Make a heavier quilt using a blanket as batting-unconventional quilting ideas

[@shelleyriley9130]

I knew an older lady many years ago that waited for Walmart to put their winter blankets on sale and she would buy several of them to stock up. Instead of using the quilts as batting, she sewed her quilt tops to them and used the blanket as both the batting and backing. All of her quilts were warm and cozy.

[@alicestoltz429]

Not all quilts need to be art pieces. For me, quilts need to hold love and comfort first. It is lovely!

[@beutenfamily2109]

Beautiful!! My husbands grandma made quilts for use. They were lovely but eventually got super thin and holey. I figured I’d try to maybe patch but when I looked inside her quilt,there was another holey quilt inside! Aha! Such good use of her old quilts! Do I made a patchwork of old clothes of ours and used her quilt for batting then tied with yarn. That quilt is heavy and wonderful! It is our comfort quilt. We all use it and love it!

[@Sam_the_quilter]

it makes me super sad that my mother will never make something like this for me, your son is very lucky to have you as a mum, Beth. very lucky indeed.

[@dianetrousdale8870]

I love this quilt. I always use blankets for batting. I look for them in thrift stores. Or I buy them from Walmart. My mother taught me how to quilt. We would tack in the corners by hand. I do use my sewing machine like you did to do my tacking. About 2 years ago I started watching sewing videos on KZbin. I have learned a lot from you and others. My quilts are not perfect, everyone loves to get them. I give them for Christmas gift, weddings, new babies, birthdays. You name they’re going to get a quilt.

[@lynettethebrunette8969]

Hi Diane....I knew there were others that used old blankets for batting....I buy them at estate sales and garage sales too. My grandma taught me how to quilt and I think I saw her buy actual batting only once....I thought she was going to have a nervous breakdown as it's so much money. She also never actually quilted her blankets either. She used yarn, a big needle and she used the tie method. As I was growing up I did not understand why some quilts were sewn together and not yarned together like my grandma's. LOL....Once in my 20's I finally understood the process, but actually continued making them the way my grandma used to. I just made my first quilted blanket a few years ago...didn't realize you had to get a walking foot....put feed dogs down.....etc etc....I continue to make both quilts to this day and I also buy old flannel sheets to use as batting. Have you ever tried that? I am going to try to baste/spray two flannels together and use them as batting. You can't beat a buck at an estate sale right? I could use one flannel for batting for a summer/spring blanket but I am sure you would agree with me on that. BTW mine are also not perfect!!!

[@dianetrousdale8870]

@@lynettethebrunette8969 Hi Lynette. I also buy sheets wit print on them from thrift stores. I have used them for the backing or cut them up to make blocks. I make sure I get the thick ones. I bought a hole queen size set for a dollar at the Salvation Army. Nothing was wrong with it. I love to find deals like that. You can find fabric at goodwill. I found a roll that had about 10+yards on it. It was .99 day. I paid .99 for the roll. It is pretty with a lot of different light colors in it.

[@szelop]

Blankets make great batting!

[@gillianwinzinger9558]

I remember having a quilt like this when I was growing up. We lived in Maine in a 150 year old house, and our furnace only had one vent downstairs and one upstairs, so everyone had several blankets on our beds in winter. The heavier the blanket the better! The quilt I remember wasn't very pretty like yours, it was heavy 1970s-ish polyester patchwork, and I think the batting was a wool army blanket. Whatever though... Pile of blankets, pile of books, what more could I ask for?

[@djackson4659]

I have searched on KZbin and google for weeks looking for a video that showed how to add a store bought fleece blanket to the back of a quilt. On Thursday, the 24th of this month, I submitted a post on Facebook asking if anyone knew of a video that showed how to add a store bought blanket to the back of a quilt. I only got a few answers, but no video referrals. Late Thursday night I saw this video at 12:00am. I thought I was dreaming. I hurried up and saved it. I have yet to find a video using store bought blankets, but this video has excellent information. Thank you so much

[@gloriaelswood8762]

I just finished 14 pretty pieced quilts for my great granddaughters. I plan on making 5 Levi quilts for the great grandsons using some of my husbands shirts somewhere. I have a mission this year to use what I have. I have some wonderful blankets that 60 years old (I saved them but they are full size so didn’t fit most of our beds) and still in great shape. Yup that’s what I’m going to use! You are the best! I think we could be best friend neighbors if we lived closer together! Thank you! I love your sons quilt including the backing.

