Dumb beginner question
 

I'm using scraps to make potholders, which is great practice for a lot of thing. I have a design in mind where I'd like to quilt each side of the potholder to its own piece of batting before I sew them together with more quilting. If I put fabric and batting through my machine without another piece of fabric on the bottom, will it shred and make a mess? Any thoughts?

If you are using a thin cotton batting like Warm & Natural, you should be OK.

No, cant see why it would, show us a pic when youre done

Not a dumb question, but I've never tried it before. Maybe you could use a very lite weight interfacing for the backing of each side?

It might make a difference depending upon what machine you have. Any of my Pfaff machine would not have trouble sewing them.

That's a great idea - I think I'd feel safer with that!

ITA that it would depend on the machine and batting used.

Being that you are a newer quilter, I'd suggest you use a lightweight fabric and avoid the risk of aggravation!

Exactly a project that I did when first starting. No problems with my cheapie Walmart Brother machine.

I wouldn't think it would be a problem, I've practiced free motion with just a piece of fabric on top of a piece of batting. You probably will get more lint down in the bobbin area, so be sure to give it a cleaning when you're done. Sounds like a great project!

If you are doing pot holder size, you could place a piece of newspaper print or low weight copy paper under the batting. Remove the paper when finished. Use a seam ripper to snip the paper in between the sewn seams. Fold back the paper along the seam and it should snap off.
You could also use the very very thin cotton fabrics sold in some local retailers and place on the other side of the batting. Then sew the 2 sides together. I have seen this thin fabric at $2.00 a yard locally, so if concerned about the lint from the batting, the cost is minimal vs. cleaning the machine constantly. That thin layer of fabric is not going to make a difference in the middle of the potholders.

If you're going to use batting on the bottom, I would suggest you stay away from "shreddy" unbonded battings. You'll be fine with anything like warm and natural, or thermolam or armo fleece or even felt.

there is a tute in the tutorial section where someone made a "hot bowl holder" by quilting both sides separately like you want to do your pot holders. it was quilted with the batting on top. i made a couple of these and it worked out fine by quilting both sides before sewing them together.

[I] do it all the time, basic old Brother machine , I prefer thin fleece for this. To finish after making the final sandwitch I usually add a little quilting to hold the layers in place.

I just finished doing a different type of quilt-as-you-go quilt and used this method. It does create a lot of lint in the bobbin area. I think I would prefer to use some kind of thin batiste or the newsprint as suggested earlier.

Yes, it depends on the machine and the batting.

no one has mentioned "Timtex" or "Peltex". these products are like a sheet of batting and are used to create potholders and other things that keeps the fingers from getting hot. maybe if you used this stuff, you wouldn't feel the need to procede with the way you are putting your potholder together.

i meant "insul-bright". "Timtex" is a product that provides stiffness. if i can figure out how to fix my reply i will. sorry about the confusion.

That's what I'm using, and it's not very shreddy. I think I have some great ideas here - as always, you all are an amazing resource!

The only dumb question is the one you don't ask!

Very true! I'm glad you asked the question because I had never thought of making potholders like that. I like thick potholders.

I have done it with warm and natural batting, and didn't have a problem, but you could do a practice piece first to see how it works on your machine.

My only comment is "There is never a dumb question" , they are only dumb if we do not ask. I think most of the very talented ladies we have here, have about heard them all, and are more than willing to answer them again. Thank goodness for their knowledge and patience with each of us as we learn.

I just made some of the microwave bowls, as well. I didn't use anything under the batting, and it took forever to get it out of my bobbin area. I want to make some more of those, because they are really nice, but next time I'll use something on the bottom, even if it's just tulle!

A simple piece of paper will do the trick, help it to slide on your machine and you can either pull it off or leave it on as when washed will disolve. May I suggest however if you are making pot holders for actual use and not decoration, to use only Insulbrite by the warm company, will reflect the heat and protect your fingers

I do this all the time, especially with potholders, never had a mess. Since you are making potholders you should use an all cotton batting anyway, most are needle punched and are very stable. I always try something new with scraps. That way you can forestall any problems.

"Dumb questions" are the ones you don't ask!

It shouldn't shred, but you need cotton batting for that...polyester batting will melt in potholders...

Also, the insulation typically used in potholders is called InsulBright (http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html ).

You got good information in answer to your question, but remember there is no such thing as a "dumb" question. We were all beginners at one time and this board is a wonderful source of information. So, ask away.

I think you want to use the batting tht heat won't transfer through unless these are just decorative

Honey, there are no dumb questions. Never hesitate to ask!

I just used Hobbs 80/20 against the presser feet and had no problem at all. The backing was on top of the batting and the top was on top of that - I had to leave an opening and turn it right side out after sewing. It worked fine, go for it.

you could also use the cheap muslin you can get at Joanns, Hancocks and Wal Mart.....

There are no dumb questions, only inquiring minds.

I personally would not use batting on the bottom of what I was sewing because of the lint that would get into the bobbin area. If I wanted to sew with exposed batting I would have the batting on the top. That's just me, and I'm a little bit obsessive about keeping my machine clean and oiled, at least all my friends tell me I'm a bit obsessive about it. :o

amh
Saskatoon sk

I've used tissue paper for this in the past.....even when i have really narrow angles/points to sew... and it worked out just fine...tears right off when you're done.

There are no dumb questions here!!

This method is used in trapunto so it should work in potholders.

If you are making pot holders, cotton batting is not enough insulation. You need the stuff for pot holders, my mind is not rembering the name. I know as I made pot holders with just cotton batting and have got burnt hands. You can buy this insulated batting at Joann's.

No, I don't think you would have any trouble, are you using insulbrite?

This is how I make mine and have not had any problems. I do not quilt them together, the binding keeps them together. Also I make them bigger than the store bought ones.