I don't use batting at all anymore. I discovered something i like better quite by accident. I was making a baby quilt on a deadline and realized I had no batting. I used 2 layers of flannel instead, and it came out so nice and was so easy to quilt, I have since been using 2-4 layers of flannel on everything. The quilts are drapey and quilt up smoothly. I search for ugly flannel on clearance and piece it together if necessary and have even used cut up old flannel shirts. I don't sew the pieces together, i just lay them into the sandwich with a little overlap. It makes me feel like I am quilting closer to what my great grandmother probably did, she didn't have polyester batting, and her quilts made in the 1930s are still holding up. I did a little surgery on one of her quilts and what a nice surprise to see it looks like she used old clothes instead of batting. Seems we are indeed "cut from the same cloth", Mother Necessity where would we be??
In my grandma’s day she covered old blankets with crazy quilts made of old clothes. The blankets were often made of old wool coats. Everyone wore wool back then. She also made room size braided wool rugs out of them. She cut up each coat into strips and sewed them into rolls. She had a room full. Then braided three rolls together attaching new rolls as needed. Then hand sewed the braid into a rug.
I have never made a quilt before and I’m very new to sewing (I have only hand sewn items). I felt so intimidated for so long but after watching your videos, you feel like such a kind mother encouraging me to learn and I am excited to try again. Thanks to you, I just ordered my first sewing machine and quilting materials!! So excited for the future now!! Subscribed!!
Wow! The graphs really helped. Thanks for all the research and putting it in such an easy to understand format. I tried bamboo batting in a quilt I made for my husband since it draped so well and was so soft. I bought it at my local quilt shop where I was using their long arm service. The quilt it very soft and drapes well. So I used it on a baby quilt and quilted it myself. It was difficult to work with. It looked like it had snowed in my sewing room, I was covered from head to toe, and I sneezed so much, I could hardly sew. Every time I wash my husbands quilt, the lint trap in the dryer if full, and there are tiny white lint all over it. So, I will stick with the 80%-20% cotton batting, even though it doesn’t drape as well. Again, thank you for all your hard work. Really appreciate it.
Last year I did a number of experiments with my charity quilts and different brands. I decided that 80-20 was a fine cost/benefit ratio. Then I bought a roll on a Black Friday sale. Unexpected benefit - Because its on the roll, I'm producing less batting scraps
Intriguing quilt on the wall behind you. Over the years I’ve finally settled on buying rolls of 80/20 cotton polyester batting. Partly because it simplifies my quilting and partly because I noticed older quilts I made of 100% cotton are really flat. Thanks for the video.
I’m so happy for you doing this show I am self taught in quilting and I am very excited to learn more about it. I love your videos and I Thank you Karen for sharing your knowledge ❤
Great research and information Karen. I buy a bulk roll of Matilta's Own wool/poly batting and use it for all my projects . I also piece scraps or use for stuffing.👏♥️🇦🇺
Thanks for this video! I learn something new every time! One experience I’ve noticed with batting is that polyester and poly cotton blends even though they are cheaper, have a tendency to work their way through the cotton top and back, forming little “ pills” over time. Wish I’d know as a beginner, some of my early quilts were regrettably filled with polyester batting and ruined. Only use good quality cotton now or natural ( silk, wool) for special projects. In a future video, ( or maybe you already did one?)could you talk a little more about thread weight? Where is it labeled?Brands you prefer and why? Thanks again! Keep up the great work!
3am thoughts after watching this video. Last week I spent 2 days pin basting my current WIP. As I was doing it, I noted how wonderful it felt as I smoothed out each section. The combination of fabric of the top, which is by Northcott, and the loft of the wool batting I recently found, created such a wonderful feel. I truly enjoyed the process of smoothing and pinning and smoothing and pinning. The batting makes such a big difference in the feel. I am so looking forward to the finished quilt, but I am taking my time and enjoying the process. 448 HST, fabulous fabric, fluffy wool batting, quilting in the hoop (the current stage), and a double flange binding. This is a wonderful pastime. I am grateful I found it and grateful you share your wealth of knowledge with the world.
I live on the Great Plains where summers can have temps over 100* and winter nights below zero are common - wool is definitely my favorite batting. I hand quilt and I have found I prefer wool for this as well. I had one top with a lot of bright white so I chose a bleached cotton. That cotton grabbed my thread so much as I quilted. I didn't like it at all. Plus it didn't feel as soft. Wool isn't cheap, but I only do about I quilt a year and spend so much time in the quilting that it is worth it for me.
Karen, I love how you put this information into an easy to understand format. I would love to know where you got the reference chart with the different types of batting on it. That would be so helpful for new quilters to actually see and feel what each type of batting is. When it is in bags, it is hard to determine what to get.
My grandchildren received a hand quilted ,baby quilt and I used a polyester batting. I found this was their favourite because of the softness of the quilts. Other quilts using 80/20 was not as popular as they found them flatter and stiffer.
