What You Should Know About Batting Tips

The art of quilting is learned as you go! Along the way you become familiar with the quilting basics...quilt backing, quilt batting and quilt basting.

After completing your very first quilt the "quilting for beginners" stigma changes to "quilting for fun".

If you plan to hand quilt, machine quilt, or use tying knots the following batting tips list four types of batting for quilts that can be used to hold the three layers together:

1. 100 percent Cotton Batting
2. Blend of Cotton and Polyester
3. 100 percent Polyester
4. Wool

How do you want your completed quilt to look?

1. Old-fashion and flat – all four choices of batting can be used
2. Some texture and loft – use a Blend of Cotton and Polyester, 100 percent Polyester, or wool
3. Puffy and Cozy – chose 100 percent polyester or wool

How much time do you plan to spend on quilting your quilt?

1. As many hours as it takes
2. Only as much as is necessary to complete the job
3. As little as possible to hold it together

If you plan to commit to as many hours as it takes, all four choices referenced in this batting tips guide can be used.

If you plan to commit to as much time that is necessary, all four choices of batting can be used.

If you plan to commit to as little time as possible, your only choice is 100 percent cotton.

How will you use your quilt?

1. As a bed cover?
2. As a wall hanging?
3. As a baby gift?
4. For show and tell at a quilt show?

The only exception is, if the quilt is to be given to a small child, naturally that child will love the quilt until there is little left to hug. If this is true, then do not use wool. Select one of the other three choices listed in the batting tips guide!

How Many Quilting Stitches does it Take to Hold the Batting Together?

1. Warm & Natural can be quilted at intervals up to 10-inches
2. Fairfield Soft Touch can be quilted at intervals up to 2-inches
3. Morning Glory Old Fashion can be quilted at intervals up to 6-inches
4. Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon can be quilted at intervals up to 2-inches

Cotton/Polyester Blend Battings adds stability to the cotton. The quilt battings are still breathable and give the look of antique quilts. If this is your style then visit your favorite quilting store and ask for:

1. Hobbs Heirloom Cotton can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches
2. Fairfield Cotton Classic can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches

100 Percent Polyester Battings are lightweight and easy to hand quilt. Loft will range from very low in Thermore to the high loft in Polydown, which mimics the look of down. If this is your style, visit your favorite quilting store and ask for one of the following:

1. Hobbs Polydown (dark) can be quilted at intervals up to 4-inches
2. Hobbs Polydown (light0 can be quilted at intervals up to 4-inches
3. Fairfield Traditional can be quilted at intervals up to 4-inches
4. Hobbs Thermore can be quilted at intervals up to 6-inches
5. Mountain Mist Quilt (light) can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches
6. Fairfield High Loft can be quilted at intervals up to 4-inches
7. Mountain Mist Designer's Choice can be quilted at intervals up to 5-inches
8. Mountain Mist Regular can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches

Wool Battings has a low loft and is very warm. The label reads, "It Quilts Like a Dream." If this is the look you want visit your favorite quilting store and ask for:

1. Hobbs Wool can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches
2. Wool Naturally can be quilted at intervals up to 10-inches

Quilting techniques and style vary from quilter to quilter. Always remember to have fun and enjoy the learning process. Your first quilt will be different than your second or third quilt and all three will be a treasure!

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