If you are just getting started in quilting or even if you have made a few projects, figuring out which type of batting to use can be a challenge.

It all depends on the type of project, how much loft (puff) you want in your project, how close you want your quilting lines and personal preference.

Batting 101 – How to Choose the Batting for a Quilt Project

Check out the batting types you can choose from for your project. A bed quilt will require a different batting than a table runner or wall hanging. You will want to choose a batting for your bed quilt that will keep you warm. The batting you choose for a table runner or wall hanging will be quite different.

Cotton vs. Polyester

You can choose either type of fibre, however, polyester is flammable. As a result, I would not choose polyester for a bed quilt.

Cotton batting is typically available in two different cotton configurations: 100% cotton and 80/20 (80% cotton/20% polyester).

Wool

Wool batting is thick, therefore if you want a lot of loft in your finished quilt, wool batting is the perfect choice. It is also much warmer than a cotton or polyester batting. Something to consider when choosing your project batting.

Bamboo

In recent years, bamboo batting has become more popular in quilting. It is usually more expensive than cotton batting, but it is a more eco conscious choice. It is lighter than cotton, warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer and more breathable.

Specialty Batting

Specifically made for quilts like table runners, Insul-Bright has been on the market for many years. It is a polyester batting meant to hold in the heat. It is also a perfect choice for oven mitts.

How to Find Out How Close your Quilting Lines Need to Be

The easiest way to find out is to review the instructions on the package, if you purchased packaged batting. It should clearly advise that your quilting lines need to be no further than X number of inches apart. This advice should not be ignored. If you quilt wider than recommended, your batting can bunch up inside your quilt after being washed. The only way to fix this would require you to remove the quilting, flatten out the batting, sandwich the quilt and redo the quilting.

If you purchase your quilting on the roll instead, you should be able to review the manufacturer’s website for their quilting advice.

My Favourite Batting

As many of you know, I have been quilting for 21 years. My choice in batting has changed over the years for a few reasons: availability here in Canada, cost, type of project being quilted, whether the quilt was being long armed, and my personal preference.

My favourite batting is Quilter’s Dream Cotton (100% Pure Cotton Batting). This is the batting I use to quilt on my long arm.

My Final Thoughts

As you can see, there is a lot to consider when choosing batting for your quilt project. Cotton is always a better choice for bed quilts. Polyester is fine for wall hangings and table runners. If you want to protect against the heat from a dish damaging your table, Insul-Bright is the perfect choice.

My Freebie For You

Before I end for today, I have created a Free Guide, The Top 5 Tools Every Beginner Quilter Needs. Click here for your copy.

It is so easy to get overwhelmed by all the quilting tools and notions on the market. Let me help you buy only the things you really need to get quilting.

I hope you have found this helpful. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me here.

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Until Next Time,