Last Updated on August 9, 2023
Learn how to sew batting together seamlessly: If you’re an avid quilter, you probably find yourself with an assortment of leftover quilt batting scraps stashed away in your sewing room. These remnants are perfect for smaller projects, but can you also seamlessly join them to create larger pieces for your next quilt runner, pillow, or wall hanging?
What is the best batting for sewing?
When you’re choosing the best batting for sewing, a cotton blend batting is a smart pick. It’s made from 60% cotton and 40% polyester, which means it combines the good things from both materials. It’s not as pricey as pure cotton and doesn’t shrink as much.
This batting works great for machine quilting, which many experienced sewers like me use a lot. So, if you’re looking for an affordable batting that only changes shape a little and is perfect for machine sewing, this cotton-blend batting is a top choice.
Is batting a fabric?
No, batting is not a fabric itself. It is the filling used in quilts to provide warmth and weight. Batting is typically made from materials like cotton, polyester, wool, and even bamboo fibers. Its weight and thickness, known as loft, determine its characteristics in quilting projects.
How to sew batting together?
Can you sew pieces of batting together? Got extra quilt batting? No problem. Just overlap the edges of two pieces, sew them together using a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine, and you have a bigger sheet for your projects. Keep adding pieces the same way. And remember, save the scraps for stuffing or small crafts later. That’s it – your batting is ready for more quilting fun!
Can you sew batting with a sewing machine?
Absolutely! You can easily sew batting using a sewing machine. Just overlap the edges of two pieces, stitch them together with a zig-zag stitch, and you’ll have a larger sheet for your quilting projects. Repeat the process for additional pieces, and you’re good to go. Remember to save the leftover scraps for future use.
Step by Step
Here, we’ll walk you through a simple and effective method for sewing batting pieces together using a sewing machine’s zig-zag stitch.
1. Sorting Your Batting
Before diving into the sewing process, sorting your batting scraps is essential. Group them by thickness, loft, color, and even brand if you know it. This will help you achieve a more consistent result when sewing the pieces together.
By selecting pieces with similar characteristics, your finished batting will maintain a balanced texture and appearance.
2. Preparing the Batting Pieces
To begin the process, you must prepare your batting pieces for sewing. Select two pieces that you want to join together. These pieces must have straight edges to ensure a smooth seam. Overlap the two edges by about half an inch to an inch, aligning them as accurately as possible.
Place a ruler along the overlapped section and use a rotary cutter to trim along the ruler’s edge. Save the trimmed scraps for potential future stuffing or smaller projects. Now, you have two batting pieces with perfectly matching edges ready for sewing.
3. Choosing a Presser Foot
While a regular presser foot can accommodate a zig-zag stitch, using a blind hem presser foot (also known as an edge stitch foot) can simplify the process. This specialized foot features a vertical bar that provides a guide for aligning the batting pieces. If you don’t have a blind hem presser foot, your regular presser foot will also work.
Kalevel Blind Hem Presser Feet
- Made from sturdy metal
- Ensuring durability and resistance to rust
- Accurate Fabric Control
- ideal for joining lace and fabric edges seamlessly
- Compatible with a wide range of sewing machines
4. Setting the Zig-Zag Stitch
You’ll want to set your sewing machine to a zig-zag stitch for a seamless join. Adjust the stitch length and width to achieve the desired result. Most machines will have settings for these parameters. Aim for the widest zig-zag width and a medium stitch length to ensure a secure and durable seam.
On various machines, this setting might be denoted as a number. For example, a width of 5.5 and a length of 2.5 can work well.
5. Sewing the Batting Pieces
Place the two straight-edged batting pieces under the presser foot, positioning them against the vertical bar of the blind hem presser foot if you use one. If not, align the edges carefully, ensuring they butt up against each other without overlapping.
Start stitching by sewing a zig-zag stitch back and forth between the pieces, securing them together. The machine will feed the pieces through as you guide them.
6. Continue Adding Pieces
Once your initial pieces are joined, you can continue adding more batting scraps using the same method. Stitch each new piece to the previous one, ensuring the edges align neatly. Repeat the process until you’ve created a batting piece of the desired size for your project.
7. Utilize the Scraps
Don’t discard the tiny scraps trimmed during the preparation process. These leftover pieces can be repurposed as stuffing for various projects, reducing waste and maximizing your resources.
Can you glue batting together?
Yes, you can glue batting together. Using a fabric or batting adhesive, apply a thin, even layer to the overlapping edges of two pieces. Press them together firmly and let the glue dry according to the product’s instructions.
Remember that gluing may affect the flexibility and texture of the batting, so consider the project’s requirements. Sewing or using adhesive tape can be more suitable for more durable projects.
How do you fuse batting together? (Video)
To fuse batting together, you can use a special tape called heat press batting tape. This tape has a rough side with glue. Place it down on the batting seam and use an iron set to the right heat (like cotton or synthetic) for a short time.
The glue bonds the batting pieces. Be careful not to overheat delicate materials like wool. This creates a bigger sheet for your quilting. Remember, it’s great for cotton blends and polyester but not for fusible batting.
Can you sew cotton batting?
Yes, you can sew cotton batting. It can be pieced together using various methods like hand stitching, machine stitching, or using batting tape. Sara demonstrates how to do all three in order to use batting pieces for larger quilting projects.
Should you wash batting before sewing?
The decision to prewash batting before sewing is optional. While you can prewash most types of batting, it’s not required for your sewing projects.
Can you hot glue batting?
Yes, you can use hot glue to bond dissimilar materials, like polyester batting, to non-wood materials, such as plywood. Hot glue effectively attaches various non-wood materials to your projects, providing a secure and convenient adhesive solution.
What tape is used for fusing batting together?
The tape used for fusing batting together is quilting fusible tape. This versatile tool is a secret weapon for sewists, allowing you to seamlessly piece together batting scraps, add appliqué designs, and easily attach binding.
Quilting fusible tape works like magic, making your quilting projects even more convenient and enjoyable.
Can I use towel instead of batting?
Yes, you can use a towel as a substitute for batting in your quilt. However, remember that using a towel will result in a different thickness and texture compared to traditional batting. While it’s a viable option, be prepared for your quilt’s unique look and feel due to the towel’s characteristics.
Can you use batting for clothes?
Yes, you can use batting for clothes, especially when creating quilted garments. By selecting the right type of batting, your quilted clothing can achieve a modern, stylish, and sleek appearance – far from resembling coverlets or pot holders.
However, it’s important to note that not all batting types are suitable for every clothing project. The style of the garment should be your primary consideration when choosing the appropriate batting.
Does 100% cotton batting shrink?
Yes, 100% cotton batting does shrink when washed. This can result in a charming, crinkled, puckered appearance, especially on denser quilting designs. Stitching can typically be done up to 8 inches apart when using cotton quilt batting without scrim.
If there’s a scrim, the stitching distance might extend up to 12 inches. While cotton batting is excellent for quilting, it’s generally not recommended for tied quilts due to its shrinkage characteristics.
Conclusion
With this straightforward tutorial, you’ve learned how to sew batting pieces together seamlessly using a zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine.
By sorting your batting, selecting an appropriate presser foot, setting the zig-zag stitch, and carefully sewing the pieces together, you can create a large and consistent piece of batting for your quilting projects.
I Like to write and read on fashion, may be that’s why “Fashion says “me too” style says “only me”
