Piecing Batting Together

I was just reading some long arm quilting information and found out that the 'fusible strips' for piecing batting edges together (some of you might have seen these advertised in mags or quit shows) are nothing more than fusible interfacing that you can purchase at most any fabric store. They suggest getting the light weight knit fusible interfacing and cutting it in 1 1/2" strips to use for fusing batting sections together. The stuff you purchase that is already cut and in a roll is 500 times more expensive and you get less than you would if you prepared your own strips. AND it is stiff. Also they recommend fusing on the back side of your batting. I thought this was very interesting as I was thinking of purchasing this product. Now I know that I can just do my own and save a whole bunch of money!!
By the way.... I use large left over pieces of batting, sew them (in this case fuse them) together to use on projects such as baby quilts, wall hangings, table runners and even twin size quilts....works nicely and you helps you use up those extra batting pieces and save you from purchasing more batting than what you might need for a smaller project.

Interesting about the fusible strips, Laura. I usually just butt the pieces together and do a long zig zag to sew them together. I also use these pieces for smaller items. Not sure I would try using them on a bed quilt, my luck they would separate. Have a great day!

I bought the roll and have used it... I like it... kind of nice to have it all rolled up, but you are right Mamu it would be cheaper to cut your own.... and I have just zigzagged also and it works great that way too....

When I started quilting about nine years ago, I saw a segment on Simply Quilts showing how to piece batting. I have no idea who the guest was that day but after she had her two pieces cut to the size she wanted she cut a wavy line from top to bottom and then pieced them together with a large hand sewn basting stitch. Does anyone know if it matters whether the line is straight or curvy? I've pieced batting for wallhangings, placemats and table runners and I've done it both ways and it has worked so far. I haven't pieced batting for baby quilts because I thought since it would probably be put in the washer and dryer it might not last like one piece batting would.


Jill

Jill I would say that the curvy line would stand up to movement better than a straight one would

I remember that episode. I think the wavy line was to "disguise" the seam where the batting was sewn together. So there wouldn't be a long straight bulge in the quilt. But I can barely feel where I piece things together and I usually make sure there is plenty of quilting on that item to help keep the batting from coming apart.


Mamu, does the fusible specifically say knitted on it? Or is there a certain brand to look for?

I just picked up some of the batting tape in the last couple of weeks. I "hear" that it's easy to machine OR hand quilt through. Of course I haven't had the time to test it!

Are you thinking that it could be replaced with strips of fusible interfacing? That's an interesting idea... I wonder if it's possible to get one thin enough?

I do the same thing with the curvy cutting (when I remember it!)... but I don't machine sew, I use a big ol' whipstiitch. Of course, I quilt the soup outta most everything, so there are few worries about it coming apart. It's more important that there aren't two layers on top of one another. I have that whole Princess and the Pea thing going on...

I didn't have any problem quilting thru it... use it on the last doll quilt I did

I have also sewed batting together using a large and long zig zag stitch...have never had trouble with it coming apart on larger quilts.
I don't know if the interfacing for knits is labeled that or not... might have to look or ask??

An online friend of mine wrote a blog post and tutorial about the batting tape here: http://fabricsnquilts.blogspot.com/2011/02/notion-reviews-cute-table-runner-too.html

I asked her about the idea of using a really lightweight fusible interfacing (again, different from fusible web ). She wrote me today and said that she's going to try it on a purse project! I'll report when/if I hear how it goes!

I have sewed batting together before many times, done the wavy puzzle fit and straight edges, hand basted and machine zig zagged. I think in larger or really any quilt its not going to come apart once the quilt is finished because the quilting anchors all three layers together so there wouldnt be enough room for any batting to shift enough to come apart? Just my thoughts. Im going to try the fusible next time, to my way of thinking its only got it join it and keep the pieces together until the quilting takes over. Thanks for sharing Mamu