I like to use batting scraps-leftovers from larger quilts-to make my smaller quilts, pillows and vase quilts. Previously, this required hand-stitching the batting together and was a bit time consuming.
A few weeks ago, I found this new (new-to-me at least) product: Heat Press. It eliminates the hand-stitching. Here’s how it works:
First, layer the two batting scraps so that they overlap by an inch or two. Next, rotary cut a curvy line down the overlap. (A curvy line is more stable than a straight line and is less likely to be noticeable when it is quilted.)
Remove the “overlap” pieces and discard.
Realign the batting–place it together tightly.
Place a strip of Heat Press (resin side down) on the join…
Read the warning about testing and lowering the heat. ( I lowered the heat from the highest and used a pressing cloth.)
Using a pressing cloth, iron the Heat Press over your joined batting.
It works like a charm and with no hand-stitching required! More time for FMQ and working on all of those tutorials (you-trying, me-making samples!)
Please check out the Quilt Tab/Tutorials above for many free motion quilting tutorials.
Next week we are working on straight line designs…and I am going to talk about a very popular FMQ aid that I hate…and MY SECRET WEAPON for FMQ!
Stay tuned!