What to do With Leftover Quilt Batting
As a longarm quilter I have PILES and PILES of leftover batting scraps. I have lots of uses for these leftover scraps, but here are some other suggestions that I have collected over the years. Some may be similar, but that is OK. Since we first posted this about ten years ago, we have had many suggestions for additional uses for batting scraps. New items added to the end of the list, and some of existing suggestions have been updated.
1. Rough cut a 9 x 12 rectangle to use in your Swiffer - bonus, you can turn it over and use the other side too!
2. Cut into 5" squares to use to make coasters
3. I use small odd shaped pieces to dust with.
4 . Use small piece of batting at your sewing table to collect loose threads ( I keep a stack of randomly cut rectangles at the end of my longarm table to collect thread scraps).
5. have another one at the ironing station to collect threads that you trim off while ironing
6. use them to pre-test thread tension settings by sandwiching pieces between muslin trimmings, cutting them into squares of 6-10 inches and moving the sandwich around under the needle as the machine runs in constant or manual mode and with the longer pieces, you can clamp to the take-up roller (I use PVC pipe tension clamps that I get from Jamie Wallen at the Quilters Apothecary) and lean on the other end with your tummy and also use that to test thread tensions..
More on those muslin sandwiches: use scraps with Muslin to practice machine quilting, but my difference would be that I often zig-zag stitch a bunch of them together to get a bigger piece (on my sewing machine), and this gives me a "challenge piece" because I sew all different types together, and I can see how my practice looks on different battings.
7. Wipe the machine down with it! Several variations on this theme. Cut cotton batting into small squares and keep a stack next to my machine to collect thread snips, and an easy grab to wipe down oil leaks.
8. Make small quilts for use in front of your coffee pot or other places where you get drips!
9. Make quilt as you go placemats.
Another placemat suggestion: I love to use my scraps for placemats for myself and to give as gifts. Cut into approx. 14" x 20" pieces and add to whatever you choose for top and backing. I also use this same size of batting scrap to make strip cut mats. These are easy, fast and help use up my fabric scraps, making great placemats or mats for tables under lamps, plants, etc.
10. Use as a for 'diaper' for your longarm. Tuck a small piece under the bobbin area when my machine is parked. Catches machine oil.
11. Donate the batting scraps to your local senior center where they can be used to make small crafts.
12. Donate scraps to a group of ladies who make raggedy quilts for charity.
13. The Cotton Theory uses small strips of batting. I have made one of the table runners.
14. A small piece of 80/20 batting around the thread in the guide on my serger type adapter *keeps the thread from knotting* or getting loose. Kind of the same idea as the sponge cube on the Gammill.
15. I use my extra batting for my dog kennels and even donate some to the local animal shelter. The practice muslin pieces I donate to the local animal shelter for doggie or kitty blankets.
16. Use small scraps for small projects like pot holders, mug rugs, placemats etc.
17. Our local hospital ladies auxiliary uses batting scraps to make "heart" pillows for heart surgery patients to hold to their chest when they have to cough or (heaven forbid) sneeze. Another idea: they use it for pillows to give to all the children who come in the ER 18. I use batting scraps to pack in boxes when I send a package. It is great because it doesn't weigh as much as newspaper and nothing ever gets broken when wrapped in it.
19. Cut into 5" squares and give them for auction items along with a pattern for one of the 'rag' quilts like the Christmas tree one.
20. Use as a *base for fiber post cards* and journal sized quilts.
21. Wrap a big enough piece *around the seat belt* that bites your neck!
22. Whack off a chunk ('whack off' is technical term!) and safety pin (optional) it to my right shoulder. When I have loose threads, I don't toss them over my shoulder, I toss them TO my shoulder. A larger piece is kinda like a burp cloth. Catches threads!
23. I use them for packing filler when I mail out quilts.
24. If you ever use fusible batting you won't have any left over as [the scraps] can be "pieced" pretty easily. (These are often referrd to as 'franken-batts).
25. My friend uses them to make "envelopes" for holding kits that another friend uses in classes she teaches. Anything over 10" goes there.