[@TreasureSwanson]

My mother did use old blankets for batting. She tied the quilts instead of quilting them. She used old towels to make potholders. She used old cotton sheets to make dish towels. She recycled everything!

[@pamkahmann3833]

Love the idea of using a blanket as the batting. Having another option is great. I have sometimes “tied” my quilts with the specialty stitch on my machine that looks like a star. Looked really nice on the back, too. Thanks for sharing another informative video.

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Pam how are you doing?

[@itsmelaura1533]

Oooooohh, I love that idea! I have a machine that makes some really nice single stars, flowers, leaves and other designs! Thank you for sharing this idea!

[@antoinettewilliams1355]

I also used a heart shape decorative stitch to “tie” down a child’s quilt. It held up great! I like this no nonsense approach to quilting. My very early quilts were filled with blankets and old wore out quilts. My sons still use them as they are the warmest of all.

[@IRISHLASS273]

Beth, I look at your videos because there calming and educational. I live in a small country off of the far western corner of Europe. The town I live in is a complete dead zone when it comes to crafts. I taught myself how to quilt. Long before the pandemic hit I tried in so many ways to get a craft group started. I was met with sneers and snide remarks. I asked someone to look at your videos in the hope, that when restrictios have eased, she would be interested in learning to make a quilt. Not if you paid me she said. I was supplying everything that she would need. I;m not giving up. Another reason I like your videos no drama or hidden agenda just joyful sewing.

[@cordulawiersig39]

@Janet McCartaig: oh no! I'm so sorry that you are having trouble to find people to join you.. it is wonderful that you don't give up and try to find people to join you! I wish I would live in your neighborhood and was able to join you. I taught myself with the help of this channel, the Missouri quilt company and Lori Holt😅 All the best for you and I hope you will be able to find people to join you..

[@itsmyparty4637]

so sad Irish Lass. I have a friend who is always bored but wont allow me to teach her any crafts either.

[@BarbraBarbour]

I’ve been doing this for years. The new fleece blankets are great if you’re looking for something warm but lighter weight.

[@judithburke1539]

I'm sure that your son will love that beautiful cuddle quilt!

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Judith how are you doing?

[@janetm356]

Always so satisfying to watch you, Beth. I love the idea of using a machine tack as a “tie.” Fantastic! Thanks, Beth.

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Janet how are you doing?

[@dianaference1911]

My son is the same way. The heavier the quilt is the happier he is. I loved this. Thank you.

[@christopherseilaff8665]

I am 48. My grandmothers and great grandmothers always used blankets for batting. I have used them and used regular quilters batting also.

[@LionsLamb79]

I just found you after rediscovering my fond memories of quilting with my mother. I love your videos, your intro gets me everytime. When you lay your beautiful work out on the grass I'm like "what about the chicken poop?" but then I remind myself not everyone has a yard full of crazy chickens.

[@bethshibleyquilts]

😆

[@sallyryan5699]

Love your gorgeous quilt. I get request for something heavier and now I know. The “machine tie” is fantastic idea. Thank you so much.

[@stitchann]

The quilt you made your son is beautiful. The blues are so attractive. I recall a lady at our guild who used old army blankets for batting, now talk about Heavy. Wow

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Debra how are you doing?

[@theresasheehan7513]

Such a labor of love. So sweet, just what a kind mother would do. I'm so moved by your caring sensitivity to his needs.

[@celiagtorres]

Your machine level same as your table, makes the difference. Thank you for the tutorial.

[@ginns1014]

Oh my gosh! I’m a new quilter and still learning. I didn’t realize how expensive quilting can be… I was trying to think of some ways to “cut corners.” Haha! This is so helpful. I’m loving these “unconventional” ideas! Thanks for sharing! (I esp love the stitched tacking) Wow! 😍

[@lisamclouth5926]

My Grandma gave my Mother a quilt made of denim,70 years ago and she had used a bear skin instead of batting. That baby was HEAVY!! I use flannel for table runners and wall hangings instead of batting!I now use not only blankets but,fleece instead of batting. ALOT a cheaper!

