🧹🗑🧽 Day 18-Batting - 2025 Declutter Challenge

[@marjroach5824]

Our guild makes placemats for the "Meals on Wheels" program. They give a placemat on the recipient birthday along with a small cake. We do about 550 a year.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

How nice! ❤

[@lisagilbert8472]

What a great act of kindness to make someone very happy on their birthday and to brighten up the tables when eating!! I love 💕 it

[@pamelacrocker1850]

I use leftover batting to make pieces to fit my swiffer sweeper to clean my tile floor and squares to dust my sewing machines and longarm.

[@lynnebivens2119]

Great ideas!

[@pattycramer1560]

I am currently sewing them together to use in quilts for the LA Fire victims. I have a family with five children that lost their home and I'm making quilts for them. So, this was perfect for me!!

[@SilverDiva]

Where do you send the quilts. I e seen several organizations. I’ll make some too.

[@pattycramer1560]

@@SilverDiva I will see if I can find out something for you. I am working with my Union with families that lost their homes.

[@scrappyquilter8741]

Yeah another free day for me. I organized all my batting scraps last year and have kept them organized since.

[@Carol_Sews]

I use mainly Warm and White batting, which I buy in queen size when I have a coupon. I make mostly small projects like wall hangings, table runners, and pillow covers, so I need smaller pieces of batting. I cut them from the queen size batting, and I make a drawing that shows where I have cut batting away and the dimensions of each edge of the batting that remains. The next time I need a piece of batting I can look at my drawing to see where to cut from. When I have leftover batting strips from edges of quilted projects, I make small pieces of frankenbatting that I layer with “ugly” fabric and use that sandwich to test decorative stitches, stitch length, tension, etc. before I quilt something. I write the stitch details directly on the fabric so I know how to set up my machine to get the results I want.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Thank you for sharing your process! ❤

[@lindacajigas3315]

I make franken batting, and I also cut some into 2 1/4 inch strips. I sew them together and make jelly roll rugs

[@julierein645]

I make placemats, hot pads etc with my batting scraps

[@EverydaySewist]

I love to use up batting in Frankenbatts! I do it all the time and it does help to keep leftover batting from piling up. I also cut up batting strips less than 5” wide into squares for thread catchers and use those everywhere. And, I use 11” squares of all cotton batting for making bowl cozies. Everyone seems delighted to receive them so I make them often and it really helps to use up batting and fabric scraps. (Make sure everything is 100% cotton!).

[@DS-ic5ps]

I use frankenbatting to make kennel quilts for places caring for displaced and evacuated pets.

[@HeidiNesbitt-fq9zu]

I tend to use mine to practice free-motion quilting designs. Then I keep them to remind me how to do them. I think I need to cut those pieces up to make a "library" of designs because they've become their own type of clutter! I love your challenges - thank you!!

[@megharmon2298]

I should also do a library! Every time I sit down to quilt a quilt, I have to either think hard or get out my books that have designs. I don't practice much, nor do I do many swatches butI do have ugly fabric that I use to make sure the machine is quilting properly or if I just want a practice on something before I start. Once they are done, I should make them into hot mats or potholder but often I did nor 7se insulbrite ap they are not the best for that and if they are ugly fabric they often do not really appeal. So I trashed some this declutter cycle. It felt good. Frankenbatting .. do it all the time. Tiny scraps go in stuffing bag along with pieces to tiny to crumb with, bunches of thread etc. It all works well as stuffing.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Maybe you could frame some and write the info on the back? If your fabric isn’t too ugly it may be a nice addition to your sewing area?

[@HeidiNesbitt-fq9zu]

It's a thought!

[@linsleysrygley643]

Interfacing is my batting! I am making tote handles with my frankenfacing. I have gotten so much cleaned up!

[@suehunt5896]

I learned from you about the batting and make the size and you do save money.

[@cc83jc85]

I seem to have narrow batting in a drawer- I might sew them togetehr, as they are the same! I only have purchased in the past 2 or 3 different types , but will stick to buying cotton only from now on. Thanks Karen

[@lynnhenk5060]

What's been helping me is using the same type of batting almost all the time.

[@suehunt5896]

I like the idea of cutting up pieces I never thought of that. Thanks

[@meacadwell]

I keep every single scrap of batting and Frankenbat it. Smaller pieces of cotton batting are great for making straps or bag sides. And it makes wonderful filler for pillows, pincushions and stuffies and when using them in those things you don't have to worry about mixing the different types . Waste not, want not.

[@mariekairys3214]

The "frankenbatting" idea is one of my favorites ! Of all the scrap management tips this is the one i use the most. I do quilt as you go so that I can do the whole quilt myself on my sewing machine (Janome Sewist). Each quilt usually has at least one row quilted with frankenbatting from the quilts that came before it !