Such helpful info! I'm a new quilter and have finished only two so far, with two more I'm hoping to finish before the end of the year. Since I haven't yet taken the time to learn all about batting, you've saved me so much time by doing the legwork for me! Thank you so much!
I love using bamboo, much easier to quilt on my domestic machine. And perfect to stay warm but not too much like my family loves 😂 So grateful for your videos Karen, how to sew bating scraps has been a life changer for me! Thanks and see you next time!
I've had itchy eyes from one brand of batting and won't purchase again. It was a pandamic panic purchase. The roll is almost all used up. They are not all created equal. I've not noticed problems after binding is on, thankfully. Love this video and the idea of buying one singular kind and brand.
Thanks for all the great information. Love your videos. ❤❤ When you went through all the properties it would be good to discuss their sustainable and environmental impact too. I try to avoid plastic and polyester as much as possible and that’s the first priority for all my crafts. Maybe something for future videos
I'm glad I watched this! I'm determined now only to use cotton/poly blend. But the biggest thing is, I'm making a quilt for my grandson & decided to back it with flannel. His mom doesn't care for top sheets. So, now I know to wash the quilt top AND backing beforehand, so there won't be noticeable shrinkage. ❤ Cool. 😊
Years ago I made a quilt after reading a magazine. I put polyester high loft batting in it - I didn't know anything else was available. It was sooooo puffy! And I found it a bit weird-sort of stiff. Now I use cotton exclusively and am very happy for crinklification to occur.
Thank you for sharing this information. I have been buying my batting in king size (due to lack of storage space) when on sale. This allows me to cut any size quilt with leftover for frankenbatting. It works well for my space.
Before I make my quilt sandwich, I put my batting into the dryer on very low heat, with a damp wash rag. This gets any wrinkles out, and it seems to tighten the fibers, shrinking it a bit. Then I don’t get as much batting shrinkage. If you do this, don’t cut your batting to size before this step.
I had tried many different kinds. In the end I prefer Warm and Natural cotton. So much so that I buy it by the roll. I’ve gone through two rolls. That’s a lot of batting. I like to quilt pretty densely and it responds well.
Very informative - thank you! As a quilting newbie, I have found Warm & Natural's 80/20 works best for me. I had a messy and altogether unpleasant time using 100% polyester and will never touch the stuff again!🤢
I wish that I had kept a record of what kind of batting went into the quilts that I made in the past. Only recently did I start keeping track and including care info on the quilt label.
Great video. I buy a roll about 2X/ year for my charity quilts. I can afford this as most of my material is donated. I use a 20/80 as a general batting.
Great tips! I love how you provided a ton of information but broke it down into bite sized chunks. You don't overwhelm the viewer that way! Personally, I love Quilters Dream batting or Tuscany for most quilt projects. Thanks again for a great video!
My sister gave me leftover 108" flannel that I used instead of batting for a wall hanging. I **loved** the drape and how easy it was to hand quilt. I haven't priced it yet, but yardage or sheets are definitely something I plan to consider for future projects.
I've used old blankets with holes. If they can't be stitched closed I padded some wadding in the hole. You can't see where it is. It feels a little different but it's so small it doesn't matter. Batting i get is whatever is on sale. I've also bought remnant batting and made the quilt to fit what size batting I had. I've also got a bunch of old ripped sheets that I could use to make a light summer quilt or add an extra layer on top of batting if the batting shows through.
Thanks for the info Karen. I always have a problem knowing which is the right and wrong side of batting and if the right side goes towards the quilt top or bottom.
You always provide a wealth of very helpful information! Thank you for doing the research for us. My question is: Does it matter which side of the batting goes up (touching the top of the quilt) and which side goes down? I have heard conflicting opinions for this.
That’s an urban myth. It might make a difference for a hand quilter but after a lot of testing and experimenting, no one can tell the difference after it’s quilted
Just finishing a quick tree skirt for a friend. It needs to be quick, because I need it done this week! I have been happy to see that my skills are improving, even though there are parts of this project I wish had turned out better 😅 I will be sure not to point any of that out to the recipients!
This is a nice detailed comparison. I find that I prefer wool from the roll. Fortunately, I found a source only half an hour away where they sell it by the ¼ yard. It is 120 inches long so I have used the method of getting several quilts from buying the width according to the longer quilt and using the length of the batting for one or two smaller quilts.
Thanks for this video. Very informative. The mattress you were talking about - I was interested until I heard you say there is natural latex in it. I’m very allergic to latex. 😢
I have tried nearly every type and brand of batting, and Dream is my favorite, and bamboo silk blend is my most favorite of Dream brand. It was easiest to sandwich because it “grabs” the fabric. I did not need to use many pins.
Thank you for so much information on batting! I remember you mentioned in a past video that you had downsized the number of different batts you use to simplify the scrap aspect afterwards. I've headed in that direction as well. I'm hoping 2025 will be the year I have everything in it's place!
Thank you, Karen , for this timely tutorial on quilt batting. I’m about to sort through my quilting supplies, batting included. At least now I’ll be more informed. Thank you again.
