A quick little sewing hack today: how to join batting scraps and make them usable again. It's one of those simple tricks that saves money, uses up leftovers, and lets you sew one more cute project without a trip to the shop.
This time, I was sewing up this cute little bin pattern - it's free!
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Sewing Batting
It's no secret to any sewing enthusiasts who regularly use batting and fusible fleece in their sewing projects: those batting scraps accumulate quickly! Just as fabric scraps do. But while I had tons of use for my fabric scraps, that was not the case with the small pieces of fusible fleece. Now, this has changed! I decided to join them, piece the leftover scraps together, so they become useful in my scrap-sewing projects. You can too, it's easy! Just follow this quick how-to and learn how to join batting scraps.
How To Join Batting Scraps
1) Straighten the edges, so there will be no overlapping or holes. Using a rotary cutter helps a lot!
2) Pin, using straight flat pins like these. Pinning will help you keep together the edges you intend to join. You may opt for taping the edges together. Works just as fine!
3) Use a wide triple-zigzag stitch to join the two pieces. If you'll be stitching over the pins without removing them as you go, go carefully and slowly.
I used a contrasting thread to make it easier for you to see what I did. You'll most probably use a neutral (white) thread.
BONUS TIP:
This works best with soft, lofty materials like batting, fleece, or felt-like scraps. Thin woven interfacing is different - overlap the pieces a little before stitching so the join stays stronger.
Using fusible batting tape is another option for batting, though you might need to run to a shop to grab it.
I use fusible fleece a lot when sewing, for bags, bins, clutches and other, kid-related projects. Since I started piecing the leftover scraps together, a yard of fusible fleece seems to last way longer. It's easy, faster than having to run to your local fabric supply store, and cheaper, too!
If you're new to sewing, you might want to see how to use a pdf sewing pattern. A must-see, and so good to know right from the start.
If you're curious, I used this very piece to make a cute little fabric bin. Feel free to check it out and get your free pattern here:
This sewing project is perfect for using up batting scraps!
Get my Quick-Start Bag Interfacing CHEAT-SHEET- a simple 2-page PDF to help you choose the right interfacing for your first few bags:
Prefer a deep-dive? Bagmaker's Interfacing Guide
Theresa R. says
I've been doing this for years. I use my scraps as I go along when making small items. That way I don't end up with a lot laying around, and Idon't feel the expense as much, since it ALL gets used. I have more things to give away as gifts, such as pot holders, bowl cozies, mug rugs, etc.
Damjana says
Exactly! Theresa, good thinking. Thank you for dropping by,
Unknown says
Best tip ever!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Thank you!
turrilynn says
So no need to ever throw out batting scraps! Nice!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Exactly! Have a great day,
Goofin' Off Around the Block says
Great tutorial on joining those scraps. I have been doing that for a while and just have to remember to join batting of the same loft. Have a great weekend!
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage says
Thanks for dropping by 🙂