How to Cut Batting Material for Quilting and Craft Projects

Everything You Need to Know About Cutting Batting

As someone who enjoys crafting, you likely know how useful batting can be for stuffing pillows and cushions, padding quilts, and adding texture and dimension to sewing projects. However, buying pre-cut sheets of batting can get expensive. Learning how to properly cut batting allows you to purchase batts or rolls of batting and customize them to the exact size you need, saving money. From choosing the right cutting tools to techniques for smooth edges, this article will cover all the key tips and pointers for cutting batting successfully.

Selecting Batting Material

Types of Batting

The first step is deciding which type of batting you need for your project. Here are some of the most common options:

• Cotton – Natural fiber that provides light loft and warmth. Prone to bearding.
• Polyester – Affordable synthetic with medium loft. Does not beard easily.
• Cotton/Poly Blends – Mixes properties of fibers. Low bearding risk.
• Wool – Insulating, resists creasing, durable. Usually used for quilts.
• Bamboo – Breathable and antimicrobial. Often blended with rayon or cotton.

Consider factors like warmth, thickness, durability and texture when deciding on the best match for your sewing project.

Choosing Batting Size and Shape

Batting comes in a variety of shapes and sizes:

Widths

• 45″ width – Best for baby quilts or projects with smaller dimensions
• 90″-108″ widths – Ideal for larger throws and bed-sized quilts

Shapes

• Rolls – Allow cutting of custom batting lengths
• Sheets/Rectangles – Pre-cut rectangles convenient for smaller projects

Consider the finished size of your sewing project and buy batting about 2-3 inches wider and longer to allow for shrinkage and squaring off uneven edges.

Choosing Cutting Tools

Having the right cutting tools makes batting cutting much easier:

Basic Tools

• Rotary cutter – Essential for clean, straight cuts
• Cutting mat – Protects work surface from damage
• Acrylic ruler – Helps guide rotary cutter
• Scissors (optional) – Good for snipping off small pieces

Specialty Tools

• 60mm rotary cutter – Better control for detail work vs. 45mm
• Non-slip ruler grips – Keeps rulers from shifting during cutting
• Large carpenter’s square – Ideal for squaring off edges

While basic tools are enough to get started, specialty batting cutting accessories can be handy for complex projects.

Cutting Techniques

Once you have your batting and tools picked out, it’s time to start cutting. Follow these best practices:

1. Lay Out the Batting

Unroll or unfold batting on a large flat surface like a table or floor. Smooth out any wrinkles.

2. Secure the Batting

Have another person hold the edges taut. Or use weights, masking tape, or pins to keep batting fixed in place during cutting to prevent shifting.

3. Measure and Mark Cut Lines

Based on project measurements, mark cutting lines with chalk, fabric marker or pinned strips of contrasting fabric.

4. Align Ruler and Cut

Place ruler along marked cut lines. Press rotary cutter blade firmly against ruler edge as you slide it down the line.

5. Remove Excess Batting

Carefully lift and set aside excess batting pieces not needed for project.

Following these basic rotary cutting steps will allow you to customize batting sizes perfectly tailored to your sewing and quilting needs while avoiding costly waste.

Achieving Clean Batting Cuts

Getting straight, lint-free cuts when cutting batting does take some practice:

• Change rotary cutter blades frequently for clean cuts
• Use an old toothbrush to wipe lint off the cutter blade
• Cut with firm, consistent pressure – but not so hard that blade digs into the table
• Keep ruler edge perfectly aligned with cut line to ensure straight cuts
• Cut batting while it’s flat – cutting rolled batting can lead to jagged edges

Be patient with yourself as you build confidence in your batting cutting abilities. With some time and practice, you’ll be custom cutting batting pieces with ease.

Tidying Cut Batting Edges

While rotary cutting leaves edges fairly tidy, you can further refine them with these extra steps:

• Inspect edges and snip off any long, stray batting fibers with scissors
• Use pinking shears to cut edges for a pretty, zig-zagged look that resists unraveling
• Overcast edges using a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to contain fibers

Taking a little extra time to pink, zigzag, or otherwise finish your cut edges will give your batting professional polish.

Storing and Organizing Cut Batting

Proper storage keeps batting pieces smooth and lint-free:

• Fold large batting pieces smoothly without harsh creases. Refold occasionally.
• Sort and label pieces by size/color in clear zippered bags
• Stack batting horizontally in shelves to prevent compression
• Store out of direct sunlight, which can degrade fibers over time

With an orderly storage system, you’ll be able to easily locate the perfect pre-cut batting bits for future projects. No more digging around for the right size!

Helpful Tips and Tricks

After many years cutting my own batting, here are a few extra pointers I’ve picked up:

• Stack multiple batting layers when cutting identical shapes for efficiency
• Use floral wire to create custom quilting templates you can trace onto batting
• Cut muslin and batting together, then remove to use muslin as a sewing pattern
• Mark “this side up” on batting pieces so nap runs the correct direction

Don’t be afraid to experiment and find the batting cutting system that works for you! The ability to fully customize batting is a game-changer for creative sewing projects.

The Final Word

While it does take some initial practice, cutting your own batting ultimately allows much more flexibility and cost savings compared to buying pre-cuts. Arm yourself with the right knowledge and tools, and soon you’ll be expertly slicing batting to any dimensions needed for your quilts, cushions, and crafts. Snip away!

FAQ on Cutting Batting

1. What is the best way to cut batting for quilting?

   The best tool for cutting batting is a rotary cutter and cutting mat. This allows for smooth, straight cuts. Make sure to use a sharp new blade for clean cuts.

2. Should I cut batting bigger or smaller than my quilt top?

   It’s generally recommended to cut the batting about 2 inches bigger on all sides. This prevents the batting from shifting during quilting and allows some overhang for squaring up the quilt.

3. How do I prevent distortion when cutting thick batting?

   Place another cutting mat or a few thick books under the batting when cutting to prevent distortion. Cut in small sections rather than all at once. A sharp blade also helps.

4. Can I cut multiple layers of batting at once?

   It’s best to only cut one layer of batting at a time. Trying to cut through multiple layers often leads to fraying and inaccurate cuts. Take it slow and steady!

5. What direction should I cut batting – with or against the grain?

   Always cut batting with the grain, parallel to the lengthwise fibers. This prevents stretching or distorting the batting. The grain direction is usually indicated on the batting package.

6. My batting keeps shifting while I cut – help!

   Try securing the edges of the batting with weights, pins or tape while cutting to prevent slippage. Cutting on a sticky cutting mat also helps grab the batting. Work in smaller sections.

7. What size should I cut batting strips for quilt binding?

   Cut your batting binding strips 2 1⁄4 inches wide to match up with the folded quilt binding fabric. This gives just enough batting to wrap inside the binding.