The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Quilt Batting
As any quilter knows, the batting is one of the most important elements that determines how your finished quilt will look, feel and hold up over time. With so many batting options on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one for your project. In this article, I’ll break down the different types of batting and provide tips to help you select the best quilt batting for your needs.
The Main Types of Batting
There are three main categories of quilt batting to choose from: cotton, polyester, and wool.
Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is a classic, natural choice that provides warmth without bulk. It comes in various weights to suit different quilt designs. Lightweight cotton batting is good for summer quilts or quilts with intricate piecing, while thicker cotton gives cozier insulation.
Pros of cotton batting include its breathability and ability to get softer with washing. It tends to shrink a bit during washing though, so you’ll need to pre-wash and dry it before quilting. Cotton batting can also sag more over time compared to polyester.
Polyester Batting
Polyester batting is very popular thanks to its durability, stability and ease of use. It maintains its loft and won’t shrink, making it a good choice for quilts that will get heavy use. Some polyester battings have a nice lofty feel similar to cotton.
Polyester batting is less breathable than natural fibers though, so it may not be the best option for warm climates. It’s also not as eco-friendly as plant-based options. Different polyester battings vary in stiffness, opacity and texture too.
Wool Batting
Wool is a sustainable natural fiber choice beloved for its lofty warmth without weight. It feels luxurious against the skin and has moisture-wicking properties for comfort. Wool batting is more expensive than cotton or polyester though and may felt or shed fibers more over time with washing.
Other Considerations
In addition to the main fiber types, other factors to weigh include the batting’s thickness, heat retention properties, and intended use of the quilt.
Thickness
Batting thickness is measured in ounces per square yard (osy). Heavier weights of 8 osy and up provide nice insulation, while 4-6 osy works well for quilted items that don’t need extreme warmth like wallhangings. Very light 1-2 osy batting is good for art quilts with fine details.
Heat Retention
If you live somewhere cold, a batting with high loft like wool or polyester fiberfill will retain body heat better under the quilt layers. Cotton batting has moderate insulation properties. For warm regions, breathable cotton may be a better option.
Intended Use
Think about whether the quilt will get regular laundering (avoid wool) or if it needs to hold up to kids and pets (preferably polyester). Quilts for outdoor or indoor winter use warrant a batting with more warmth.
My Top Batting Picks
Here are some batting options I highly recommend based on many quiltmaking experiences:
- Pellon 911FS Fusible Fleece – An affordable, fusible polyester that acts as both quilting thread and batting. It delivers amazing loft and doesn’t shift around during quilting.
- Wakefield Quilting 80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend – The cotton/poly blend gives a natural yet durable feel. It punches above its weight class for coziness.
- Warm & Natural 100% Lambswool Batting – Splurge-worthy lambswool creates heavenly softness and breathability for any heirloom quilt.
No matter which batting you choose, pre-washing is essential to eliminate shrinkage issues down the road. And don’t skimp – quality batting makes a big difference in your finished quilt’s loveliness and functionality.
Troubleshooting Common Batting Woes
Even with the right batting, issues can arise. Here are some tips if problems occur:
Batting Shrinks or Sags Over Time
This is most likely with untreated cotton. Always pre-wash and consider adding filler or interfacing under the batting for support if it seems too delicate.
Fibers Pill or Felt on the Surface
Wool batting or uneven quilting may cause this. Use a defuzzer to remove pills or re-quilt tighter if the problem persists.
The Batting Slips and Shifts During Quilting
Try spray basting with adhesive or using a fusible batting like Pellon 911 next time to stop slippage issues.
With some test swatches and knowledge of your project needs, you’ll be able to pick the batting that works best for you. Let me know if you have any other quilt batting questions!
Top Quilt Battings for Your Next Project
Type | Thickness | Insulation | Durability | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cotton | Medium | Warm | High | Medium |
Wool | Thick | Very Warm | High | High |
Polyester | Thin | Not very warm | Low | Low |
Bamboo | Medium | Warm | Medium | Medium-High |
Down Alternative | Thick | Very Warm | Medium | High |
FAQ
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What is the best type of quilt batting to use?
Cotton batting is often seen as the top choice for quilt batting. It is made of natural materials, so it is breathable and soft. Cotton batting comes in different loft sizes and densities to suit various quilt styles.
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Is cotton or polyester batting better?
There is no clear winner as both have pros and cons. Cotton is very soft but can shrink or stretch over time if wash and dry cycles are not followed correctly. Meanwhile, polyester battings hold their shape better and are less prone to shrinking. However, some report polyester does not feel as comfy cozy as cotton.
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What thickness of batting should I use?
The “right” thickness depends on your quilt’s design and intended use. Nonetheless, 6-8 ounces is a great all-around choice and will work for a blanket quilt. Go thicker for quilts that need more loft and insulation, or thinner for lightly quilted designs or baby quilts.
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How can I reduce batt flutter?
To minimize batt movement, called “batt flutter,” make sure to quilt densely throughout your quilt layers, roughly every 1-2 inches. Quilting closely together anchors the batting in place. You can also opt for a batting with a “fiber-lock” quality that has been treated to resist shifting.
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Does it matter if I use cotton, polyester, or bamboo batting?
Sort of. Each type has its strengths. Cotton is breathable but can shrink. Polyester holds its shape better but lacks the cozy feel of natural fibers. Bamboo batting is in between, combining softness with stability. In the end, the qualities that matter most likely depend on how and where the quilt will be used.
How do I know if my batting needs replacing?
Over time and many washes, batting can compress, loose its puffiness and feel flat. It may also start to shift within the quilt layers or produce small bits of lint. If batting seems worn out, it’s basically time for an upgrade. Some quilters replace batting every 5 years or so as a preventative measure.
Should I prewash my quilt batting?
Most battings do not require prewashing, since they are treated to resist shrinking. However, for natural fibers like untreated cotton, prewashing may help remove excess dyes and result in a softer hand-feel. It also gets any potential shrinking over with before you piece your quilt top. Prewashing is a personal choice that some quilters feel is worthwhile as a precaution.