Uses for Batting Scraps

[Jean H.]

I use them to make coaster and my quilting guild sold them at the craft fairs my DH is the one at ask me to make them for us I have them at my house and they get a work out Happy

[Jean H.]

Thank you never thought of that, But live and learn, the bird have been here longer than me so I will just feed them

[Anne B.]

Not to rain on your bird nest building...but our local nature center here has asked folks not to put out scraps of material, lint from dryers, etc...because it does not dry when wet in spring weather.
It will actually put the baby birds at risk. Especially lint from a dryer...when wet it become like cement.
As the center pointed out...birds find plenty of natural materials around them to build nests. What they do need during the spring is extra food.
I am just a guilty as the next person for putting out nest building materials. Even if we think of cotton as a natural material but if you have ever put a cotton towel out in the spring time and it is wet...in some climates it simply takes longer to dry and is cool to the touch.

I really like the idea of using the extra batting for my swifter!!

FW

Oh, dear! Thank you, FW, for sharing this. I will never do this again!

Anne in Vancouver, Canada

[Jean H.]

Not to rain on your bird nest building...but our local nature center here has asked folks not to put out scraps of material, lint from dryers, etc...because it does not dry when wet in spring weather.
It will actually put the baby birds at risk. Especially lint from a dryer...when wet it become like cement.
As the center pointed out...birds find plenty of natural materials around them to build nests. What they do need during the spring is extra food.
I am just a guilty as the next person for putting out nest building materials. Even if we think of cotton as a natural material but if you have ever put a cotton towel out in the spring time and it is wet...in some climates it simply takes longer to dry and is cool to the touch.

I really like the idea of using the extra batting for my swifter!!

FW

[Jean H.]

I cut them in smaller pieces and put them out for the birds to make there nests, and I also use it to test out stitches and free motion quilting....Jean
P.S .only the cotton batting not poly it will tangle up in the legs and cause harm

[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

[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 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

[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

[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

[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

[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

[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.]

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.

[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.