Batting Confusion
I have always been confused by the vast array of batting options available to quilters. I want to share what I have learned as a small business longarmer.
Attributes of Polyester:
inexpensive (while still of high quality)
strong and durable
warm (it holds in heat because it doesn’t breath like cotton does)
lightweight
does NOT shrink
NOTE: According to my mother, anyone who lived through the polyester clothing age of the 1970’s will naturally have an aversion to polyester. If you were born after the 70’s as I was, you should ask your mother or grandmother about it. It was a pretty crazy time. As you will see below, however, there are some situations when 100% polyester batting is the best choice.
Attributes of Cotton:
delicate & easy to stretch out of shape (therefore it sometimes has a polyester scrim layer for stability)
breathes
soft and cuddly
shrinks more than other fibers (3%-5%)
Attributes of a Blend of 80% Cotton/20% Polyester:
softness of cotton with added strength from the polyester
breathes because of the cotton, but has warmth from the polyester
when washed, it will shrink slightly and give you a wrinkly quilt
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Considering these attributes, here is my advice for the best application of each type.
Best uses for 100% Polyester batting:
wallhangings, art quilts, and craft items (such as Christmas stockings)
will keep its shape
will not stretch from the constant pull of being hung
smooth surface
table runners, placemats, and other kitchen items that do NOT go into the microwave
strong and durable
smooth surface even after washing
clothing
gives structure to the garment
will NOT shrink
Best use of 100% Cotton batting:
quilts that are handled carefully
quilts with require traditional crinkle and softness after washing
Best use of 80% Cotton/20% Polyester batting:
bed quilts, baby quilts, and lap quilts
softness of cotton with added strength from the polyester
breathes because of the cotton, but has warmth from the polyester
when washed, it will shrink slightly and have a wrinkly quilt look
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In conclusion, the 80/20 blend gives you the best of both worlds when making a quilt. However, 100% Polyester and 100% Cotton each have special uses.
I carry 80/20 Cotton/Polyester blend batting in both natural and white. The white is more expensive, but is very helpful if your quilt top has a lot of white fabric. The white batting will keep the white fabric pieces looking pure white.
I offer Quilters Dream batting because it is made in the USA and is very high quality. For more information on Quilters Dream batting, check out www.quiltersdreambatting.com/faqs/.