has anyone tried using newspaper as batting?
#12
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: howell, Mi
Posts: 2,345
I agree, why would you use newspaper when batting isn't the most expensive part of your quilt. I cringe when I read that someone is using this for donation quilts. What a waste of time and money. If you don't want to use batting, why not use flannel or just a sheet? It will just disappear after one washing. Don't do it.
Sue
Sue
#13
Super Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Alturas, CA
Posts: 9,393
I have heard of using newspapers as a "stabilizer" but the site you referred us to, says to not take the paper off, that it would act as a batting. My personal opinion is, that it's only 1 sheet of newspaper, so I don't know how that can break down with washing and be considered "batting". My other concern would be the ink, if you read a large sectioned newspaper, after reading, take a look at your hands, they'll be filthy from the ink. I might use newspaper as a stabilizer, but I would definitely remove the paper before I sandwich the quilt.
#14
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 1,888
Back "in the day" paper had a lot of cotton in it, now it has none. I use newspaper as the bottom layer of my weed block and the quality of paper has gotten worse and worse. I used to be able to use two sheets of newsprint now I use at least a section .... and it still rips and tears once wet. I would think it would be close to illegal to use newsprint as it is highly flammable.
#16
If you really want to try this, I would suggest using paper that hasn't been printed. If you go to a place with the big presses that print on this size paper, they will usually give you a roll end that has yards and yards of paper on it. The person writing the article claims that you won't have any problems with the ink showing through, but I would still rather not have it inside the quilt. Still, I agree with the other comments... why??? I'd rather use batting, an old sheet, or almost anything rather than paper. Of course they used to use corn cobs for t.p. - but I'm not going to try that either! LOL
#18
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 1,789
It's one thing to know that this was used during the depression-people did what they had to do to get by. but to suggest using this technique now? I don't think so. It really bothers me that it was suggested using this for donation quilts-the people/kids recieving me in this situation would need sturdy, not flimsy.
I have though, used pages from phone books as a foundation for scrap quilt blocks. I tear the paper away after sewing the block.
I have though, used pages from phone books as a foundation for scrap quilt blocks. I tear the paper away after sewing the block.
#19
Our guild made these a few years ago but we took the paper out and used batting. I bought a cute small quilt in China and it still has paper in it and sounds really crinkly. Now days we have no reason to use newspaper as batting.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Lived in San Diego now retired in Eagar, AZ.
Posts: 887
the whole donor thing just astounds me .... would you do this to your family? and i assume that people who make donor quilts are contributing to the 'family of man'... if you can't afford to make a quality product, then make fewer, put the word out, people will help with batting or fabric...we all do this in our groups.. many of the people still working full time buy batting for the rest of us who have the time but not the money.... there is no reason to put below standard supplies in the quilts we send out to those of us in need.
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02-25-2014 08:41 AM