Creative Uses for Batting Scraps of All Sizes
Even the Smallest Pieces Can be Put to Good Use!
Do you find yourself tempted to throw away small batting scraps? Don’t! There are so many ways they can be used, even very small pieces.
First, it helps to organize leftover batting pieces so you can easily find the size you need for any project. Sort them roughly by width, fold them, label them by size and arrange them by width in a tub or other container. You may also want to note the type of batting it is if you can’t easily tell them apart with a quick look. Learn more here.
Larger scraps can be pieced together for quilts. Sew them together or use fusible batting tape. Learn how here.
Batting scraps are perfect for quilt-as-you-go blocks and rag quilts. If you have a project in mind, start cutting scraps to the size you need and set them aside until you have enough for the project. Make sure the scraps used for a project are all from the same type of batting.
Smaller pieces can be used for all types of projects: place mats, pot holders, trivets, mini quilts, coasters, bibs, bowls, boxes, bags and more.
Image from SewMamaSew.
Practice your quilting with small sandwiches made from batting scraps.
And, test your stitch quality and tension on a small sandwich before you begin machine quilting.
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.
Batting also makes great stuffing for people pillows. Pull the batting apart so there are no lumps.
Pulled-apart batting can also be used to stuff pin cushions, toys and other stuffed projects.
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.
Thinner strips can be used to give structure to straps for tote bags and purses.
Batting strips can also be used for the quilt-as-you-go string piecing technique developed Christina from A Few Scraps (shown below). Learn more here.
Have you ever noticed how just about everything seems to stick to batting? That makes batting scraps great dust cloths.
They’re also great for wiping down your cutting mat, around the machine and the machine itself.
Monica Skov uses batting pieces for Swiffer pads, as shown in this video.
As @wellphooey from this Quilting Board discussion says:
“I use them for Swiffer too. But even smaller pieces are used to ‘dust’ the sewing room. It grabs threads from all surfaces, even the machine, and then just toss it. Pin a small piece to your shirt and instead of aiming for the wastebasket with those cut thread ends, just slap them onto the pinned batting and they’ll stay there till you remove it. Of course you get funny looks when you go out shopping or to lunch and still have that thready thing hanging from your chest. Quilters will know what it is!”
Image from National Quilters Circle.
Batting scraps also make great chalkboard and dry erase board erasers. Learn how to make chalkboard erasers here.
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.
For more ideas, scroll down and see the comments left by other quilters.
What else can you do with batting scraps? Leave a comment below if you have an idea to add to the list!
Image Source: The photo at the top of the page is from “Recycle Your Batting Scraps the Easy Way” by Monica found on Hometalk.
I use narrow batting strips to tie up delicate plants outdoors. The strips are soft and giving and don’t damage plant stems!
I cut the really small pieces into hexagons (squares would be fine too) and use them as makeup removers.
I use them to wrap my Xmas ornaments. When making pillows, they help fill out corners. Use them when making stuffed animals.
Almost forgot. Never use polyester batt in potholders. It conducts heat.
actually, it melts.
I’m diabetic on insulin, taking 4 shots a day. The smallest scraps are cut into approximately 1 to 1.5 inch squares. Triangles from making microwave bowl holders are left as they are. I put them in a small jar and add rubbing alcohol. So much easier to open than the packets of alcohol wipes. I have a small plastic jar from lip gloss that holds several 1″ squares in my “medicine bag” for eating out.
My husband is a beekeeper. He uses leftover COTTON batting in his smoker. Make sure that it is 100% cotton as not to harm the bees.
I too have used scraps, but you have definitely widened that knowledge. I really enjoy the effects of adding a little depth to the applique in my machine embroidery also.
I use batting and fleece scraps to stuff animals that I sew
Place a batting scraps between good China when not in use. Also good for protecting treasured Christmas Ornaments when stored.
I start seeds in the spring on hot mats. I use squares under the flats to help wick moisture up into the flat.
I know a man who uses left over pieces of batting when he washes the inside of his car.
I wrap strips of batting around wooden coat hangers & then cover them in fabric.
Long skinny pieces of batting tucked into the edges of a closed door will keep out the cold drafts in the winter.
I found that pieces of batting help remove “stick-tights” from clothing after going for those fall walks through wooded areas. It is much faster than picking them off one-by-one!
I like to make coasters: 3 layers—fabric, batting, fabric, about four inches square. My favorite pattern uses two pieces 4 in sq; fold the pieces in half and weave so that raw edges are along the outside edge of the square; layer on top of a square of batting, then a square of fabric; stitch outside edge and flip strips over edge to hide the stitching; a stem glass should fit into the center where the folded strips cross.
I use batting scraps to insulate my patio door in the winter (it leaks air!) Also members of my previous guild use batting to make washable pads for girls in Africa to send along with the Little Dresses of Africa that they make.
I sew pieces of cotton batting together and use for small project such as potholders along with insulbrite it works very well.
I use a small scrap to remove lint from the dryer filter. Then just pick or shake off the lint and use over and over.
My cousin donated a large bag of batting scraps to me. I used them for wrapping fragile items when moving china cabinets then bagged them again for when I need them for sewing. Reuse, reuse, reuse.
An ace wrap doesn’t get itchy, if the sprained extremity is wrapped in a strip of soft batting prior to application.
I use the small pieces of both cotton and low loft batting to make cookie cutter ornaments. Using scrap holiday fabric or a larger piece of fabric for one design. Backing fabric, layer if batting, and top fabric or do as Quilt as you go. Use cookie cutter to draw shape then sew just inside the line. Trim with pinking shears, add floss to hang.
Cotton batting is perfect for baby wipes..cut into 4×8 rectangles. .run a,stich around if desired..place in appropriate container with solution of water , olive oil, and essential oil..green and chemical free
small sqs make the best dust rags–
I cut all my fabric and batting scraps up into small pieces and make pet beds out of them.
Put small pieces under furniture legs. It makes it easy to move if it is on hard floors. Never tried it on carpet
Thank you so much for all these hints. Our quilting group was getting ready to throw our batting scraps away.
I dye cotton batting scraps and use them for applique projects