When you set out to create a quilt, the word batting will appear frequently. What is batting? Batting is the soft layer of cotton or polyester that is sandwiched between the top of the quilt or the fabric piecing and the backing or the binding layer of the quilt that gives you warmth. It also provides the quilt with some definition and dimension.
The batting material you finally choose will be determined by the look and feel of the quilt that you envisage. So, choose accordingly.
Batting comes in a range of thicknesses and fibers, which makes the quilt either flat or puffy or, in any case, certainly worth draping over your shoulders. You can buy it in the yard or in standard sizes. Choose batting that complements the type and use of the quilt you’re creating.
How to Choose Good Batting
The number of options in battings today might just overwhelm you if you’re new to this craft. So, it might help you to choose good quilt batting based on the factors given below:
Size of Batting
Pre-packaged batting is available in standard sizes for king, queen, twin, full and crib-sized quilts. If you’re making a quilt, this is going to be a great help, because it will help you skip a step.
Or, you can buy quilt batting according to your specific needs. Cut it yourself at the store or at home, but enjoy this convenience.
Cotton, Poly-Cotton, or Something Else?
Usually, cotton or polyester is used to make quilt batting, but you could also get a blend of polyester and cotton, or even battings in silk, wool, or bamboo. Each has its own advantages and uses.
If you’re making baby quilts, it’s best to go with organic blends or those that are made of recycled fibers. Finally, what you choose is all about your personal choice.
High-Loft or Low-Loft?
The loft of quilt batting refers to its thickness. If you opt for high-loft batting, it means you want a puffed-out quilt with the stitching lines highly visible. The opposite is true of low-loft batting which gives you a flat finish, with almost invisible stitch lines.
Price
Yet another important factor that will determine what you finally go in for is the price of the batting materials. For instance, polyester is the cheapest in price, followed by cotton, while wool is the most expensive.
Purpose of The Quilt
A lot depends on what use you will put the quilt into. For instance, are you making babies’ quilts or duvets, or a wall hanging or quilt or a garment? Polyester and bamboo are good for baby’s quilts while cotton is good for garments. So, you decide.
Laundering Method
This can be a really big concern because not all battings can safely be washed in the washing machine because they break down very easily.
Ask Yourself:
- You will need to wash this quilt very often.
- Also, check whether you will need to wash it by hand or in the machine.
- Would you want the batting to shrink after a wash?
Quilt Batting Reviews
This product by Angel Crafts is ideal for machine or hand quilting. The low loft gives the quilt an antique look.
Features:
One of the most popular battings in the market today, Hobbs Batting Heirloom is made of 80% unbleached cotton and 20% polyester.
Features:
A product of the Warm Company, Soft & Bright batting is the best batting for baby quilts and apparel.
Features:
Must Read This Article: How To Press Quilt Block Seams?
Conclusion
These three quilt batting reviews of premium products will give you top-class quilts or any other related products that you might want to handcraft. Choose from these or any others in the market that come close to these, and you’ll be the proud craftsperson of extremely useful and good-looking products.
Worried About Your Quilts Wash! Check Out: How To Wash And Care For Your Quilts?