26. I have also given them to the Girl Scouts to sew together and use for their first quilts (usually one block pillows)
27. Use them in the winter to "chink" leaky windows or make door draft stoppers.
28. Use for biscuit quilts, raggy quilts, raggy jackets, etc.
29. Wrap it around the broom and use it to knock down the spider webs. (WHAT? you have dust bunnies???- LOL) Just throw it away, no messy broom bristles.
30. Wrap it around that casserole you are taking to the potluck. If it leaks, just throw it away! (96" width goes around a lot of times!)
31. Cut it a bit smaller than your lamp base and protect your table.
32. Use scraps to clean the wheels and tracks, oil on the longarm table.
33. Use to remove chalk marks on quilt tops. [or use 'same' fabric that quilt top is made of. Rub, marks disappear!]
34. I use small, potholder size scraps to erase the black marker lines off my white board. When the batting gets dirty, I just throw it away.
35. Give to friends that use it for stuffing in teddy bears and animals she makes to sell at bazaars and craft sales.
36. I use some of my batting scraps to make quilted purses.
37. Use for making the front portion of your anatomy appear to be more ample than it really is. Batting scraps are MUCH better than socks for this purpose. (Stuff your bra!!!)*** [OK, not sure about this one.. we seem to have plenty of stuffing!!! LOL]
38. Pincushions
39. Fabric Christmas ornaments
40. Christmas stockings
41. Pad photo album cover.
42. Cut batting in 2" by 2" squares bundle a dozen together with ribbon and give them to customers for make-up removal.
43. Give to guild members for craft projects - I try to remember to measure and tag scraps as to size just to know if they are big enough for table runners etc.
44.. I make a 6" quilt block and use the smaller piece of batting with it, quilt it up, bind it and give it!
45. You know the small drawers you can get from Walmart in the tool section that holds your nails, and bolts and washers? I use that for my jewelry. I place small pieces of batting on the bottom of the drawer so my rings, necklaces, and bracelets don't slide around when I pull the drawer open.
46. I have done strip quilts with strips 8" or wider batting just to practice on.
47. I use really small pieces to wipe up scraps of cloth that have dropped on a smooth tile floor.
48. I cut some of the batting into squares to hook my earrings/pins onto for my garage sale...........
49. I have also torn up the poly scraps to use for stuffing or filling of small throw pillows that I made the forms for.(Shred into small pieces for best results)
50. I usually keep the scraps of batting to stuff baby toys.
51. I roll larger pieces and put them at the folds when folding my quilts for storage -- keeps the fabric from breaking down
52. I make TONS of the raw edge quilts and have taught all my relatives to do likewise. We take two 8" squares of fabric and put a 6" square of batting in between....sew an X over the sandwich - this makes one block. Then sew all those squares together into a quilt with the raw edges all to one side, either the top or the bottom. Clip the raw edges up to about 1/8 of the seams every 1/4" or so, and wash till it's fluffy. I've also taught school kids to make them, and our church quilting ladies. This is the BIGGEST use of the batting scraps that I have.
53. I use them to *wrap breakables* when mailing items.
54. I place them between my good seasonal glass plates so they don't scratch each other.
55. I sew cotton batting scraps together to make rice bags. Then I either use these hot or cold for soothing my achy body, OR ... I lay them on my quilts to take up the slack while I'm quilting a non-square, non-flat quilt. Kinda like bean bags.
56. I contribute it to anyone that will accept it -- quilt shops, church groups, school groups, relatives, etc. Actually, my trash guys LOVE my scraps. They are always going through the trash cans and rescuing scraps that they want to keep.
57. I occasionally zig-zag scraps to do table runners or wall hangings that I am not particularly concerned about. You can't tell when it's done anyway. ( these are usually called Frankenstein bats!!!)
58. I also sew larger scraps together and use them in my own personal crib-size quilts
59. Use as snow at Christmas for decorating around little trees or your nativity scene.
60. Use in trapunto
61. I made a *small padded camera case* to wrap around my point and shoot camera. Put a little pocket in front for extra memory cards. The case and pocket are kept closed with Velcro and the neck strap comes out of the side of the top alongside the Velcro.
