Originally posted at Make and Takes
Ever been overwhelmed by the variety of batting (or wadding) options available to quilt stores? This week for our Uber-beginning Quilt-along I’m going to talk about the different kinds of batting and which projects they are best for. And, as always – feel free to weigh-in. I love when you do because I haven’t tried every product or technique. For example, has anyone out there used the Bamboo batting? What did you think?
Basically the definition of a quilt is a blanket made of a top (front) and back with a layer of batting sandwiched in between and held together by some kind of stitching through all three layers. Today we are going to discuss choosing batting and backs.
There is a wide variety of quilt battings available on the market. Like everything else, the variety can get overwhelming so I’m going to break down some of the differences so that you can pick the batting best suited to the project you have in mind.
The two most relevant factors in choosing a batting are Loft and Fibers.
First off – Loft. This means how thick or thin your batting is.
- Low Loft = thin and High Loft = thick. Thin batting makes a thinner quilt (obviously) but it works much better for a running stitch whether done by hand or machine. High Loft batts are best for a thicker comforter-type finish where the quilt is only going to be tied.
Fiber defines what the batting is made of. The three most common types of quilt batting are Polyester, 100% Cotton, and Cotton/Poly Blend and each has it’s own pros and cons. (Wool and Silk are other options that are wonderful, but usually a lot pricier, so we won’t discuss those here.) Another recent option is batting made from Bamboo. To be honest, I don’t know much about it yet. If you’ve used it or know more, please feel free to chime in!
- Polyester – Less expensive, better for hand-quilting (low loft), doesn’t need to be quilted as closely together. Tends to shift when not quilted closely and ‘beard’ (which means the polyester fibers migrate through the fabric to the outside of the quilt).
- Cotton – Feels like a thick flannel. Better option for machine quilting. Generally must be quilted closely. Washes better without pilling. Shrinks slightly. (This can be good or bad, depending on your personal preference. I personally like when the batting shrinks after the first wash because it softens the quilt and gives it more of a vintage appearance.)
- Cotton blend (usually 80% cotton/20% polyester). Very similar to the cotton option, but is less-expensive and doesn’t shrink as much. Good for machine quilting. This is what I use most often.
Batting can be purchased by individual size (you will need a “crib size” batt for this project), or big sewing stores will also let you buy it by the yard (get 1 ¼ yards). Batting goes on sale often at the big box stores. I always stock up then – or use those 40% off coupons. Save your batting scraps. It’s very easy to whip-stitch (largish) scraps together. Or you can use your scraps to make an easy table runner!
Size: you want your batting to be slightly larger than your quilt top (front) and slightly smaller than your quilt back. In other words the backing should be the biggest.
Now let’s talk backs. For this project you will need 1 ¼ yards of fabric for the back. This should be roughly 42″ square.
Most fabrics come 42-44″ wide which is perfect for baby or crib quilts. For larger quilts you will need to piece your back – meaning you will need to sew yardage together. Some fabric companies do make fabrics that are 90″ (or more) wide if you don’t want to piece a back. A pieced back can be as simple as one seam, using the same fabric for the whole back or complex with multiple fabrics and seams. Just so long as it’s a few inches bigger on all sides than your front, you’re fine. The reason a back needs to be bigger is because you’re usually quilting from the top of the quilt and the batting and backing can shift slightly underneath. The extra inches are your insurance policy that your back doesn’t suddenly become smaller than the front.
Up next Tuesday in our Quilt Along Series: we’ll talk about quilting – putting all the layers together. Once again there are lots of options.
In other kind of fun news, have you been following Baby Shower-palooza over at Sew Mama Sew? Cuteness abounds.
I’m excited because my Nursing Cover (aka Hooter Hider) tutorial is included in their Mama & Baby Essentials Roundup! I’m a wee bit excited. Especially seeing the picture I made my 11-year-old daughter take quickly while we were supposed to be walking out the door to piano lessons. Behind the scenes around here is never very sleek or sophisticated.
52 Comments
Jan Hatchett
October 19, 2010 at 3:44 pmHooter Hider??? Gotta love it!
The Tulip Patch
October 19, 2010 at 3:46 pmI finally decided to look at the prepackaged batting at Hobby Lobby the other day. I thought it would be more expensive, but I found this stuff called Mountain Mist Cream Rose that is 100 percent cotton (unlike Warm and Natural…total false advertising I think) and it ended up being 4.99/yd with the coupon. I am going to try it…it's thinner but we live in Houston so that might not be a
Amy
January 20, 2014 at 11:53 pmActually, in order to go into my longarm quilting business, I had to send in batting samples to the State Laboratory in Reynoldsburg, Ohio and have them test the batting that I intended to use. Warm & Natural came back as "blended cotton", their blended product Warm Blend came back at 54% cotton and 46% polyester (the pkg. states it's 50/50), the Warm & White came back
Andrea
January 24, 2014 at 7:43 amInteresting!!!!
Lee Ann
October 19, 2010 at 4:11 pmYes! I get overwhelmed with all the batting options out there. Thank you for the link to your article!
