For years, quilters have spent hours selecting fabric, and subsequent months making a quilt, but little attention has been paid to deciding what batting to use. Ironically, the batting is possibly the most important component since it determines whether the quilt will be soft, washable, and/or warm. The batting can even cause the quilt to drape or hang in a particular way.
There are two classifications of batting: natural fibers and synthetic fibers, which are usually easier to handle than the natural type.
Natural Fibers
Cotton batting is soft, drapable, and thin enough to achieve the fine quilting stitches that experienced quilt makers desire. Cotton has the capacity for absorbing moisture, thus creating a cooling effect in the summer and a natural warmth in winter. Cotton is also the batting of choice for those quilters interested in an all-natural quilt. If a quilt is made of 100% Cotton be sure that the cotton batting you choose is clean, and free of all seed waste. Small seed particles can cause difficulty in quilting if you hit them with your needle. In addition, seeds can secrete oils that may stain the surface of the quilt. Cotton batting is availalbe in standard bed sizes, and can be found in most stores that carry quilting products and supplies.
There are two types of cotton batting: cotton classic - good for clothing, baby quilts, upholstery and craft projects - and soft touch cotton - good for hand or machine quilting, place mats, clothing, and craft projects.
Cotton blends contain 80% cotton.
Wool batting, although expensive, offers many of the same qualities as cotton batting. It is soft and drapable, and it offers natural warmth with relatively little weight. For ease in handling and reduction in fiber migration, most wool batting is finished with a cheesecloth or lightweight fabric cover. Wool batting is also manufactured to be moth-proofed, by combining fibers with chemicals that resist moth larvae.
Synthetic Fibers
Polyester batting is unbonded and is made from chemicals. Regardless of wear and washing, most polyester batting will return to its original shape because it is extremely resilient. It is lightweight, non-allergenic, and cannot be harmed by moths or mildew. Polyester batting starts with polyester fibers that are fed through a carding machine. Once fed through, the blanket or batting that comes out is called unbonded batting. It is available in many weights and thicknesses, but it also has few drawbacks. Its loose construction makes it difficult to work with, and high and low areas often develop. Because there is no finish, the fibers tend to migrate through the fabric in the quilt - a problem of great concern for quiltmakers. To lessen the chance of fiber migration, it is advisable to cover the unbonded batting with cheesecloth or a lightweight fabric. The high-loft, unbonded batting is a popular choice for tied comforters.
Bonded batting has a light resin coating or glaze applied to both sides of the batting. This coating adds strength and locks the fibers to help prevent fiber migration. The newer, heat-sealed fibers create a similar effect. Bonded batting usually has a higher loft and an airier appearance than a needle-punched batting. It holds up well with use and does not require extensive quilting. Therefore, it is ideal for both comforters and quilts. Because it is so easy to handle, many quiltmakers prefer bonded batting above all others, for both machine and hand quilting.
Bonded batting is available in low-loft - good for hand or machine quilting, clothing, craft projects, baby stuff; extra-loft - good for hand or machine quilting, padded walls and upholstery, tied quilts and comforters, craft projects; hi-loft - good for comforters; and tied quilts, upholstery, sleeping, baby quilts; crafter's choice - hand or machine quilting, place mats, baby stuff, clothing.
Needle-punched batting's loft varies, depending on the number of layers in the blanket. When fewer layers are used, a low-loft, soft batting results. This traditional type of batting is highly desirable to accentuate the fine details of quilting, and is ideal for quilted clothing. If additional layers are added to the blanket, the results will be warm, extra-thick batting, perfect for cold weather quilts and outdoor clothing.
Traditional batting is good for hand or machine quilitng, place mats, clothing, and baby quilts. Ultra-loft works well with machine quilting, sleeping bags, tied quilts, and drapery insulation.
By knowing a little about battings, and planning ahead for what you will need and want from you project, today's quilt makers can make an educated choice from the wide selection of battings available.
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