selm

If using fleece as batting/backing do you do traditional bindng and if yes, do you make it wider than normal?

sushi

I have no experience with double-knit, but I've made a couple of quilts using fleece as the batting. The two recipients both have a lot of trouble staying warm, and they found these quilts to be much lighter than the alternative (e.g., layers of wool blankets).

Because neither fleece nor double-knit shrinks, it's critical to shrink the quilt top, bottom, and binding fabrics as much as possible before sandwiching the quilt. (I strongly encourage you to wash and dry (on hot) the component fabrics before you even cut them.)

I have not found it necessary to increase the width of the binding I use. (I start with 2 1/4" strips.)

I hope this is helpful.

katesnanna

If you're just wanting a light quilt use the fleece as the backing and forget wadding. I've made kids charity quilts like that and while they are warm & snuggly they weigh almost nothing. Great for all kids big & small.

ctrysass2012

Double knit is very HOT. My MIL made a quilt for my husband many years before we were married. Tried it the 1st winter I was here & could not take it. It has never been on the bed again. I like to be warm & snuggly not sweating while I sleep.

Irishrose2

Layer the pieces you are thinking about and see how you like the feel. You can use anything you want for batting. I just did a blanket with fleece on the front and back and batting in between. No problem quilting it. If fleece feels right to you, then use it.

cathyvv

Fleece can absolutely be used as batting. I love to use the really thin fleece sold at Walmart for batting inside baby quilts. It makes the quilt incredibly lightweight and easy for a little one to drag around.

I have a long arm frame to quilt on, so that makes it easier to use fleece. One thing that I will suggest when using fleece as batting or backing is to quilt/sew from selvage to selvage. That is usually the least stretchy, and gives me better results.

I have used double knit as backing, but not as batting. I don't see why it wouldn't work.

cathyvv

I love fleece for batting or backing and have used it at least 10 times. It's not really much, if any, heavier than using flannel backing and kids love how soft it is.

cathyvv

I use traditional binding, made from 2.5 inch strips.

LenaBeena

Thanks all for your suggestions. I had some very thin fleece throws from the hardware store and used them in small quilts for my grandchildren. Just finished and they are fine! Lightweight and warm. Glad to hear others have tried using fleece and had success too. May just use the knits as throws; our senior citizens home likes them for wheelchair patients as they are easy to wash. Always get help from this group.

LenaBeena

Just checked this board and found many posts about successfully using fleece for batting and backing for years. Some from 2013. You creative quilters discovered this great idea much earlier than I did! I always learn new things here