That's what we used when I was a kid. Old blankets, tops pieced from old clothes. Only thing new was the crochet thread we used to tie it. I did not even know about "batting" until after I retired and started taking quilting classes. Remember, when people first started quilting there were no fabric/quilt stores. It was all recycling so to speak.

you can use wool blankets for batting too---you just wash & dry the wool blanket first- i would wash & dry any blanket i was going to use- it is a great way to (recycle) old blankets that are no longer used/wanted/are worn- some people shop the thrift shops for old blankets just for that purpose- you can quilt them any way you want- or tie them without worry about them separating like batting- blankets make wonderful batts.

One of my quilting acquaintances used wool blankets. She washed and dried first. Came out fine.

I used an old blanket of my grandma . The only problem I found was the weight. It is very heavy but lovely and warm on very cold nights. Second problem was when I told ' the police' they all said no,laughed and said it would be criticised in a show. Well I got a very good review in theNEC Birmingham 2010 and was very pleased as it was my first show. A tip would be to watch colours in the blanket donot show through the quilt top.

I've used old blankets (vellux is wonderful!), fleece, flannel fabric (like old sheet tops, but not the ones that 'pill'), and I've used a couple of layers of regular fabric that is ugly, for batting. Just make sure it won't show through either side if you have any light fabrics. It's exactly what our ancestors did, too - so we're 'carrying on the tradition'! : )

Jona, by now you see it's more than ok to use/recycle a blanket for your quilt. Most of us don't make quilts to be judged in shows, etc. Prewashing and you're good to go.

Now, be sure to post a picture of your finished quilt.

I use blankets! I go to estate sales just to look for them :) I make lots of place mats and they work great for them also

I hunt for good blankets to use. Yard sales are a great place to find them and so are estate sales. I have been able to find many like this and they quilt wonderfully

I have used both blankets and sheets.........and they have all worked out just fine.

I use blankets in my wall hangings all the time. One thing I've learned though, is to use blankets that are soft and flexible. I've seen some cheap, cheap blankets that feel like a stiff sheet of woven plastic. I once used a blanket that was loosely woven and once quilted and complete, it don't look smooth so I won't do that again.
But think of how durable a blanket batting would be!!
Peggy