[@jenedelwilcox6647]

My mom told me that her parents used to make quilts together like this and used a blanket for batting. She said they were so heavy you could hardly turn over! Lol . But without central heat, they needed the warmth . I liked your method for anchoring the layers. Love your videos.

[@beckywalker1519]

Hey Beth, this is great, granddaughter has to have a weighted blanket, she suffers with Syncope and the weighted blanket helps to calm her, the one her mother bought for her was pricey and thus doesn’t like for it to leave the house, so making one for her will be very beneficial for her. TY so much!!!

[@rhondaholman9628]

Have done this using my grandmother's wool army blankets. Used her double knits to make a top & "used" sheet for the back. I did hand tie. Love your son's quilt.

[@margaretdevries8090]

My father used army blankets, scrap quilt using our old clothes, he put back then blanket then he sewed pieces of fabric flipping them and adding other pieces ! They were well used and kept us warm on cold nights I loved looking for pieces of my old clothes ! Wish I had them today , brother tossed them when parents died ! And they cleared the house !

[@vimladamewood5651]

I was about to practice free motion quilting on quilt sandwiches. Batting is expensive. Now I know to use old blankets and I will surely try a whole quilt with it too.

[@susanelliott1970]

I c ant believe the way you “quilted” this. Recently I was given a quilt for charity and she did a zig zag at zero stitches per inch at the intersections and it was so neat and tiny. Although I have a long arm, I’m going to try this. Also a tip, I store my safety pins open. They get a little tangled, but faster than having to open each one before using and recrossing after. Thanks again for another good video.

[@auntieann3000]

Your alternative ties are a brilliant substitute for yarn ties, which would definitely irritate someone with tactile sense processing issues. The issue runs in my family & my daughter has weighted blankets. I will be using this technique to make her some quick & heavy quilts. Thank you so much!

[@nildavalencia5524]

I have 4 plus top quilts to finish, they are very nice and new cotton fabrics I purchased flannel for backing. I will use the technique to tighten the square blocks corners. Instead of keep researching and expending more money on buying accessories to sew perfect ones. I’ll try though to use of what I have now for a little touch. Thank you very much, you have solved my aprehension of quilting a perfect quilt for an unconventional quilting. Love the quilt and the video

[@kathlynbarnes8236]

It was fun seeing you use a blanket as batting, because it brought back memories. My Mom used blankets for many of her quilts batting. It kept us very warm. Thanks for the memories.

[@marleneaz9676]

Loved this project. Useful, comfortable and nice. A quilt like a hug in cold nights. And really a teaching video. Thanks.

[@betteolivieri7644]

Loved your video using the blanket. Thank you

[@szelop]

Tacking quilts is great!

[@joydalton4987]

Great idea, I’ve used a thin fleece blanket from Walmart for batting, it worked. I would definitely use a blanket again for a quilt like you did. Recycle and reuse. Yours turned out lovely.

[@SamanthaMadison197]

I love this idea. What a wonderful quilt.

[@LUCINDA2789]

I would do this when I first started to make quilts I would get the same blanket and cover them and I think I tied mine and gave them to my sister. I would find them at the thrift stores for like five bucks or less. So it was cheaper than getting batting , love the tying idea on the sewing machine .

[@gramapama7636]

My grandson wants a heavier quilt ... I'm going to have to try this! Thanks! 👵

[@susandixon848]

I've been hand tying my quilts. I like your idea better. Thanks.

[@paulwade4850]

What a clever way to do a tied quilt, so nice and it will be really cosy. Thanks again from NZ

[@marthapowers634]

I've only just found and subscribed to your channel, and I'm ever so glad I did. I have been saving blankets for a few years, wondering if I could use them for batting, and the ladies I quilt with said "You could, but I wouldn't". I could never get a response as to why they wouldn't---just "I wouldn't". So, I haven't....UNTIL NOW!!!!! Watching you do it on your video gave me permission to do it. So, I'm going to!!!! THANK YOU so much!! I'll do so with confidence, that it's not WRONG. No quilt police here!!!!

