Using old baby blankets as batting?
 

I've read about using old blankets as batting for quilts but I'm wondering if I need to be concerned using old baby blankets. I know at least one of the blankets I'm looking to use is spill proof/water proof. The size is perfect for what I'm looking to do (make basic baby blankets or a play mat). Most of the old blankets are made of fleece or polyester but have stains.

I don't see why you couldn't as long as you can make a decent sandwich out of it.

I'm a very frugal quilter.

My favorite thing to save money quilting is to buy a really ugly comforter for a few bucks at the thrift store, take the ugly fabric off(use for making muslins of garment patterns)and use the inside for batting. I've saved a small fortune on batting this way.

Of course you can use them.

Make sure that the blanket lays flat.

A friend tried to use a "warped" blanket - and that did not work out well.

There is such a thing as "foolish frugality".

I agree with the others. Give 'em a good wash and then use them. You might want to use the waterproof/spillproof one for a play mat, as it won't breathe at all. Of course, fleece and polyester don't breathe well either, so maybe it doesn't matter.

The laminated (spillproof/waterproof) one -- I'm assuming it's laminated cotton or else I guess it could be vinyl -- might be less than ideal. If you do use it, I'd be sure to quilt at least every 2", maybe closer because otherwise the quilt top will slip against it & move/bunch. I definitely wouldn't use it as batting on any quilt that is going on the ground because I'd be worried it could be a slip hazard, but maybe I worry too much.

The other blankets should be fine. As Sushi mentioned, synthetic fibers do not breathe so it's easy to overheat, sweat & then as you cool down become chilled. It's the main argument for using natural fibers for batting on bed/lap quilts. But there is a sizable market for synthetic blankets & comforters so there's no reason you can't use those in a quilt. Wash them well to see if the stains will come out. If not, just make sure you audition your fabrics with it to ensure the stains don't show through your top. Otherwise, go for it! And be sure to post photos when you're done!

Some people utilize used mattress pads as batting.

I have found old mattress pads make great batting they are soft and warm

I just replaced my old mattress pad this week. Not sure if I will use if for batting or design wall. It's pretty dense. If I were going to use a baby blanket as batting I would go with the cotton and depending on the stain how light or dark it is would determine if I would cut it out then just piece the batting.