[@bethliebman8169]

I enjoy the annual Declutter Challenge videos and have done a lot of organizing and decluttering changes to my craft space. I particularly enjoy your timer method. I can stand to do anything for 15 minutes! That said, I could solve a lot of space issues if I had a studio to take things to. Just saying

[@lisagorski5116]

In addition to quilts, I make lots of placemats and soft books (usually from panels) for donation. Franken-batting is the perfect spot for these, as they take smaller pieces.

[@sabrinakl]

I'm so happy, that I've learned this lesson from you in the past, when I had my first few quilttops ready for basting. So now I've not much batting in my home and almost no scraps because of a babyquilt and small projects just as project bags or mug rugs. ❤

[@KarenCerny]

I learn such great tips from Karen B and all of you . Thank you! After using the foam piece to clean the batting fibers on the cutting mat I run a lint roller over it several times to get the remaining teensy fibers. I’ve been using 100% polyester so it leaves tons of fibers and “dust”. When that is all gone I will switch to one material - likely 100% cotton. The lint roller also works great on my ironing board for stray threads.

[@evelyndesjardins8551]

Great advice, as usual. I do use my batting scraps to practice free motion quilting before getting started on my quilts. Also, to warm up between free motion quilting sessions.

[@martinakopel5283]

Our quilting group makes red, white and blue Mug Rugs for our Veterans Day breakfast and all attendees get to take one home. Plus we make placemats for Meals on Wheels. So I save my bits of batting/wadding zigzag them back together and use it in these projects. From Avon Park, Florida Karen I love this Declutter Challenge, every year. Thank you

[@KathyM-c6i]

This is the 2nd time someone mentioned placemats for Meals on Wheels. I'd never heard of doing that before.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

What a great way to use up bits of fabric and batting and it benefits others! Thanks for sharing.❤

[@KathyM-c6i]

I find it's easy to keep up with batting scraps, since I only create them one quilt at a time. So, I process them as I go. I fold and keep the larger ones their original bags so that I'm sure they're the same material before making them into frankenbatting for quilts. I trim, fold, and store the smaller scraps to use to practice patterns on my sit-down longarm, as well as for making design boards, pot holders, etc. I have a container where I store and then use the tiny scraps for stuffing animal beds for the local shelter. I also use my teeny scraps of fabric and threads for this. Nothing goes in the garbage.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

What is a sit down Longarm? How long have you had it and what company made i? I’m trying to decide what to use other than my regular sewing machine. I tend to not make anything bigger than a double and I’m 70 now and not as limber as I used to be. 🥴

[@colleengriffith6651]

First 20 seconds of video are going really fast, then black screen. It’s fine at 20 seconds. Thank you, Karen.

[@CheeseheadQuilter]

After I finish quilting &trimming, I measure the resulting pieces, 8x56” etc., mark that on a piece of cutoff selvage (which I also use to tie up tomato plants😜 and fabric bundles). Then I roll up the batting piece and tie it with the marked selvage scrap. I stack these rolls vertically in a bin near my larger batting rolls or pieces so when I’m just a little too short or narrow I can zigzag one on. Pieces 20 to 30” wide, also measured & rolled, get used for placemats or to zigzag together for baby /lap quilts.

[@reneegosselin1595]

Thank you for the information. I just finished watching all your past videos on batting as well. I am currently trying out and practicing several (many!) FMQ and walking foot quilting patterns. I am also working on organizing and streamlining my stash. I have decided to use my « ugly » fabrics as well as my batting scraps to make my practice samples. It has definitely helped me declutter my sewing room. Plus it has given me peace of mind knowing I am not wasting anything. Thanks for all your very informative videos.

[@marveldonovan5425]

I sorted batting recently. I have 1 plastic bag with small scraps that need to be chopped up for stuffing, BUT today is not that day. I’m finishing a UFO and just need to complete the quilt label and sew it on. That’s my priority for today.

[@cydneycraig1408]

Some of my batting scraps are used for lining quilted book covers. Some is for Frankenbatting. Love that term.

[@shelleyt3048]

I tend to use the larger leftover pieces for smaller projects and I used to keep the rest to stuff pillows. I’m going to try making the frankenbatting with my larger scraps if I actually buy the same type of batting going forward. I seem to have mixed types so this is a future-facing idea for me.

[@vivianjones9130]

I always enjoy Karen's tips and tricks. I also learn from you ladies that give your tips also. I use small pieces of batting to keep by my sewing machine to put my clipped threads on and they're not going anywhere. ❤❤

[@connieking9873]

My batting is under control. I almost always use warm and natural. So it is easy to keep seperate. My smaller pieces in a zipper bag stored in a cupboard that has a great shelf for it all and easy to get to.

