love to quilt

A few years ago I bought some felt at a sale thinking I would donate it to the schools my grandchildren go to. Well, it is still here and I am wondering if I can use some of it like batting for microwave dish holders (I think that is what it is called). I did used one piece to make a sample baseball type hat for a cancer patient, this piece was soft and flexible. Other pieces are like pendant type, stiffer and course. Any suggestions for the felt??

Marge

LynnVT

The thing with felt is that usually it doesn't wash, which you need to do for the microwave bowls. I would cut a small piece, make a fabric sandwich, run a line or two of stitching through to hold it together, then wash it in the sink with hot water and a drop of detergent. If the measurement stays the same, and it doesn't fall apart or bleed terribly, I guess it's ok. You didn't mention the color. If it's white it might work for some things. I guess it works for lots of crafts like ornaments or tissue box covers or something. Even mug rugs, but if not washable, they'd be disposable if they get dirty. Have fun with it!

Tartan

If you are making the bowl holders that the bowl goes into AFTER microwaving then it won't matter what the felt content is. Take a scrap of it and see how it launders before using. It might bleed or fall apart and you want to find that out before using.

madamekelly

Never use felt near heat. Polyester felt will melt, and wool is animal hair with chemical dyes, which you don't want getting hot and smelling like warm hair with your food, Bleah! I do use felt for batting in my panty purses, and for other purse type objects as a stiffer batting to help give them shape. Since the felt is enclosed, it doesn't pill when washed because there is no friction. I don't think I will try it for a useable quilt, but for wall hanging, it would help it hang straighter, and hold shape in case it must be cleaned.

love to quilt

Thank you for all the good information. I have 5 colors and will do the water test for shrinking and bleeding. Thanks again.

lfty298

Hi Ltq - My design wall is covered with felt. I also made 2 small design boards to hold block pieces before they are sewn. They are felt covered cardboard - very simple and handy.
Lefty - in Phila.

madamekelly

I just made my first panty purse, using felt as batting, and my suggestion is do not do it. Felt is way too stiff to use on such a small project.