When I went looking for a piece of batt to layer the friendship quilt from last week’s post, I couldn’t find one big enough in all the leftover pieces from previous projects. I didn’t want to cut into a new batt for this small project, so I decided to piece some of the chunks I had. I learned a simple way to do this years ago, and decided it might be of help to some of you.
Typically the chunks we want to piece together do not have even edges. This trick makes them fit perfectly. Simply overlap the uneven edges.
Place a ruler on the overlap, being sure there’s some of each piece past the edge of the ruler and cut.
Remove the excess batt.
Then stitch the even edges together with a “Z” stitch. I recommend matching your thread and making the horizontal stitches about 1″ apart. Don’t pull them tight ~ just enough to cause the edges to lie comfortably against each other.
Once stitched it should hold together well enough to layer and pin the quilt sandwich. And once finished the quilting will hold the batting secure. This is the batting being pieced for my runner (note needle almost half way up).
The “Z” stitch is a temporary stitch, so be gentle as you put the sandwich together. I personally would rather do this than purchase batting tape. Do you have a way you prefer? Any other ideas for using up scrap batt?
Joanie says
Good job Chris, this is a really helpful idea. Thanks always for your sound advice.
Sandy says
I will use a light weight fusible and cut it into 3 inch strips. I cut the batting straight, the same as your instructions, and use an iron to press the strips instead of sewing by hand. It doesn’t add bulk, is faster, and is cheaper than seam tape. of course, do not try a full polyester, but I’ve done this on an 80/20 blend with no problem. Also, I’ve used the peiced batting and doubled up the two battings when I want a thicker batting. It’s a more economical way to get a thicker quilt and shows the quilting a lot more.
Sue Schultz says
I don’t purchase the batting tape, but rather purchase fusible tricot by the yard and cut it into 1-1/2″ strips. It’s the same as bating tape but much more reasonable. It’s also quick, after I’ve prepared the edges like you do.
WANDA E KRUGER says
I have to ask – what is wrong with batting tape? I use this on “small” items (like wall hangings).
clkquilt says
There’s nothing wrong with it at all – I’m just frugal 🤪
Pat Biskie says
Sometimes I follow this cutting & butting technique and machine zigzag them together with a very big stitch. Other times, I follow a long-ago tip from Eleanor Burns. She says to just overlap two pieces of batting a few inches (you can machine baste along the doubled section of you want). She dares anyone to find the place where the joint is in her finished quilt, and I have to agree with her. If you can use an original edge of the batting, even better since it gets thinner toward the edge. I always use 80/20 batting so I don’t know how it would work with all poly. Additional hint: Be sure to have the “dimples” side of the batting facing the same way.
judy raddatz says
All good tips. Thanks
Deb Szott says
I machine piece the batting with a zig zag stitch and matching thread using a walking foot. I’ve tried it with different types of battings and it has worked for me.