Best batting for fabric boxes?
 

For any of you who have made the fabric boxes, what do you consider to be the best batting (or interfacing) for them? I know they need something that helps keep the shape, but am not sure what is best. I saw where someone had used a batting they were not satisfied with, and suggested something else, but I can't remember what it was.

I've heard that deco bond is a good choice, although it will make them really stiff. I've talked to other's who have made them and they use the pellon from walmart? I have not made one of these boxes so I'm really not a good one to ask. Good luck and I'll watch this post and see what other's have to say!

I use fast2fuse (heavy) for boxes, CD covers, journal covers, etc. It's a double-sided stiff fusible interfacing. Timtex might be a good alternative if you don't want a fusible.

I thought Timtex was fusible? hummmm need to check.

Wondering which Pellon from Walmart?

I just used a polyester and with the quilting and the corner tucks, it became fairly stiff on its own.

I will check these out. I have heard of Timtex, but have not seen it in the fabric shops, I do know they carry Deco Bond, but not sure about the fast2fuse. I read where someone had used Warm and Natural for the fabric boxes, but can't remember how that worked in terms of holding the shape. Some quilt the fabric for the boxes, and some don't. I plan to quilt mine, at least the first one :o, so I guess that would have have to influence the choice of batting.

Décor-Bond is Pellon 809 so it could be that one.

Just as a side note, at my LQS you have to ask for the fast2fuse. They keep it in a closet. :)

I have been making these boxes using just some leftover warm and natural and deco bond ironed onto one of the fabrics. I cant imagine using Timtex with this pattern as the box needs to be turned right side out.

http://seaside-stitches.blogspot.com...-tutorial.html

I use thermoline plus iron on for fabric boxes and table runners.

I've made several of these boxes and I just used scrap batting...either W&N or poly thin...they worked up beautifully.

this is my thought, too. i did, however, use a very stiff batting when i made one box to be used as a bread basket

I have made one with just batting and that was fine but I think I will try the batting plus ironing on the decor bond to the fabric. I try to put a little something together for my siblings at Christmas and a box filled with treats fits the bill perfectly!

I made several using Warm and Natural. Very satisfied.

The closer you quilt the fabric it becomes more stable.

I used Pellon heavyweight fusible ....971F ......doesn't require much quilting.....makes the box relatively stiff....will stand nicely on its own.

I made several using warm n white and "deco bond" fused to one side. I like the stability it gives. Jan

I used Timtex and "DO Not" use it my words of advise here, it will end up creasing in the wrong spots when you turn it! LOL Does not work well at all. Very very unhappy with those boxes I used the Timtex with.

Felt worked well for me. :)

snipforfun, do you mean you use both warm and natural and deco bond on the same fabric box, or do you use them separately?

Yes. Batting and deco bond fused to back of one of the squares.

I just use any batting scraps I have. Right now all I have is high loft. It works well for me, but may not be as crisp looking as someone would like. I think that's the beauty of the boxes. It doesn't really matter what you use to make them, they always turn out nicely!

I used warm and natural. I quilted lines that were 1/2" apart. Worked great.

The type of box (and pattern) can have a great influence on what you choose for interfacing/stiffening/batting. My boxes don't get turned so that's not a consideration for me, though it definitely is for others.

I have used warm 'n natural on one box and 1/4" polyester batting on another. I liked both battings.

I used thin cotton batting as the stiffer interfacings cost $26 a metre and therefore 'outprice' the box. I echo quilted concentric squares a quarter of an inch apart and used French seams on the corners. Those French seams give firmness and stability. My boxes look crisp and I'm happy with the result. Many thanks for the idea - I was running out of 'new' ideas for Christmas.

This is what I used as well. I made one with very little quilting, the others with lots of concentric quilting which gave them lots of body (very pleased).

I use white felt which I buy at WalMart and it makes mine just stiff enough but not too stiff.

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Sorry the picture is not too clear.

Thank you for all the tips

fabric box batting
 

I started using W&N, but changed to felt. I felt it gave it a better shape. I also quilted the sandwich together usually large concentric circles and find that makes a nice finish and is quicker than all the lines/squares.

I used felt and it worked great another board member had posted that that is what she had done, wish I could remember who posted so I could give her credit

Tim Tex will hold its shape wonderfully well. I love fast2fuse for small things like key fobs, but I think it might be little too flexible for boxes--unless there is a weight I haven't tried. Good luck with the boxes! Froggyintexas

it's the pellon econo fleece I think has been used from Walmart and you have to order it online.

I would love to see a picture of yours with the french seam!

Doesn't felt deteriorate with washing?

Ditto on a pic of the french seams

I have used felt fabric which was left over from another project and it worked out fine.
I had half inch lines for the quilting which was just enough to keep the box firm

Inn-spire plus is also a good choice for a stiff interfacing.

I used warm & natural as well. Worked great!