[@sharonfeatherstone8219]

I’ve been keeping bigger pieces and frankenbatting them. Anything in strips smaller than 6” have gone into the trash. I’ve kept enough of them for smaller projects, but have reached my capacity to store them. I now only use one type of batting and that makes it easier.

[@BethNeutze]

My batting has a good home,so I'm going back to yesterday's challenge which I woefully have so much more to do. I did make progress, so I took time to work on a hot pad for a friend and finished two walker bags. Both were a great mind break from my major fabric reorganizing. This is going to be a challenging,but exciting year for me.

[@Cosmiccarrie88]

I keep pieces I can use for things like bowl holder, small wall hangings, table. Runners, pot holders etc. the pieces that won’t work for those go to a couple of ladies that use them to make pet beds for a shelter.

[@amikrenzel5788]

I have started using frankenbatting and get to use lots of the scraps that way. I also love making little bags and things so small pieces are great for those. I use lots of the little pieces to clean. It really picks up dust and stuff.

[@jayneterry8701]

At last years challenge I collected up all batting and have it in one bin. Addendum this year is to get the lid closed 😂

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

👍

[@drewrichardson8789]

Batting scraps are also great for dusting, cleaning longarm rails.

[@anitamalkin9591]

I started to only one type of batting last year after watching one of your videos . The larger pieces I make franking batting and the smaller pieces I add to my other small scraps to make firelighters with toilet rolls rolls.

[@cyn4rest]

Ummmmm, I think I need to start over at Day #1, and do Week #1, Week#2, etc. Most of my space is in chaos - results of moving, packing, remodeling & grown kids returning to the nest. But I’m not giving up. I know there’s an answer, I just haven’t figured it out yet. Thanks for this Series, Karen. Much appreciated. ❤ Edited to correct typos 🤪

[@pattycramer1560]

I am still on day 1, but it is so refreshing and I feel so good - I decided to clean out my pantry, donated two grocery bags and two boxes full of stuff!! Thank you for doing this!!!

[@KathyM-c6i]

@cyn4rest You'll get it done :) I try not to put the pressure of a deadline on things like this. I think of this as "task" 1, task 2, etc rather than "day" 1, day 2, etc. It takes as long as it takes. Karen even mentioned that in one of the earlier videos. The idea is to tackle just one detail at a time, rather than get distracted with the whole picture. Expect the storm before the calm! 😅 (And, good luck with the crowded nest ;)

[@cyn4rest]

@@KathyM-c6i Thanks for your suggestions and kind encouraging words. Karen truly has created a wonderful Community here on her channel.

[@KathyM-c6i]

@cyn4rest She really has. I'm thankful to be a part of it --- with wonderful folks like you :)

[@TheInappropriateQuilterZaza]

I do quite a lot of small projects so I use up my batting leftovers on these.

[@JeanHudson2022]

Did anyone else really want to see the quilt she had on the quilter LOL

[@KathyM-c6i]

YES! I zoomed in on those flowers as much as I could! 🧐

[@ronr9423]

I use batting scraps to make placemats for Meals On Wheels and will make frankenbatting with smaller pieces. With quilts I tend to use batting that is either a certain size or precut it to a little bit bigger than the quilt or project im making. I generally make baby quilts or wall hangings and smaller objects so it’s easier to get through the projects and be able to move them down the road. 😎

[@NellieShannon-p9g]

I do use my batting scraps and Frankenbatting them works very well. I used to use the batting tape but now I find just a good six that works. I use those scraps for table runners and table toppers. Any thing that’s about 6 inches, I used for coasters. Right now I have a good stack, that probably can make a quilt. I use only one kind of batting, 100% cotton from the warm company. I like warm and white and warm and natural.

[@aliciapugh3075]

I keep then in a bag. But I will be making them into larger pcs. and use some for filling in pillows, which I had not thought of. Thank you.

[@NemoMeImpuneLacessitNevermore]

I love Frankenbatting! I use it all the time! Tiny scraps get used for stuffing. Nothing gets wasted, and I love it!

[@jhwilliams6550]

I need to stick with one type of batting too. I use narrow strips in my bag handles. I tried foam and it disintegrated so I will stick to batting from now on. I want to make some more jelly roll rugs this year so I will cut some 2-1/4” strips and frakenbat them.

[@debbiewilliams9673]

I am using batting scraps for a program for the Tidewater Quilter's Guild March program for kits to make mug rugs

[@debbiehorton8470]

Batting scraps are also very good to wrap breakable, special items if youre getting ready to move (i am).

[@momb1107]

This is one I don't have to worry about. I have two unused dressers in my spare bedroom and that's where all my batting scraps go.😅

[@palmiraolivierpolyanna5081]

Last year I decided to buy only bamboo batting, my favorite. So I can easily frankbatting (thanks for this great technique!!!). I also use my scraps to make design boards for storing easily my blocks in progress. And I am willing to try with smaller ones kind of EPP mixed with quilt as you go as my hand sewing easy to take project. Thanks Karen and everyone for ypur great ideas!!!

