has anyone tried using newspaper as batting?
12-29-2011, 09:13 PM
#1
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has anyone tried using newspaper as batting?
I just got this link from Bellaonline for quilting, and it sounds interesting. Has anyone done it yet? I want to try it but don't want to make one and then have it turn out horrible and waste fabric. The link is:
http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craf...recycle-craft/
http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craf...recycle-craft/
12-29-2011, 09:28 PM
#2
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This is an old technique -- especially with the crazy patch block. Many old paper pieced quilts used newspaper and left the newspaper in the quilt.
I would make a small (one block) quilt, wash it a lot to see if you like the feel and see if there are problems.
I have used unprinted newspaper for paper piecing, but I take all of mine out.
I would make a small (one block) quilt, wash it a lot to see if you like the feel and see if there are problems.
I have used unprinted newspaper for paper piecing, but I take all of mine out.
12-29-2011, 09:34 PM
#4
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I think it was used a lot with crazy quilts and utility quilts using heavier fabrics. They didn't really need any batting with the weight of the materials they were using and all the stitchery kept the paper from shifting until it disolved away years later
12-29-2011, 09:40 PM
#6
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Any paper that goes through my washes ends up as wads or shreds. I can't see it working in anything that gets washed. I have watched a program where they make tied quilts for the homeless and they layer clothing between the top and back for the batting. They layed out a layer of secondhand sweaters, jackets, pants etc. as smooth as possible on the backing fabric, put the top fabric over the stuff and tied with pieces of yarn. You can use just about anything in the middle for batt if they are not going to be washed. During the depression they used what they had for batting, loose cotton, corn husks, straw stubble etc. Reminds us how very lucky we are doesn't it?
12-29-2011, 10:58 PM
#7
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the first question is Why?... what's the point of going thru the trouble and expense of making a quilt top (an exacting and costly hobby), and then putting something inside it that will dissolve in water and leave an inky mess behind? go get a newspaper and put it in your kitchen sink and soak it, scrubbing and 'washing' it.... see if it looks like that belongs inside a quilt? And then if you get that far, look at the water left behind...do you want that in your quilt?
12-29-2011, 11:42 PM
#8
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the first question is Why?... what's the point of going thru the trouble and expense of making a quilt top (an exacting and costly hobby), and then putting something inside it that will dissolve in water and leave an inky mess behind? go get a newspaper and put it in your kitchen sink and soak it, scrubbing and 'washing' it.... see if it looks like that belongs inside a quilt? And then if you get that far, look at the water left behind...do you want that in your quilt?
12-30-2011, 03:40 AM
#9
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what may have been used in the "olden days" out of necessity and the large amount of different products used today is different. To my knowledge paper was not commonly used as batting in more ancient quilting times. In all my years of being around antique quilts I have never found newspaper to be used as batting.
So don't try it unless you don't intend to ever wash the piece.
So don't try it unless you don't intend to ever wash the piece.
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