andreabowbrick2016

5 ай бұрын

I got the templates from Missouri Star.

Finally made a newly posted video!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

Glad you're here 🤗

What size are the little quilts you are measuring your frankenbatting for please?

I need to decide what is too small to keep for a franken batting!

@jilbertb

5 ай бұрын

Personally, if it's 3-4" from around the sides of a finished quilt, I toss it.

I see empty shelves Karen!! Lol I dont finish many quilts in a years time so I have no idea how I have so many batting scraps!! Proof they multiply when you turn out the light!!

@fransak2723

5 ай бұрын

I saw those empty shelves too! 😂

You need to add emery powder to that list…

I buy batting by the roll. When the quilting is done and I trim it down to bind, I throw away the excess 8-10". Same with fabric scraps, if it's less than a FQ/ 1/4 yard, it toss it.

I was afraid that Frankenstein would have a "lump" where the pieces are joined. Guess what -- it doesn't!

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

funny eh?....no one can tell

I am a fairly new quilter and only buy batting one quilt at a time. Any scraps I use in small projects. If I am having a quilt top longarmed, I just pay the longarmer for batting.

I currently have at least 3 large totes of batting given to me from "friends", who know that I make stuffed gnomes, animals, and dog beds and pillows. I just can't keep up with this. So I now have started saying "NO, thank you. But my question is, how can you tell the difference between 100 % cotton and 80/20? They seem so close I can't tell.

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

I find that the 80/20 has more fibres floating around. I stopped using it because they were getting in my mouth and eyes

I bought a bolt of 80/20 fusible batting a couple of years ago. I recently threw out all of my strips and small bits that filled a tote. I didn’t like the heaviness in a pillow.I kept my smallest rectangles for small projects and larger ones will make Frankenbatting. Did you realize that the fusible tape they sell for attaching batting is the same product sold as lightweight interfacing for knits? A few minutes with a rotary cutter and you have miles of the stuff.

@MaryMannion

5 ай бұрын

Yup! It took me only once to get suckered into buying that stuff, and now I’m using up all my other lightweight interfacing.

@megharmon2298

5 ай бұрын

I tried this but found that was a hard surface on the seam which I did not like under my quilt top so I rarely use. I may try to find a way to use up what I have left.maybe it gets softer once washed. I do not know the answer to that.

@CeeBee-co2hi

5 ай бұрын

??!! thanks, this is news I can use! I thought, oh I don't have much batting, just a couple of packages and one bag of scraps...had forgotten about the insulated batting. polysilicon etc..!

@CeeBee-co2hi

5 ай бұрын

polyfill, that is.

@MartyLawless-kh2jd

5 ай бұрын

Good to know!!

I like the quilt you are working on ñow do you have the pattern or know where I can find it

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

kzread.info/dash/bejne/mamo2qqrmaW4Zag.htmlsi=k4ZIdgSOcwb55DbD

I can't see much of that quilt behind her on the quilt machine anyone know what it is and if she has a video on it. Thanks

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

It from Keep It Simple kzread.info/dash/bejne/mamo2qqrmaW4Zag.htmlsi=k4ZIdgSOcwb55DbD

First sewing room declutter in 20 years - I'm a bit behind, but taking my time and enjoying the process. I keep large batting scraps on top of a cabinet with the sizes marked. Unfortunately, I have 3 laundry baskets of small scraps to process. I like your idea of cutting certain sizes from them that can be used. The remainder will go into dog beds for animal shelters. I have one question - Did your longarm frame come with a pole to store your batting underneath? Does anyone have any solutions for storing a big roll of batting?

@JustGetitDoneQuilts

5 ай бұрын

I purchased a long steel tube from home depot and had my husband design an end piece for them to sit on

@fransak2723

5 ай бұрын

Years ago I purchase a clothes tree on wheels from a store going out of business. I took the “arms” out of the center post and the slides right over it. If you or someone you know is handy You could fashion one out of a small moving dolly on wheels ( Harbor Freight) attached a plywood base, screw down a pipe ring ( not sure what it’s called) then screw a piece of pipe into it. Done.

@maryjanerossetti8765

5 ай бұрын

thank you@@JustGetitDoneQuilts

@jilbertb

5 ай бұрын

My long arm did NOT come with a batting rail. Of course, they'll sell you one for $100.... I went to big box hardware and bought a long dowel rod 1"1/2 thick, cut it to fit, and put a large eye bolt in the ends, cost me $20 for everything.

@maryjanerossetti8765

5 ай бұрын

Thank you. @@jilbertb