I like to use batting scraps-leftovers from larger quilts-to make my smaller quilts, pillows and vase quilts. Previously, this required hand-stitching the batting together and was a bit time consuming.
A few weeks ago, I found this new (new-to-me at least) product: Heat Press. It eliminates the hand-stitching. Here’s how it works:
First, layer the two batting scraps so that they overlap by an inch or two. Next, rotary cut a curvy line down the overlap. (A curvy line is more stable than a straight line and is less likely to be noticeable when it is quilted.)
Remove the “overlap” pieces and discard.
Realign the batting–place it together tightly.
Place a strip of Heat Press (resin side down) on the join…
Read the warning about testing and lowering the heat. ( I lowered the heat from the highest and used a pressing cloth.)
Using a pressing cloth, iron the Heat Press over your joined batting.
It works like a charm and with no hand-stitching required! More time for FMQ and working on all of those tutorials (you-trying, me-making samples!)
Please check out the Quilt Tab/Tutorials above for many free motion quilting tutorials.
Next week we are working on straight line designs…and I am going to talk about a very popular FMQ aid that I hate…and MY SECRET WEAPON for FMQ!
Stay tuned!
10 comments
sillyandrea
I just got some of this as well and am anxious to try it.
theinboxjaunt
So far I really like it. Let me know what you think.
Sent from my iPhone
Laura
I’ve used this product for two years now and love it! I’ve never done a wavy join, just straight line and have never noticed any ridge in any of my finished quilts.
theinboxjaunt
That’s great to know–thanks! What is the longest seam you’ve used this on?
dweinberg415
I’ve got one of those irons! Thanks for the tips!
theinboxjaunt
They’re rather photogenic–and make nice paper-weights!
Molly
this is a great tip and thanks for it- I typically put my sewing machine on the widest zig zag setting and increase my stitch length to 3 and join batting that way- it works well but would be hard to join on a wavy line (I usually do straight lines) but this product would be even faster… I will have to give it a try.
theinboxjaunt
I’ll have to give your way a try too! Thanks for your idea!
Mary
I use this, and it’s great! Just have to be careful with poly batting, it can melt.
theinboxjaunt
Thanks for the advice. I found using a pressing cloth helped too.
Comments are closed.