Quilts without batting - any tips?

**meyert** · 09-07-2015, 08:49 AM

I am working on a tshirt quilt project for my niece. I didn't know what I was getting into - I am sure that she didn't either. Well I have 3 completed and I am finishing up #4 - whew!!

I used batting in the first 3 and this last one I was thinking about no batting. I have read posts here where people don't use batting for tshirt quilts... so I am going to do that

Any tips before I get started? I was going to pin baste and try the school glue as well. Can I stitch any distance apart? I was leaning toward stitching in the ditch of the sashing only. That would leave the 16" blocks "free and loose"

do you think I should stitch from corner to corner on the blocks (making an X in each one)?

I would appreciate any thoughts. I have never done a quilt without batting before

Thank you!

**Bree123** · 09-07-2015, 09:36 AM

It would help if we know whether you used stabilizer with the t-shirts, and if so, what kind.

**MadQuilter** · 09-07-2015, 09:37 AM

If regular batting is too heavy, you could use flannel as the third layer. Somehow I am a traditionalist in that part of quilting.

**grammysharon** · 09-07-2015, 01:28 PM

Originally Posted by MadQuilter

If regular batting is too heavy, you could use flannel as the third layer. Somehow I am a traditionalist in that part of quilting.

I agree. It is not a quilt without three layers. It is a throw to me.

**bigsister63** · 09-09-2015, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by grammysharon

I agree. It is not a quilt without three layers. It is a throw to me.

I have made 1 quilt with out batting and 1 using flannel. I did not like either. No batting wrinkles alot since there is nothing to hold the shape. Flannel- it is just as heavy/warm as with Hobbs 80/20 batting that I usually use and it turned out to be way more expensive. I use Hobbs 80/20 that I get at Hobby Lobby- queen size- $20 -40% coupon = $12. Flannel $3(on sale at Joann) x 6yds=$18.

**cjsews** · 09-07-2015, 11:06 AM

I think any distance without quilting should be fine. Distance is specified by batting to keep it from separating or bunching up. Without batting you are sewing to protect those seams from abrasions and getting frayed

**meyert** · 09-07-2015, 11:09 AM

yes I did use stabilizer on the tshirts. I am always one to use batting - I mean is it really a quilt without it???? I have spent alot of money on this project and I really don't have money to spend any more. That is why I am skipping the batting on this one. I have thought of using flannel or either fleece in the middle.. but I have got to stop the spending

**Barb in Louisiana** · 09-07-2015, 01:05 PM

My concern would be pulling on the quarter inch seams with daily use. If it were me, I would pick something light, flannel sounds good or a very light batting, and do enough SID or other quilting so that the seams don't have a lot of strain on them. That's the weakest part of a quilt and the continued use and regular handling could make those seams come apart. The addition of the 3rd layer would also help the seam lay down and not look like lumps everywhere.

**Prism99** · 09-07-2015, 01:33 PM

I'd shop at a thrift store for a large white flannel flat sheet and use that for batting. They cost around $3 at our local thrift shop (it's not a Goodwill or Salvation Army).

**gvolle44** · 09-09-2015, 06:30 AM

Originally Posted by Prism99

I'd shop at a thrift store for a large white flannel flat sheet and use that for batting. They cost around $3 at our local thrift shop (it's not a Goodwill or Salvation Army).

I agree. I can get great flannel blankets or sheets for under $3 that work wonderfully as batting - and they are well washed so all the shrinking is gone.

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thrift shop for flannel

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