Marg
October 19, 2010 at 4:39 pmI wish I had half that to choose from, we just don't have that many options here.<br />Hooter Hider…now that's a great name, congratulations on being featured at Sew Mama Sew.
Theresa
October 19, 2010 at 4:41 pmI'm still laughing. I thought this post was going to be about Halloween….bats….get it?!
Jennifer
October 19, 2010 at 4:50 pmLOVE bamboo batting!! It's all I use. It's a little pricey but not too bad with a %40 coupon…plus the crib size is a generous 60×60.<br /><br />It quilts and washes nicely…<br /><br />Jennifer 🙂
natasha | sohobutterfly
October 19, 2010 at 5:28 pmI've used the bamboo batting and I quite like it too. Surprisingly, it's cheaper than the cotton batting in our neck of the woods. I also like that it's eco-friendly.<br /><br />Question for you (or others): Do you ever double up the batting? Hubby wants an extra-warm quilt for winter snoozes on the couch and I was thinking of doubling up on a low-loft batting to keep the quilt
Cindy
October 19, 2010 at 6:20 pmNever sleek or sophisticated…that's what I like about you Amy, you're just an average everyday person (with loads of quilting greatness:) just like a lot of us!(the everyday part not the quilting greatness:) I love your blog and check in every morning with my coffee. Thanks for sharing what you do with all of us!!<br />orr20004@msn.com
Crafty Mama
October 19, 2010 at 6:25 pmLol, love the hooter hider ☺<br />I only ever use warm and white, but am definitely interested in what other people use!
Mary
October 19, 2010 at 6:57 pmI have used bamboo batting and it is very lovely to quilt, both for hand quilting and for machine quilting. My only complaint with bamboo (and it is not much of a complaint) is that it does beard a little. This can be somewhat annoying when working with a dark background fabric. But by no means is the bearding a deal breaker. I also use wool and 100% cotton. If I use cotton, I love Quilters
Dree
October 19, 2010 at 11:21 pmI use Quilters Dream 100% cotton. That's it. I like it. Prefer the Select loft, but can't always get it.<br /><br />I haven't tried bamboo because it's $$ and my 2 favorite stores (both locals) don't carry it.<br /><br />I'm allergic to wool, so won't do wool, period, any percentage. Don't do polyesters (any percentage) either.<br /><br />I like my quilts 100%
Babs
October 20, 2010 at 1:46 amHi Amy!<br />I became a follower a while back just because of your "hooter hider" (GIGGLE). Bought my fabric and boning for mine a couple weeks and can't wait to make it!<br />Thanks for your awesome tutorial. I am really loving your blog :)<br />-Babs<br /><br />P.S. Congrats on the feature!
Sew Create It - Jane
October 20, 2010 at 3:30 amBatting is a mine field. I recently tried a bamboo and cotton blend batting and that was lovely to work with.
Blogless me
October 20, 2010 at 4:04 amThere is a blog of a very brave lady that has set herself the task of systematically comparing different battings. It seems a lot of work, but it makes for some useful reading. You can visit her blog appropriately called "I've gone completely batty!" at:<br /><br />http://quiltersbattinguniversity.blogspot.com/<br /><br />I hope this helps!
searchfamilies
October 20, 2010 at 6:46 amI wish i could jump in to the photo of all that wadding, locally don't have choice i am making a book of samples of different waddings/batting so when i need some i can choose which is best for the job that said sometimes even then can't get it lol<br />Hugs Janice
Dresden Quilter
October 20, 2010 at 3:18 pmI have used bamboo batting before and really like it.
Layne Bushell
October 20, 2010 at 5:30 pmI use Hobbs 80/20 because it's the least expensive for me. But I think I'd prefer 100% cotton. A local quilter told me that bamboo is warmer that cotton. <br /><br />If you want a thin bat and warm, try wool.<br /><br />I also learned years ago that warm and natural keeps has the natural cotton seeds in the bat. These seeds contain oils. So she suggested to never use the warm and
Quilter Kathy
October 21, 2010 at 9:01 pmI did try the bamboo batting and liked how it quilted, but haven't washed it yet, so don't know if I'm totally sold on it!
Annette
January 30, 2011 at 4:20 amHI again AMy,<br />I am so lazy… Just found some info on battings right here on your blog. Think I got the answer… Sorry wasting your time.
Laura
March 9, 2011 at 7:11 pmmy quilt store recommends the fuseable poly/cotten blend but after reading many quilting blogs I have never seen anyone mention the fuseable batting. It seems so much easier than pinning or spraying, is there a reason not to use it?
amy smart
March 10, 2011 at 4:24 pmThat is a great question! Honestly, I don't know enough about it to give a knowledgeable answer. Thanks for bringing it up! Anyone have any insights on fusible batting?
