Now that you kinda know what batting is made of, here are some common ways it’s used in sewing and crafts: n n Quilting – Layering batting between the quilt top and backing is key for loft and insulation. Cotton and blends are top choices.n n n Pillow fill – Batting adds fluffiness, making for cozy napping. Polyester holds shape well over time.n n n Stuffed animals/toys – Gives plush toys their squish factor. Polyester batting stands up to kid abuse!n n n Decor accents – Batting peeking out of vases, boxes or wreaths lends a soft, pillowy element totally on trend RNn n n Insulation – In banding or quilted blankets, batting traps heat for chillier seasons.n n

Batting is used mainly to add loft and give cushy softness or padding. When it’s sandwiched between two outer fabric layers like the backing fabric and quilt top fabric, it helps insulate from temperature changes by trapping air. This gives quilts and pillows a nice fluffy quality.n

What types of batting are commonly used?

Some popular types of batting include cotton, polyester, and wool. Cotton batting is very breathable and soft but less fluffy. Polyester batting tends to be fairly cheap, resilient and long-lasting. Wool batting is all-natural, warm and flame-resistant but pricier. There are also blended varieties.

How do you prepare batting for quilting?

To get batting ready for use, you got to shake or fluff it up to eliminate clumps. Then cut into sizes that fit your quilt layers. It’s important the batting is not stretched or distorted when layering and basting or you won’t end up with an evenly fluffy surface in the end. Proper preparation makes the whole quilting process easier.n

How thick should batting be?

The appropriate thickness of batting will depend on the particular project and the desired level of padding or insulation wanted. Pillows usually call for a thicker batting than quilts. Batting that’s too thin won’t provide much cushioning or loft whereas one that’s too thick can bunch up awkwardly underneath. As a rule of thumb, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is standard for quilts.n

What is Batting in Sewing – Understanding the Soft Inner Layer Used in Quilting and Craft Projects

What is Batting in Sewing and How is it Used?

If you’re new to sewing or crafting, you may have come across the term “batting” and wondered – what exactly is batting? In this article, I’ll break down what batting is, the different types available, and how it’s used in various sewing and craft projects.

What is Batting?

In simple terms, batting is a soft, fluffy material that is inserted between two layers of fabric to add bulk, insulation, cushioning or loft. It takes the place of quilting thread by holding the quilt or craft layers together.

From my experience working with various craft materials over the years, batting comes in super handy for more than just quilting! It can really step up projects like pillows, accessories, and more. More on specific uses later.

What is Batting in Sewing – Understanding the Soft Inner Layer Used in Quilting and Craft Projects photo 3

Types of Batting

There are several common types of batting used for different purposes:

Cotton batting – Made from pure cotton fibers, this is a good basic batting that is breathable and compressible. It comes in various thicknesses.
Polyester batting – Synthetic fibers make it lightweight, lofty and resistant to moisture/mold. However, it lacks the softness and breathability of natural fibers.
Blends – Combinations of cotton and polyester aim to get the best of both worlds – loft, compressibility and durability.
Wool batting – Luxuriously soft with natural flame resistance, but more expensive than other options. Best for small projects.

How is Batting Used?

Now that you kinda know what batting is made of, here are some common ways it’s used in sewing and crafts:

Quilting – Layering batting between the quilt top and backing is key for loft and insulation. Cotton and blends are top choices.
Pillow fill – Batting adds fluffiness, making for cozy napping. Polyester holds shape well over time.
Stuffed animals/toys – Gives plush toys their squish factor. Polyester batting stands up to kid abuse!
Decor accents – Batting peeking out of vases, boxes or wreaths lends a soft, pillowy element totally on trend RN
Insulation – In banding or quilted blankets, batting traps heat for chillier seasons.

Batting Basics

A few batting basics to know:

What is Batting in Sewing – Understanding the Soft Inner Layer Used in Quilting and Craft Projects photo 2

Cut batting about 4 inches larger than the layers it will fill to prevent bunching.
Batting can be fusible or non-fusible – fusible sticks to fabric with heat for a more finished look.
For delicate or lightweight fabrics, consider needle-punching batting in place vs sewing it.
Store unused battingcompressed in plastic bags – it regains loft when fluffed.

TBH, I’ve totally used batting for stuff besides what it was “intended” for, like cushioning stuffed envelopes or filling gaps in craft construction?? Very versatile material, IMO.

Hope this helps shed some light on what exactly batting is and how it adds that extra OOMPH to all kinds of sewing and craft projects, both casual and creative. Let me know if you have any other batting Qs!

So in summary – batting comes in handy fibers that add bulk, insulation and cushioning between fabric layers. Cotton and blends are go-tos for quilting, while polyester holds pillows on point long term. Get creative with it beyond the basics! Enjoy batting about with your new crafting pal.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Batting for Sewing

Material	Weight	Brand	Quality	Uses
Cotton	Light	Pellon	High	Linings, Interfacings
Polyester	Medium	Wonder Under	Medium	Interfacings, Some Linings
Rayon	Light	Pellon	Medium	Linings, Some Interfacings
Fusible	Varies	Pellon, Steam-A-Seam	High	Interfacings
Stretch	Medium-Heavy	Wooster	Medium	Linings for stretch fabrics

FAQ

What is batting in sewing?

Batting is a kind of fuzzy or fluffy material that is used as a middle filler or layer in quilting and soft furnishings like pillows to give them thickness. It can made from cotton, wool, polyester or blends.
Why is batting used?

Batting is used mainly to add loft and give cushy softness or padding. When it’s sandwiched between two outer fabric layers like the backing fabric and quilt top fabric, it helps insulate from temperature changes by trapping air. This gives quilts and pillows a nice fluffy quality.
What types of batting are commonly used?

Some popular types of batting include cotton, polyester, and wool. Cotton batting is very breathable and soft but less fluffy. Polyester batting tends to be fairly cheap, resilient and long-lasting. Wool batting is all-natural, warm and flame-resistant but pricier. There are also blended varieties.
How do you prepare batting for quilting?

To get batting ready for use, you got to shake or fluff it up to eliminate clumps. Then cut into sizes that fit your quilt layers. It’s important the batting is not stretched or distorted when layering and basting or you won’t end up with an evenly fluffy surface in the end. Proper preparation makes the whole quilting process easier.
How thick should batting be?

The appropriate thickness of batting will depend on the particular project and the desired level of padding or insulation wanted. Pillows usually call for a thicker batting than quilts. Batting that’s too thin won’t provide much cushioning or loft whereas one that’s too thick can bunch up awkwardly underneath. As a rule of thumb, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick is standard for quilts.
When layering batting, which side faces up?

It matters which side of the batting faces what direction when layering the quilt or pillow. The fuzzy or fluffier surface of the batting should always face your quilt top fabric or outer shell fabric. This helps trap more air between the layers for maximum cushion and insulating properties. The back side of batting that contacts the backing fabric tends to be more compressed.