[@susanreynolds4688]

Karen, given that you enjoy EPP and quilt as you go projects, have you looked into the Daisy and Grace system that combines the two techniques, but without the papers? That is another good use of those batting scraps.

[@palmiraolivierpolyanna5081]

I am willing to try this technique bit cannot find its name. Seems perfect as a slow hand stitch project easy to travel with.

[@susanreynolds4688]

Daisy and Grace is a UK based company. Missouri Star Quilt Company partnered with them. I purchased my set of templates through Missouri Star. If you Google Daisy and Grace quilting or search for either company on KZbin, they have good videos demonstrating the system’s techniques. You can hand stitch or machine stitch. It is taking a lot of self discipline to not start a project with the templates yet. I must finish my EPP project before I can start this one. It is my only way of avoiding UFOs.

[@palmiraolivierpolyanna5081]

@@susanreynolds4688 thank you so much! I will look for their youtube channel. You are right, I have to finish too other projects to keep ufos under control 😂

[@AnitaDistel-uw3gd]

I had enough scraps to make six pillow casings. I have two books of cute pillow animals and am making them for the nieces and nephews for this year's birthday gift! First BD is in April.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

I haven’t heard of books of pillow animals. Is it a panel that is quilted? Scraps for pillow casings…scrap fabric or do you actually use batting in your pillow cases? Very interested. Thank you for sharing.

[@conniecruz3346]

Thank you.

[@anitabengtson6456]

I use my leftover batting for wall hangings,

[@DambraCallahan]

So many great ideas.

[@debbieweibley3899]

I'm moving at the end of the month, so I'm definitely getting rid of stuff. Our new home is much smaller and there is no extra room for storage.

[@AllenLock]

I keep my scraps that are large enough for my doll quilts (18"x24") and tablerunners. The rest I donate to my quilt guild to be turned into frankenbatts for the charity quilts they produce.

[@Lynn_the_Empress]

Our guild is making charity quilts, so I will use my leftover batting for those.

[@lindanaughtin2702]

Well, this time I'm way ahead--did this last week.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

🛎️🛎️🛎️

[@andreasymons1518]

The introduction to this video is “very fast”

[@audreygervais8508]

😂😂🤣😂

[@sabrinakl]

Yes, I've searched for something has broken in my youtube settings 😂

[@judithstannard2778]

And then it goes black for about 5 seconds 😊

[@abigailthompson4456]

I thought that was a joke, but maybe not.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Looked like a glitch to me - the rest is fine though. ❤

[@gwynwellliver4489]

One drawer and one bag. That's it. Franken bat when possible, which I did last month.

[@jogiese3483]

Do you have a video on your QAYG Blocks? You have mentioned them several times and I'm curious, also the "Potato Chip" Block is new to me. Any video tutorials for that block?

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

1:18 I thought your batting needs to be a little larger than the top because when you quilt it changes the size a bit?

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

It does…4” taller and wider for sit down quilting…8” for a longarm

[@pennypreston3569]

I sew the cotton together but how do you sew poly batting together? Mine always turn out wonky.

[@cindyfowler7324]

You lost me at snake

[@merrycmouse]

My question is, is there a way to tell which batting is what? I know that I have multiple kinds all piled together and I don't know what's what. I don't make small projects like pillows or bags or placemats, so I don't know what all I can frankenbatt together. Is there a way to be able to tell what is what?

[@KathyM-c6i]

That's a tough one. I think if it were me I'd take small scraps of them to a store that has batting on bolts so I could compare them by what they look and feel like.

[@JustGetitDoneQuilts]

Colour, fibre, and texture. Go with what you can see

[@juliewynd8326]

I cut up and put into beds for my dogs. My dogs love the beds. And they last.

[@AutumnK]

0:03-0:19 What was that?!? 🤔

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Looks like a glitch in editing but the rest of video is good. ❤

[@turtztube]

WAIT WAIT WAIT...Karen, you have a snake??

[@karenwerts2331]

[@LJ-oi3pz]

is it only me, or the video is damaged in the first 20-ish seconds...?

[@NavymomProud]

I thought it was my phone messing up. 😮

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Not only you. Must be a glitch in the Editing. Rest of video is just fine. ❤

[@EverydaySewist]

I love to use up batting in Frankenbatts! I do it all the time and it does help to keep leftover batting from piling up. I also cut up batting strips less than 5” wide into squares for thread catchers and use those everywhere. And, I use 11” squares of all cotton batting for making bowl cozies. Everyone seems delighted to receive them so I make them often and it really helps to use up batting and fabric scraps. (Make sure everything is 100% cotton!).