Top Eight Batting Tips

These top batting tips will show you how to select the best batting for beginner quilting skills. This clip and save guide sorts it all out for you.

The art of quilting is learned as you go...along the way you become very familiar with the three quilting parts...

Batting Tips that Really Work

...Quilt Backing, Quilt Batting and Quilt Top. All three parts are connected.

That is to say, you can't have one without the other!

Once you experience having to make a decision on what kind of batting is best for your quilt the "quilting for beginners" stigma changes to "quilting for fun".

The first decision is:  

Whether you plan to hand quilt, machine quilt, or use tying knots all three forms of quilting will require you to decide just what you want.

Any of the batting listed below can be used as the middle section to hold the three layers together,e.g., the sandwich.

Each of the choices will produce very different results so consider carefully the "look" you want and expect for your first quilt.Choosing the right batting tip is important.

• 100 percent Cotton Batting
• Blend of Cotton and Polyester
• 100 percent Polyester
• Wool

How do you want your completed quilt to look?

• Old-fashion and flat - all four choices of batting can be used
• Some texture and loft - use a Blend of Cotton and Polyester, 100 percent Polyester, or Wool

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

• As many hours as it takes
• Only as much as is necessary to complete the job
• 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?

• As a bed cover?
• As a wall hanging?
• As a baby gift?
• 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 will hold the batting together?

100 percent cotton batting will give a more traditional, flat, antique look to your quilts.

They will be soft and easy to drape using low loft. Which of the four types of batting you select will depend on your style of quilting and the number of stitches you are willing to commit to.

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

Cotton/Polyester Blend Batting:

A blend of cotton and polyester will add stability to the batting. The quilt batting is still breathable and will look like an antique quilt. If this is your style then visit your favorite quilting store and ask for:

• Hobbs Heirloom Cotton which can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches
• Fairfield Cotton Classic can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches

100 Percent Polyester Batting:

Polyester is a 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:

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

Wool Batting:

Wool 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:

• Hobbs Wool which can be quilted at intervals up to 3-inches
• Wool Naturally which 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!

Quilt Batting

Batting Techniques

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