[@princessfrances132]

Another way to spell QUILT is LOVE!!!😀😀‼️❤️‼️‼️

[@3catmom]

Great ideas, about using a blanket and also stitching between squares. I hand tie mine.

[@bitsnharry]

I really like the machine stitching on the corners instead of a floss or yarn Tie. If your machine has a triple straight stitch You could just do the straight line once! I am still collecting fabrics from my very old selection to do the plaid looking one that you made with vintage squares in groups of four with a thin sashing in the middle. Loved it!!

[@M-hc9xm]

I love everything about this quilt. ❤️

[@patogden856]

Hi , it's great to see your quilt , just loveit . I have been doing them this way for years. I couldn't afford to quilt if I had to go to the fabric shops . They are great if you have the money . Thrift shops definitely my source . Used to get pure wool blankets for $3 but price has hiked up lately to $20-$30 . Used sheets and Duvet covers to make up my cotton patchwork tops at $2-$3 dollars each. Have used flannelette sheets as wadding though they are not so warm . The Lord tells me who to give them to . Keeps me busy . Godbless XxPat nz

[@carolvenables3970]

That's a mother's love x

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Carol how are you doing?

[@nonyabidness1623]

Ilove it! The colors are working, beautiful! You can make all scraps look great! Has a hint of lighthouses! For me it does! I really love this, I'm positive your son will too! Your so gifted, I'm so glad I ever came across you on here! God Bless You and Yours , and All, Always! Lis

[@smallfootprint2961]

Using a blanket as batting is a great idea. Might use it. Love the quilt. So nice that your son will have mom's own made quilt. Lovely..

[@joanc3466]

I'm still learning quilting and not wanting to spend too much on things, I bought a woollen blanket from the Salvos store for $12 and used it for batting. The quilt is much heavier, softer and warmer. I will definitely use blankets for wadding again.

[@corralup1]

This is a great idea! I have been thinking about doing this and searched KZbin endlessly to see if someone else tried this. I also think this is a great way to get your measurements right for Twin, full, queen, and King size by using another blanket that has already been cut the right length. I just finished another quilt the conventional way, and guess what? One side is longer than the other 3 sides. It is so frustrating once I finally get done and think I have the quilt squared, but it always seems a little off. Using a blanket is a great idea and I can't believe it is not talked about more often. One time I thought about using a moving blanket for a throw but I found out when I pre washed it that it fell apart in the wash machine. That was too bad because it would have been a great had it not. Those moving blankets only cost about 5.00. I will be looking for actual blankets from places like Amazon or maybe the dollar stores next. Thanks again for this video you made.

[@denisepineda1788]

I love that idea. In years past, I think people did use old blankets, etc. when they made quilts. Thanks for the great video of ideas!

[@johnnycharles319]

Hi 👋 Denise how are you doing?

[@karenstemp7393]

Simple but so lovely Beth, thank yoi

[@loispostings1602]

I love the idea of using a blanket for batting....thanks!

[@kimmcvitty3580]

I had thought about doing something like this but an very new to quilting. I was interested to see I wouldn't need to, "stitch in the ditch," the whole quilt. Thank you.x

[@greatpianomusic9457]

Love using the machine to tie the quilt. Thanks. 🇨🇦

[@mariaredpath3900]

I really like your idea of stitching in the corners instead of ties. My grandmother made whole cloth quilts using old blankets as the batting.

[@jackiemartin4864]

I’ve been using wool blankets that I get at thrift stores (and wash well) to put in my quilts for several years now. Much cheaper and warmer than conventional batting. I always find queen or king size blankets, unless I’m making a child’s quilt. Good to see others doing this as well. Beautiful quilt, love the colors!

[@katethompson2818]

I so like your scrappy and ingenious ideas and results!

[@candacemeares9694]

thank you, Beth! Great ideas.

[@ninapeters1919]

I made a quilt this Christmas using a blanket from Goodwill as the batting. It’s a great way to save money. I was surprised at how smooth it was and easy to use. Thank you for your videos!

