Quilt Batting
Quilt Batting: How To Pick The Right Batting For Your Quilt
| If you are new to the craft of quilting, chances are you may be a little unsure about different aspects of the process. Absolutely anyone can begin this hobby, but in terms of completing your quilt, it is very important that you use the right batting for your quilt in order to complete your quilt to the best finish possible.
Bamboo has recently come into the market and combinations of cotton and bamboo as well. I can recommend this 50% blend for hand quilters because it is so soft and light weight. Cotton Batting Cotton batting is best for those who are just starting to learn quilting as it is a more natural material and much easier to work with. It is also the best batting to use if your project is of quite a small scale, as it is able to give a more even look, which in smaller quilts is essential for a great finish. It is my favourite choice especially if you are hand quilting. Polyester Batting Polyester batting is the least expensive of all the materials and is also the lightest of the three, but is also able to add volume to your quilt. However, it is known to ‘beard’, or work its way out through the weave of the fabric within your quilt, which can often leave it looking messy and unkempt after time. |
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Wool Batting
Finally, there is wool batting. Wool is the warmest of the three materials, and works best for quilts which are being kept in damp and cool climates as it is able to absorb moisture. It does not necessarily give the same volume or puffiness as cotton or polyester, but is a much warmer material, making it the best choice for those quilts which are being produced for a set use. However, wool is a little trickier to care for in terms of washing and drying, and so when cleaning your quilt, ensure that you are well informed about to properly wash wool as so to not ruin the quilt or damage the way in which the batter sits inside it.
Now you are aware of the different properties of each type of batting, you will need to know exactly how to choose the right batting for your quilt. The size and thickness of the batting will determine how hard it is to complete your quilt-a thicker material will be harder to sew, but if the quilt is being produced as a bed cover for example, a thicker material would be more beneficial. When adding the batting to the quilt, it should be sized up so that it is larger than the top of the quilt, but smaller than the back of the quilt which will then allow you to have some give on the quilt if it has moved while you add the batting.
If you are passionate about the craft, you will have spent a lot of time and effort in making the most beautiful quilt possible. Don’t let this be ruined by the wrong batting, instead consider the end use for your quilt and choose the batting which will enhance your quilt, not waste your hard work.