62. Mug Rugs? Coasters? Pot holders?
63. I use small scraps of batting as interfacing in little zipper pouches and they are cute little bags etc... You could also make some cute coasters or maybe a padded strap for a camera?
64. They make great dusting cloths. I cut them to fit on my Swiffer and use them to clean my wood floors.
65. Key Fobs - There are several patterns that use 2.5" strips of batting and it's perfect to use leftovers that you've been hanging on to.
66. Quilted mobile phone cases are a great way to use up little bits
67. If batting is all cotton, you could make a microwave baked potato bag.
68. All cotton batting makes a great Tortilla bag
69. Use batting scraps to quilt Linus Quilts or Nursing Home quilts.
70. Cats LOVE to sleep on batting. Use a big scrap, or piece together scraps to cover the area where your cat likes to sleep! Place it over the couch or chair that they favor.
71. Throw pieces too small for anything else in an old but sturdy pillowcase. Sew the end shut when it's full. Voila. A comfy bed for a cat or small dog
72. Practice your quilting with small sandwiches made from batting scraps.
73. Narrow strips of batting can be used for pretty jelly roll trivets, coasters, place mats and more (based on the popular “Jelly Roll Rug” found here). Cut and collect 2 1/2 strips until you have enough for a project. You’ll find the free “Jelly Rolls Trivets” pattern here.
74. Thinner strips can be used to give structure to straps for tote bags and purses.
75. If you have any batting scraps left (just kidding), tuck pieces of batting into the bottom of flower pots to cover the holes and keep the dirt in.
76. I use narrow batting strips to tie up delicate plants outdoors. The strips are soft and giving and don't damage plant stems!
77. I use them to wrap my Xmas ornaments.
OK, so a few more than 70 suggestions. Always like to give more than expected. But, granted, some are similar. Let me know how YOU use batting scraps in the comment section.
If you would like to know more about batting check out my friend Carol Thelans post about batting or this post I did awhile back - All About Batting
You might also be interested in reading about 10 Ways To Cut A Fat Quarter
1. Rough cut a 9 x 12 rectangle to use in your Swiffer - bonus, you can turn it over and use the other side too!
2. Cut into 5" squares to use to make coasters
3. I use small odd shaped pieces to dust with.
4 . Use small piece of batting at your sewing table to collect loose threads ( I keep a stack of randomly cut rectangles at the end of my longarm table to collect thread scraps).
5. have another one at the ironing station to collect threads that you trim off while ironing
6. use them to pre-test thread tension settings by sandwiching pieces between muslin trimmings, cutting them into squares of 6-10 inches and moving the sandwich around under the needle as the machine runs in constant or manual mode and with the longer pieces, you can clamp to the take-up roller (I use PVC pipe tension clamps that I get from Jamie Wallen at the Quilters Apothecary) and lean on the other end with your tummy and also use that to test thread tensions..
More on those muslin sandwiches: use scraps with Muslin to practice machine quilting, but my difference would be that I often zig-zag stitch a bunch of them together to get a bigger piece (on my sewing machine), and this gives me a "challenge piece" because I sew all different types together, and I can see how my practice looks on different battings.
7. Wipe the machine down with it! Several variations on this theme. Cut cotton batting into small squares and keep a stack next to my machine to collect thread snips, and an easy grab to wipe down oil leaks.
8. Make small quilts for use in front of your coffee pot or other places where you get drips!
9. Make quilt as you go placemats.
Another placemat suggestion: I love to use my scraps for placemats for myself and to give as gifts. Cut into approx. 14" x 20" pieces and add to whatever you choose for top and backing. I also use this same size of batting scrap to make strip cut mats. These are easy, fast and help use up my fabric scraps, making great placemats or mats for tables under lamps, plants, etc.
10. Use as a for 'diaper' for your longarm. Tuck a small piece under the bobbin area when my machine is parked. Catches machine oil.
11. Donate the batting scraps to your local senior center where they can be used to make small crafts.
12. Donate scraps to a group of ladies who make raggedy quilts for charity.
13. The Cotton Theory uses small strips of batting. I have made one of the table runners.
14. A small piece of 80/20 batting around the thread in the guide on my serger type adapter *keeps the thread from knotting* or getting loose. Kind of the same idea as the sponge cube on the Gammill.
