My son had a dirty looking quilt for about 10 years that he loved. I used that inside his Christmas present...of course he doesn't know it YET!

one of my softest lap quilts was filled with an old matress
pad I bought at Goodwill for 25 cents I would use them again

I've used flannel, also recycled blankets for utility quilts. The kids car quilts all had recycled blankets in them.

I have made hundreds of quilts with mattress pads, blankets, flannel sheets, fleece, etc. instead of batting. With limited income, batting is just too expensive, as I give the quilts away. Also, I tie them to save time,and for easier care for recipients, and that does not work with batting unless you tie very closely.
If you are making poly knit quilts, you do not need anything inside or they weigh a TON!
We use about 20 old electric blankets per year--it takes about 10 minutes to get all the wires out ,and I just zigzag the holes made to take out the thermostats.....they are usually about $1-3 each.

Don't forget about old mattress pads. They work well also.

I have used a flat cotton sheet. Also old mattress pads work also.

Everyone is so great at coming up with suggestions. I knew I could count on you guys for honest input!

I will keep the laundry-weight factor in mind...

I never thought about electric blankets! I didn't realize the wiring could be removed so easliy!
And also, I too use nice fleece for once side and nice fabric on the other. Two pieces and batting included! Frugle and time saving!

Wow, I love how creative people are when it comes to being economical. Also what a great way to recycle.

:thumbup:
Now i know i LOVE this place... when i first started "quilting" it amazed me how much it was going to cost to learn an old hobby that was started from re-cycling things to keep warm!!!!
My first quilt was "batted" with a 4dollar blanket found at WallyWorld... worked great...
Then i saw how much it was costing to have them "quilted".. tried to free motion on my machine.. that took my temper to task... so having some free money.. i decided i loved the hobby enough to buy myself,, the Grace Pinnacle frame with the Janome 1600P... it works great.. and i've saved a ton, quilting my own fabric (ie.. all that stash that's sitting there)..and quilting my own pieced tops..(tons of time and money saved)...plus i'm having fun...there is always a much more cost effective way..
ps.. my quilting group gets lots of smiles from me...they are the 1/4" queens.. and perfectionists...me.. i'm the "mascot" having fun..