Uses for Batting Scraps

[Cheryl K.]

I have no problem tossing fabric scraps. But for some reason, I can't seem to bring myself to throw out all these batting scraps. I fold them neatly and have containers full just knowing that some day I will hear of a clever use for them. Any ideas?

[Margo C.]

I often piece together large batting scraps to use in quilts! The small pieces are handy for "dusting" around the sewing area, on the bed of my long-arm, and a quick pick up of floor debris in the sewing room.

[Margo C.]

I make small sandwiches of the scrap batting and left over fabric from my quilt to use to test out my choices of thread and stiches. I keep a pile near my sewing machie ready for use. Betty Ann

[Eileen K.]

I use them in my (dry)Swiffer. They clean bare floors great!!
eileenkny

[Eileen K.]

I just saw a Quilting Arts show yesterday where they dyed the batting and used it for applique and making quilts, much like felted wool. Very cool and a great way to use the scraps

[Eileen K.]

I love the Swiffer idea and the dying idea. Great! I recently got a needle felting machine and had not thought about being able to felt the batting. I must try that.

[Eileen K.]

I use some small pieces when I want to test how my stitching is on my machine. The little pieces work well and then I know it is the same as what I will be working with in my quilt.

[Carolyn T.]

I keep a scrap at the ironing board. Loose threads stick right to it and it stays on my cotton ironing board cover very well. This saves extra vacuuming time for my husband! Carolyn in Kerrville, TX

[Eileen K.]

Linda V. Taylor, the queen of Longarm quilting, puts a batting scrap on her shoulder and sticks thread scraps to it. You know, like the little tails at the beginning and end of a chain. When the batting scrap is full, she tosses it.
I've tried it and it works.
eileenkny

[Annette R.]

I piece some of my batting scraps together with a slight over lap and a zigzag stitch and then use them for placemats, pot holders, or purses or bags. great way to use up the scraps and end up with quick gifts for almost any occasion. If you use fabric scraps too the whole thing is virtually free. Or at least that is my story and I am sticking to it. Ann

[Annette R.]

I use some of the longer pieces of batting and sew as Ann does and I use them for wall hangings. They are usually for my own personal use and they come out fine. I have also used them as Ann does for smaller applications... Nan

[Anne B.]

Poly and wool batting scraps make great stuffing. Cotton isn't so good, because it's not as fluffy.

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

[Sharon E.]

I use mine -- if they are big enough -- make a sandwich and practice free motion quilting, but have also sewed together for a quilt or for placemats and pot holders.

Sharon in Colorado

[Sharon E.]

I piece them together like Ann does and use them when I make a rag quilt. No piece of batting is wasted.

I like that idea about putting a scrap on your shoulder for threads when sewing. What a great idea!

JoAnne in southern California

[Sharon E.]

I recently finished a quilt-as-you-go scrap quilt which I made with 8x8 squares of scrap batting, 8x8 squares of coordinating madras plaid scraps & on the front side a sky-blue HST in one corner, followed by flip & sew scraps (including selveges, anything) making a "rainbow" effect. (see the 9th quilt on my profile). All the batting I'd used prior had been cottons, but several different brands, but you can't tell in the scrap quilt. I kept making these for a few years, stacking them on a shelf until I had enough for a lap-quilt. Now I've just got to decide on the solid color & backing and start a new stack!
And Laura, I'm willing to take those throw-away scraps !!!
Florence