Anonymous
March 27, 2011 at 7:38 amI've used the bamboo batting that iron's on. I was a bit skeptical to use it at first but after the quilt was washed it looks great and is nice and soft. I have to say I use it every night as I am always cold. I actually get hot under it. The bamboo is definitely the warmest quilt I have. I will use it again in my next quilt project 🙂
The Family of Three
August 27, 2011 at 10:01 amThank you so much for posting this about batting. I wonder every time I look at this isle, which is best and why. I love that you described "why" these things make a difference. Very helpful tutorial! I also made your nursing cover for my soon to come baby! Thank you!
Anonymous
November 4, 2011 at 10:09 pmThe fusible batting I've used was awesome. I've only used it once (the last quilt I made) but I will definitely use it again.
Serena
December 21, 2011 at 10:43 pmstumbled upon your blog while searching for reviews on a particular batting. I exclusively hand quilt and fusible batting is absolutely horrible for the job! The warmth of your hand applied to the batting is actually enough to stick the fabric to areas while you are quilting causing small puckers….also while hand quilting with a hoop a little movement in the layers is essential to really
artsyfartsyweirdo
February 8, 2012 at 11:30 pmI like to find flat bedsheets at thift stores (good condition, clean, not wearing thin, high thread count, fun pattern, or plain white) for $2 as my backing, instead of 4.99$ a yard or more, and having to piece it together. I just get one size bigger than the bedsize of the quilt I'm making. Even ebay is a good way to do this if you don't want to get a used piece of fabric
Katie
March 19, 2012 at 8:41 amI have used fusible batting in a baby quilt, and it is a nightmare! It make the quilt very stiff, and doesnt allow movement in the layers, creating puckers that aren't pretty. Also, it comes undone over time, meaning; as you quilt, the more you move it around, the faster the layers separate making quilting even more difficult! It is also very difficult to roll or wad on the right side of the
amy smart
March 19, 2012 at 12:38 pmKatie – thanks so much for sharing your experience!
Maggie Herbert
November 3, 2012 at 5:30 amI adore bamboo batting for both hand and machine quilting the quilts are awesome , lovely finish.
city
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Sandy Bandt
January 20, 2014 at 6:40 pmI wish you had discussed wool, bamboo and silk battings as well. There's nothing new here.
MamaDoc
February 13, 2014 at 3:23 amWhen I started quilting polyester was all the rage. It is easy to hand quilt, warm, light and cheap. It beards through dark fabric but I would still consider it for a utility quilt of denim, suiting, or courdoroy,. Cotton poly blends, with and without scrim came next, but I have found a lot of variability in drape and the amount it shrinks. Poly doesn't shrink at all so it doesn't crinkle
Steve Coren
August 10, 2014 at 11:58 amCheck this unique article that they created http://www.rosemonttextiles.com/weldable-webbing/
Morgz
October 29, 2014 at 10:54 pmHi there, <br />I am a first time quilter-sewer and I was wondering if someone could help me out… <br />When I'm putting this batting stuff in my quilt, am I supposed to sew through the'back' cover, the batting and then 'front' cover? I get that I join my squares and everything, but once that is done is this the next step? Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
Joseph Main
November 14, 2014 at 1:18 amThis comment has been removed by the author.
Joseph Main
November 14, 2014 at 1:24 amGood to know this thanks! I love <a href="http://www.fiberpartner.com/products/fibers/bicomponent-polyester-fibers/" rel="nofollow">Low Melt Fiber</a> which is commonly used as a binder fiber! Polyester have always proved to be the best in producing fibers materials. We get our all fibers from Fiberpartner Aps a worldwide supplier of staple fibers, yarns & plastics etc. If you anytime need
Mindy Kshywonis
January 6, 2015 at 7:44 amHow do I handle the huge 10 quilt size bags. Do you cut off pieces or unroll under long arm and nibble away at it?<br />
Rebecca Grace
January 17, 2015 at 12:02 pmAmy, I love it that 90% of the time when I google with a quilting related question, up pops a tutorial on your blog! 🙂 Question for you — have you ever used any of the black quiltings? Any recommendations? I have an "Amish Baby" quilt with deep, saturated solids and a Moda Bella Solids black background, and I think a black batting is a good idea to prevent white fibers bearding
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pJF
April 16, 2015 at 8:11 amMy grandmother used to order her batting via mail. I remember how thick the quilts used to be until washed several times over the years. I don’t see that type of batting sold in stores. Where can I find a thick poly/cotton blend batting? My grandmother hand tied her quilts.
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April 16, 2015 at 10:04 amI don’t buy the think batting, so I’m not on the lookout for it very much. My best suggestion would be the big chain stores – and asking them if they don’t have it in stock. You could check their online sites as well as they might have it there if it’s not in stock in the actual store. Good luck!
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susan
November 20, 2015 at 5:46 amI have lots of pieces of polyester batting that had been trimmed from previous projects. Is there any easy way to connect these pieces so I can use them in small quilts (20″ x 27″ blankets for preemies) — the hospital only wants the filling to be polyester. Handsewing the pieces is difficult — what about glue????
Amy Smart
November 20, 2015 at 12:30 pmPellon makes fusible seam tape – you use it to piece batting together – it’s super slick! http://amzn.to/1S9o2C9 I’m sure you can find it at places like JoAnn fabrics as well.
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