How to Embosss Quilt Batting

When I was writing my book Fabric Art Collage, I wanted to create new ways to combine my mixed media materials with my quilting supplies.  One of  those supplies was bamboo batting that I had picked up at a show.   I loved the soft feel of it and at that point, thought it would dye nicely and could be used in my projects.  It did dye nicely, and it also got me thinking what else I could do with it.  I love embossed textures, and thought if velvet could be embossed, could I emboss batting?  It is a really versatile technique that I have used to make wrist cuffs, embellishments, and backgrounds for my art quilts.  For these tags I used the batting as a layer. 

Embossed batting used for tags

Embossed Batting Covered Journal

Embossed Batting Technique

Materials:

• *Fairfield Nature-fil Bamboo Batting (available at JoAnn Fabrics)
• Doily or lace pieces
• Textile medium (any brand)
• Metallic Acrylic paint
• Spray bottle
• Baking parchment paper (available at grocery store)
• Water
• Scissors
• Iron

*Note:  I have not found another batting that work as well as the Nature-fil.  That is not to say there is not another one that works equally as well for this technique.  I just have not found it yet. 

Instructions:

1. Cut a piece of bamboo batting slightly larger than the lace or doily.
2. Mix 1 part textile medium with 1 part water.  Pour the mixture into a spray bottle.
3. Place batting onto the parchment paper and mist with the diluted textile medium.  The batting should be moist but not saturated.
4. Place the lace onto the misted batting.
5. Cover the lace with parchment paper.  At this point, the batting should be sandwiched between 2 pieces of parchment paper.  With an iron set to the hottest setting, press the parchment paper, ironing firmly onto the batting.  Turn the parchment/batting over and press again. 
     
   
   
   
6. Remove the parchment paper.  Gently pull the lace from the batting to reveal an embossed lace image.  Let dry.

     

   

Once the batting is embossed it can be painted to permanently keep the design.  Fill a spray bottle with 1 part water to 1 part acrylic paint.  Shake and mix well.  On a protected surface, spray the batting with the paint mixture.  Use several light coats, letting each dry before proceeding to the next coat.  You now have a really versatile piece of material that can be used for many types of projects.  

If you try this technique I would love to see what you make with it. 

Comments

[sue b]

This is a very cool technique Rebekah.

[rebekah meier]

Thank you Sue for stopping by and your nice comment!

[Madeline]

Nice post Rebekah! Think I'll share it on Facebook too!

[Kathleen Sigg]

I am going out right this minute to buy this batting. I tried what I have at home with awful results. I have your book and it's absolutely inspiring. I just want my results to be as good as yours!

[rebekah meier]

Hi kathleen,

Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy you like my book. Keep me posted on your results and what you are making. You will have great results with the bamboo batting. BTW, you can buy it at JoAnn Fabrics (and use a coupon)

[denise]

how fun is that??? I love that you take time to figure out new techniques!!!

[rebekah meier]

thanks for stopping by Denise!

[karoda]

how brilliant! i don't have any bamboo though, hope to try this before the week is out!

[tejae]

ooooo, cool. love the texture. never heard about bamboo batting. will definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing.

[rebekah meier]

If you love texture than you must try this technique. It is always an ahha moment when you lift off the lace to reveal the embossed design. Would love to see pics after you try it.

[Lynette (NZ)]

This looks very cool and I want to try it. I love your tissue fabric technique - I now own your book, and have just started playing. Have talked about your book, your blog, and being inspired by you on my latest blog post. Thanks :-)

[Traci Johnson]

Hi Rebekah- I just went back through your blog and found this post and absolutely can't wait to try this technique. So easy and you have explained it so well. I will let you know when I finish a project. Thanks so much for sharing!

By the way, I have enjoyed your book SOOOOO much. I think it's the best book on fabric collage and techniques...hands down! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

[rebekah meier]

Thank you Traci. I am glad you like my book. I can't wait to see what you do with the technique.

Happy Hoilidays!
Rebekah