Has anyone ever tried this? I was thinking about using an old comforter as the batting for a quilt top I might make in the future. Just an idea. Has anyone ever done this with success?

Absolutely, even blankets, sheets, fleece, flannel will work as batting. They work well because they have already shrunk up (except raw flannel ;)).

However, big thought: They will be heavy quilts, suitable more for tying than for quilting.

My first quilt used an old blanket as the batting. I tied it (didn't know about Machine quilting back then). It is still in great shape (seams popping but fabric in great shape), but so heavy I hardly use it.

The loftier the comforter, the harder to quilt.

How do you plan to finish the quilt top (lots of quilting, tied, pillowcase style like a duvet cover???) That will make the difference.

Show us and we can help you decide.

Interesting...never thought about it! What a cool idea!! :D

My mother used to put old blankets or anything she could find in hers.

A few of my first quilts I purchased queen mattress pads at what is now Dillards store for about 5.00 each, and used them in quilts I tied. Still using them (the quilts that is). I now usually use warm and natural.

I've used blankets and old, worn out quilts too.

My Father introduced me to using blankets as the batting. They work fabulous!

I LOVE using a single or double layer of plain white flanel in quilts. I get enough quilting definition and the whole quilt has a very "supple" feel to it. I buy a less expensive flanel when I'm going to use it as batting. It's perfect for flanel baby quilts.

i have used wool army blankets from the army surplus store.

they also have a very heavy flannel twin size blanket that has worked great. i have tied and not quilted them though...

I recently make a lap quilt for a dear friend who has gone to the nursing home. Black, red and white log cabin lined with an old blanket. It came out fine. It was machine quilted with very little effort. Good luck on whatever you decide to do. Marge L.

Thanks for posting this thread - I have always wondered that my self. I have an old comforter I have not wanted to throw out....

Interesting!

Would a very thin fleece blanket work?
I'm looking at starting my very first quilt and want to keep it cheap and easy ... I have some sheet jersey that I think would be nice as the base layer but haven't a clue what the Swedish for Quilt Batting would be!

Haven't been to the good fabric shop yet to investigate but I'm sure I read somewhere that some people actually quilt just their tops onto fleece blankets alone ..... (possibly not here, I've been googling!)

My first attempt would be a small panel or lap quilt ... possibly several of these to be joined together later if appropriate. I would be hand quilting in the Stitch in the Ditch format around my paper pieced hexagons ....

Helen

I doubt I would use a comforter...are talking about one of those poly filled 80's style thick comforters?? If so, then definately not...I have used old wool blankets and flannel sheets though!

Absolutely! I've made wheelchair blankets with a quilt top and fleece backing, no batting. It is light and easy to work with, and sticks to the legs of patients at our local nursing homes and VA hospitals.

Thank you Vicky S, It certainly seems like it might be easier to quilt through two layers rather than three! I also thought that a fleece underside might be 'snuggly'.
Thanks for the advice!
Helen