15. I use my extra batting for my dog kennels and even donate some to the local animal shelter. The practice muslin pieces I donate to the local animal shelter for doggie or kitty blankets.
16. Use small scraps for small projects like pot holders, mug rugs, placemats etc.
17. Our local hospital ladies auxiliary uses batting scraps to make "heart" pillows for heart surgery patients to hold to their chest when they have to cough or (heaven forbid) sneeze. Another idea: they use it for pillows to give to all the children who come in the ER 18. I use batting scraps to pack in boxes when I send a package. It is great because it doesn't weigh as much as newspaper and nothing ever gets broken when wrapped in it.
19. Cut into 5" squares and give them for auction items along with a pattern for one of the 'rag' quilts like the Christmas tree one.
20. Use as a *base for fiber post cards* and journal sized quilts.
21. Wrap a big enough piece *around the seat belt* that bites your neck!
22. Whack off a chunk ('whack off' is technical term!) and safety pin (optional) it to my right shoulder. When I have loose threads, I don't toss them over my shoulder, I toss them TO my shoulder. A larger piece is kinda like a burp cloth. Catches threads!
23. I use them for packing filler when I mail out quilts.
24. If you ever use fusible batting you won't have any left over as [the scraps] can be "pieced" pretty easily. (These are often referrd to as 'franken-batts).
25. My friend uses them to make "envelopes" for holding kits that another friend uses in classes she teaches. Anything over 10" goes there.
26. I have also given them to the Girl Scouts to sew together and use for their first quilts (usually one block pillows)
27. Use them in the winter to "chink" leaky windows or make door draft stoppers.
28. Use for biscuit quilts, raggy quilts, raggy jackets, etc.
29. Wrap it around the broom and use it to knock down the spider webs. (WHAT? you have dust bunnies???- LOL) Just throw it away, no messy broom bristles.
30. Wrap it around that casserole you are taking to the potluck. If it leaks, just throw it away! (96" width goes around a lot of times!)
31. Cut it a bit smaller than your lamp base and protect your table.
32. Use scraps to clean the wheels and tracks, oil on the longarm table.
33. Use to remove chalk marks on quilt tops. [or use 'same' fabric that quilt top is made of. Rub, marks disappear!]
34. I use small, potholder size scraps to erase the black marker lines off my white board. When the batting gets dirty, I just throw it away.
35. Give to friends that use it for stuffing in teddy bears and animals she makes to sell at bazaars and craft sales.
36. I use some of my batting scraps to make quilted purses.
37. Use for making the front portion of your anatomy appear to be more ample than it really is. Batting scraps are MUCH better than socks for this purpose. (Stuff your bra!!!)*** [OK, not sure about this one.. we seem to have plenty of stuffing!!! LOL]
38. Pincushions
39. Fabric Christmas ornaments
40. Christmas stockings
41. Pad photo album cover.
42. Cut batting in 2" by 2" squares bundle a dozen together with ribbon and give them to customers for make-up removal.
43. Give to guild members for craft projects - I try to remember to measure and tag scraps as to size just to know if they are big enough for table runners etc.
44.. I make a 6" quilt block and use the smaller piece of batting with it, quilt it up, bind it and give it!
45. You know the small drawers you can get from Walmart in the tool section that holds your nails, and bolts and washers? I use that for my jewelry. I place small pieces of batting on the bottom of the drawer so my rings, necklaces, and bracelets don't slide around when I pull the drawer open.
46. I have done strip quilts with strips 8" or wider batting just to practice on.
47. I use really small pieces to wipe up scraps of cloth that have dropped on a smooth tile floor.
48. I cut some of the batting into squares to hook my earrings/pins onto for my garage sale...........
49. I have also torn up the poly scraps to use for stuffing or filling of small throw pillows that I made the forms for.(Shred into small pieces for best results)
50. I usually keep the scraps of batting to stuff baby toys.
51. I roll larger pieces and put them at the folds when folding my quilts for storage -- keeps the fabric from breaking down
52. I make TONS of the raw edge quilts and have taught all my relatives to do likewise. We take two 8" squares of fabric and put a 6" square of batting in between....sew an X over the sandwich - this makes one block. Then sew all those squares together into a quilt with the raw edges all to one side, either the top or the bottom. Clip the raw edges up to about 1/8 of the seams every 1/4" or so, and wash till it's fluffy. I've also taught school kids to make them, and our church quilting ladies. This is the BIGGEST use of the batting scraps that I have.