[@marlenethompson864]

Beautiful quilt & love the stitches "tying" it together. I am not keen on hand tying with yarn & do not machine quilt mine (send them to a LRQ) but def will do your "tying" method! Great unconventional video & like the blanket alternative when needed. Yes, it can be done...you just did! Thanks always for your tips & new ideas!

[@tributetomama]

Thanks for putting this video up. I had an idea to take a very boring blanket that has actually been quilted and make a new top or flimsy for it with some beautiful Caribbean colors.

[@pambrewer9082]

Your son should love this quilt.

[@maryannhobbie4818]

I’m in love! Thank you Beth. You know have a faithful follower. My last three quilts I’ve used old sheets as batting, and old fleece blankets from the thrift store as backing. I had some heavier blankets in my stash…now i’ll use the heavy faux ties to quilt them (they’re not made yet!) So happy I found you!

[@joburkham8890]

I love this . I'm going to try it . A lot cheaper for sure !☺ Beautiful quilt . Your son probably loves it.

[@janetschram3552]

Just watched this and love it. Great idea for using blankets. Awesome!

[@susyk6839]

Using flannel as batting makes a heavier quilt too! Thanks for sharing, Beth :)

[@francineleathers5418]

I've never seen the stitching for quilting like that. I'll have to try it.

[@jobabs]

Great tutorial! I had not seen that type of stitching/tying the corners before. I will have to try that, as tying a quilt with yarn or multiple strands of embroidery thread is no fun on the fingers. I have a few scrappy quilts from my Mom with blankets used as batting, they are heavy and warm. My Mom used to be part of a quilting group at church that made and sent quilts overseas to the missionaries who would distribute them to people in the area; she always scouted the thrift stores for sturdy blankets and heavy cotton drapes (she would remove any linings and pleats) to use for batting in those quilts.

[@homesteaderfiftywmartha603]

Very nice - I’m glad you get to use the floor! 🤩 ( I love blankets for inside or just a back!!)

[@andree2808]

Thank you so much for this video. I’ve been wondering if you could use a blanket instead of batting, and, whether or not you could use your sewing machine to stitch it together rather than hand tying it. You’ve answered both of these questions. Well done!

[@donnacova]

Really love this quilt. The colors are very appealing to me. As someone who loves heavy bedding on cold nights this a great solution.

[@barbarajohnson1572]

Just got thru sorting thru old blankets and have put aside some just for this use! Thank you for thinking out of the box and sharing with others...

[@dorothyawo9086]

I love any blue fabric & this quilt is beautiful. I learned a lot from your video so I thank you. You made it fun and I can adopt some of those new tips. Hope your son enjoys his new quilt.

[@paulajones4984]

this is a beautiful quilt and leaves me feeling inspired to try one myself. Thanks for providing such great content.

[@lauraporter6516]

I love the feel of a heavy quilt. I remember the quilts that my grandmother made; those quilts are long gone now. When I started quilting, I was disappointed that they didn't have that old timey feel/weight to them. I'm pretty sure those old quilts had other older quilts inside them and that's how they got the weight to them. I will definitely have to try this method and see if the weight comes close to the ones I remember from what seems a life time ago.

[@hanshi3831]

That's exactly the type of quilt I've always loved the most. Heavy and perfectly worn in! 😊

[@conqueringmountscrapmorewi2509]

After a busy day, I get to grab my hand sewing and watch this video! You make me smile! Thank you so much for posting this informative video!

[@juliec2393]

Lovely, I've made quilts with blankets inside. When I started quilting, self taught, I didn't know you could buy batting! That quilt sure gave you a workout.

[@berniceoconnor5381]

I love everything about this quilt Beth. And I love the fact you used a ( presumably used??) blanket. My first ever quilt: ( I am a novice quilter) used an old bath sheet for batting. It was very successful, and is a lovely heavy, warm, quilt.

[@bethshibleyquilts]

yes...it was an old (clean) blanket. 👍

[@pattysherwood7091]

I love this quilt. I like using a blanket for a quilt batting sometimes. I made a couple . They are warm and durable.

[@cherylbaney1287]

That turned out great…nice for a young man!

