Patches on the Cheap

[Lapua40X]

I use a lot of patches (I'll bet you do too) and I'm tired of paying ten bucks (plus shipping if I can't find them locally) for a couple of hundred patches that make a couple of passes through the rifle bore and than end up in the garbage can.
My wife makes quilts (lots of them) and as I watched her cutting quilt squares it occurred to me that using her rotary cutter, straight edge and cutting pad I could make my own.
For a mere $2.50 (the material was half price this week) I bought a yard of very light weight flannel (it's 45 inches wide) at the local fabric store and cut it up into 1 1/2 inch squares (.243/6mm size). I got 720 patches; that's 1/3 cents per patch - so I get fifteen times the number of patches for the price of two hundred in those clear plastic bags. ;D
If your wife isn't a quilter you can buy the rotary cutter anywhere that sewing supplies are sold. Here's what it looks like:
http://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/olfa-rty-1.php?catargetid=1390120664&gclid=CJTb04OgxbQCFQ_hQgodJ3IAMA
Here's how it's done.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ebyZrgkIbk

 

[22XC Guy]

I was cutting out felt material for my muzzleloader with a arch punch, if anyone prefers round patches.. I find these at yard sales or flea markets.. There's larger sizes also..

Steve


http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/GENERAL-Arch-Punch-Set-3ZG91?cm_sp=EN-_-L2-_-MostPopular&cm_vc=FFMP

 

[284driver]

I think harbor freight sells arch punches too.

 

[Preacher]

If your looking for even cheaper, try the Bounty paper towels.
I've been using them for years with excellent results...
They hold up as well as cotton patches and if you'll try them you'll be converted...
Bounty--no other brand will do...

 

[snd]

Thanks for sharing this. I've been using scissors to cut up my old white t shirts. I havent bought patches in several years .... I'll be investing in a rotary cutter for sure.

Scott