53. I use them to *wrap breakables* when mailing items.
54. I place them between my good seasonal glass plates so they don't scratch each other.
55. I sew cotton batting scraps together to make rice bags. Then I either use these hot or cold for soothing my achy body, OR ... I lay them on my quilts to take up the slack while I'm quilting a non-square, non-flat quilt. Kinda like bean bags.
56. I contribute it to anyone that will accept it -- quilt shops, church groups, school groups, relatives, etc. Actually, my trash guys LOVE my scraps. They are always going through the trash cans and rescuing scraps that they want to keep.
57. I occasionally zig-zag scraps to do table runners or wall hangings that I am not particularly concerned about. You can't tell when it's done anyway. ( these are usually called Frankenstein bats!!!)
58. I also sew larger scraps together and use them in my own personal crib-size quilts
59. Use as snow at Christmas for decorating around little trees or your nativity scene.
60. Use in trapunto
61. I made a *small padded camera case* to wrap around my point and shoot camera. Put a little pocket in front for extra memory cards. The case and pocket are kept closed with Velcro and the neck strap comes out of the side of the top alongside the Velcro.
62. Mug Rugs? Coasters? Pot holders?
63. I use small scraps of batting as interfacing in little zipper pouches and they are cute little bags etc... You could also make some cute coasters or maybe a padded strap for a camera?
64. They make great dusting cloths. I cut them to fit on my Swiffer and use them to clean my wood floors.
65. Key Fobs - There are several patterns that use 2.5" strips of batting and it's perfect to use leftovers that you've been hanging on to.
66. Quilted mobile phone cases are a great way to use up little bits
67. If batting is all cotton, you could make a microwave baked potato bag.
68. All cotton batting makes a great Tortilla bag
69. Use batting scraps to quilt Linus Quilts or Nursing Home quilts.
70. Cats LOVE to sleep on batting. Use a big scrap, or piece together scraps to cover the area where your cat likes to sleep! Place it over the couch or chair that they favor.
71. Throw pieces too small for anything else in an old but sturdy pillowcase. Sew the end shut when it's full. Voila. A comfy bed for a cat or small dog
72. Practice your quilting with small sandwiches made from batting scraps.
73. Narrow strips of batting can be used for pretty jelly roll trivets, coasters, place mats and more (based on the popular “Jelly Roll Rug” found here). Cut and collect 2 1/2 strips until you have enough for a project. You’ll find the free “Jelly Rolls Trivets” pattern here.
74. Thinner strips can be used to give structure to straps for tote bags and purses.
75. If you have any batting scraps left (just kidding), tuck pieces of batting into the bottom of flower pots to cover the holes and keep the dirt in.
76. I use narrow batting strips to tie up delicate plants outdoors. The strips are soft and giving and don't damage plant stems!
77. I use them to wrap my Xmas ornaments.
OK, so a few more than 70 suggestions. Always like to give more than expected. But, granted, some are similar. Let me know how YOU use batting scraps in the comment section.
If you would like to know more about batting check out my friend Carol Thelans post about batting or this post I did awhile back - All About Batting
You might also be interested in reading about 10 Ways To Cut A Fat Quarter
NOTE: This is updated from our previous post from several years ago - 60 Uses For Leftover Batting
Shadywood Quilts is a full service professional business that can help you complete your quilt at most any stage. We also 'fix' quilts made by non-professionals. If you get started, and don't feel you are going to be able to complete your quilt. Take pictures of your quilt in process, email it to us, and we can let you know if we can help you get it finished.
Shadywood Quilts is a full service professional business that can help you complete your quilt at most any stage. We also 'fix' quilts made by non-professionals. If you get started, and don't feel you are going to be able to complete your quilt. Take pictures of your quilt in process, email it to us, and we can let you know if we can help you get it finished.
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