[@carynkinder3216]

Loved this video, so much information. Thanks so much. Love from Chicago

[@davidhatfield5714]

Unbelievable, I just talked with my sister, who is not a sewer or quilter, about this very type of quilt! My mom made my nephew a jean quilt like this 40 years ago. It was so well used and falling apart. He asked her if she could “fix” it😂well it was beyond that, so she is going to try to do another. (Mom tried the quilt). Beth, just wondering, why you just didn’t trim blanket and turn the backing fabric over to made binding? On a quilt like this, I do this often and what a time saver. Sometimes I like it better and on a heavily used quilt I think it holds up better.👍

[@bethshibleyquilts]

I have used the backing for binding- another KZbin idea😉 for the future

[@tinakercher8768]

A hundred years ago my quilting teacher told us that binding cut on a bias wears better than one cut on the grain. It’s a good thing the quilting police never come to our sewing rooms!! Lol.

[@annemegis]

Love this! The way you used a blanket, the colors and the tacking down!!! I did think that you were going to roll the backing to the front though. Maybe there wasn't enough on all sides though. Love watching your videos!🎉

[@peterlilley6836]

I I love the beautiful blues in your quilt you made for your son,I did a similar thing when the first quilt I made for my husband, I wanted something manly yet something with texture,I bought a Hugh through and put ties on it so in the winter he can put the duvet I cut down,in it it was small enough to put completely over him,when in his recliner chair,I only wish someone would do me something so blue so beautiful,you change the rules to suit your need ,keep making beautiful things luv teresa ,

[@marygeorge9688]

Thank you for sharing this quilt. It’s beautiful and perfect for your son. I like heavy quilts as well.

[@itsmelaura1533]

I made a throw size jean quilt and backed it with fleece and it is super heavy. It seems to be the go to quilt when one is sick and can't get warm! I love that you have shared yet another trick (machine tacking) that is going to make my sewing life that much easier on me! Thank you for being such a blessing to us!

[@smileytow1925]

I love your quilt! I’ve have not made many quilts at all YET! But I did make small lap size or seat size ( think football games and horse shows here, to sit on!) I used blankets in the middle and old flannel sheets for the other side. I tied them and the works great! My one daughter used hers eventually for her dogs bed after she got married. It wore our great like it should! Better to be used then saved! ❤️💕 Beth I love your projects and ideas and the beautiful music in your videos! Thank you! ❤️💕

[@amandah5478]

This is such a good idea. I've been looking for something like this. Thanks for taking the time to upload.

[@jonanderson5137]

This is what I'm looking for, as far as technique. I plan on using 3 or more drop cloths like this.

[@lorettahenderson8979]

Beautiful quilt, my grandmother always uses blankets for batting❤️

[@sherylkruse8060]

This quilt is beautiful!!! I have never used basting spray although I may try it since I've seen how well it works for you...pinning my layers of the quilt is how I have always done it...I have a work table that I do everything on because my arthritis prevents me from getting on the floor...Happy Quilting Beth!!!

[@deloresrast8543]

What a labor of love!!! I like your idea. Well done!!!

[@hunkosaurusrex]

I think the blanket as batting muses are guiding me. I have this Snoopy Xmas blanket that was a gift and it has been used for years. I don't want to throw it away, and have been thinking, "Could I use it as a batting or even backing of a lap quilt?" Well, I saw this link and it seems like Yes is the right answer 😎 Thank you so much for posting this video. Your quilt looks amazing. I love how when you were trimming off the sides the edges were spot on. Sign of consistent measuring and quarter inch hem.

[@authenticallyamber99]

Wonderful idea! 🌸 As always, you make it look effortless! 😃

[@lesleygilbert1945]

Love the blocks and the colours. Thanks for the tutorial link 💖

[@arethamorgan6613]

This turned out beautiful. I love the checked blue blocks. Old women were known for using blankets, coats, sweaters. To stuff the quilts as batting was unheard of back then.

[@addictedstamper52]

This is so genius! Never seen it done before but I really like the idea of it and the look!

[@carmenbailey1560]

Beth what a nice job on this quilt, looks great and if your son requested something special then good for him. I love how you machine tacked your squares in place, I won’t forget that method. Thanks for sharing your quilt looks great.👍❤️😊