How to Use Felt for Quilt Batting
Quilt batting is the layer that goes between the quilt top and the quilt backing. Typically, a quilter uses polyester, wool or cotton batting between the layers of a quilt. Sometimes, however, a quilter may search for something different to use as quilt batting. Felt lends stiffness to quilts, which can be particularly good for a wall hanging.
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Things You'll Need
- Quilt top
- Iron
- Tape measure
- Fabric for quilt backing
- Felt for the batting
- Scissors
- Quilting safety pins (for basting)
- Sewing machine
- Cotton thread
Instructions
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1
Press the quilt top with the iron to ensure it is wrinkle-free and smooth. Lay the quilt top out on a flat surface and smooth the entire surface with your hands. Measure the dimensions of the quilt top with the tape measure.
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2
Cut the fabric for the quilt backing into a piece with the same dimensions as the quilt top.
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3
Cut the felt for the batting into a piece with the same dimensions as the quilt top and the quilt backing.
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4
Place the quilt backing onto a flat work surface with the wrong side facing up. Spread the felt batting over the quilt backing and smooth the felt flat. Place the quilt top over the felt batting with the right side facing up. Straighten and align all edges and corners of the three layers perfectly.
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5
Begin placing the quilting safety pins through all three layers, starting in the center of the quilt. Place pins every 4 inches, working your way out from the center to the edges. The pins will hold the three layers of the quilt together until you stitch them together.
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6
Quilt the three layers together with the sewing machine by stitching along the seam lines of the quilt top. Start stitching in the center of the quilt and work your way out to the edges, removing the safety pins as you come to them.
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Tips & Warnings
It is not necessary to stitch along every seam line to quilt the quilt layers, but you can if you desire. Do stitch along enough of the seams to anchor the quilt layers together and keep them from shifting, however. Take your time and make your stitching neat and even.
Do not stitch over the safety pins.
Use extreme caution when washing and drying a quilt with felt batting because the felt may shrink. This is another reason why felt batting is particularly suitable for wall hangings (which do not usually need laundering).