Thanks Karen. So much information and I love the graphs. I’ve taken to using bamboo wadding: I live in the Uk and it’s readily available. Bamboo has a lovely drape I do a mix of machine and hand quilting and bamboo works well for both. There’s an overwhelming choice of wadding and your video certainly helps with the options.
My go-to batting is 100% cotton. I use the quilt-as-you-go method and find that polyester sticks to the fabric when I iron my blocks. And sometimes it just melts.
Very interesting and informative. Thank you! By the way, I piece my batting scraps together and make pot holders. I also cut the smaller scraps into small pieces and stuff pillows with them.
I have made and use two different extra large queen sized quilts for our bed. One I used Dream Orient (silk blend) and the other Dream Wool. The one with silk blend is warmer than the wool, so we use the silk blend in the cooler part of the year, and the wool in the summer. I wonder whether the type of fabric used contributes to this. The warmer silk blend quilt is made of all Kona cotton, and the wool is made with Tula Pink fabric. Kona cotton seems heavier.
I have stored it on a chair that rolls. Pull the chair off and put a rod in the chair tube. Put the roll on the rod. You can roll it and it's easy to unroll. Google it.
Due to allergy issues for myself, I only use Warm & Natural's 100% cotton needle punched batting. I don't use Poly or Poly-cottons because of the issue you have, I discovered the hard way that very fine fibers come off and both my eyes and hands/arms itch. I also only get King size because I can cut it down for things. Timely video and great advice here though.
Through recent investigations within the past two weeks I have found that the W&N brands have the poly scrim on their otherwise cotton battings.. with exception of the wrap n zap line. Hope this helps.
Please tell what’s your current favourite batting and why? If you don’t want to tell brand’s name for reason just tell us the type. It’s hard experiment with batting after spending so much time, effort, love and money on the quilt. Need someone trustworthy to give recommendations. Thank you so much. Love your videos. Miss Toronto and it’s quilting material availability.
So far my favorites in order Winline bamboo (this is the only brand of bamboo I've tried) I like the drape and the weight. Quilters Dream Dream Puff has a higher loft than the bag of Quilters Dream Wool I tried. I like how light the quilt is, even with a flannel back and it's warmer than the one with wool. Warm and Natural 100% with 100% cotton scrim Quilters Dream Wool (only wool I've tried) not impressed with the loft, and it smelled horrible after the first wash so I immediately washed it again. It's nice to cuddle with and is warmer than the cotton and it's the second lightest quilt I have.
Great information. I just bought a lage roll of 100% cotton battin (I believe it was 25 meters) and am set for a while now. I was able to get some samples from the manufacturer, so that I was able to test-run the batting. And yes, my first quilts had poly batting since it was the cheapest and they are holding up quite well.
Thank you again Karen for a very informative video. I also used to use warm and natural 100% cotton but found the thickness and weight inconsistent. lol, I also tried Quilters Dream and Hobbs. I liked the Hobbs but I am not a big fan of dense quilting so I mostly use the Quilters Dream. Maybe that means I’ve retained what I’ve learned from you?
I'd be curious to know exactly how you're meant to pre-wash batting? In the bathtub, with hot or cold water? with detergents or other additives? are you meant to tumble dry it, hang it to dry or lay it flat? (expecially with wool or cotton, if it doesn't dry fast enough will it mildew or mold?) I've tried looking up blog posts or video tutorials and reading the labels of multiple brands of battings and have given up on pre-shriking it because I've never been able to find a straight answer
I actually was doing some research this week on exactly this topic and then I picked up my phone and thought to look on the packaging to see what the manufacturer suggests for this very topic. This was a W&N brand it says shrinkage 3-5% and to preshrink it lay it in a bathtub of hot water for 15 mins. Do not agitate and lay flat to dry… my take of that is DONT PRESHRINK! For exactly the reasons you laid out and embrace the lovely (Karen coined) crinklfication!
I wouldn’t try to pre-shrink batting because it most likely will ruin it. However, I have put batting into the dryer on low heat with a damp wash rag, which relaxes the wrinkles and tightens the fibers.
Thank you so much for your great practical types. I think I missed it, but what is the batting you use all the time? I live in Canada too. Can you talk about doublebatting and when to do it?
I use Hobbs wool batting. It's a dream to hand or machine quilt. It's breathable, warm, but not too warm. I find I can use these quilts year round. I've used 100% cotton. The finished product is nice, but cool or damp weather makes this quilt not very cozy. Warm and natural has similar.problem, and the larger size quilts become too heavy. I like the 80/20 cotton w poly scrim it shows off the stitches, but in winter, the quilt just isn't warm enough. Now I'm just looking for natural black wool batting for my darker projects.
I started quilting with ordinary 100% cotton and failed miserably. Pushing the needle through was painful. I tried bamboo next and have used it ever since, but because of the expense I don't quilt much. Thanks for the tip on a different type of cotton bat!
I'm wondering about the process of turning bamboo into batting. I read somewhere that it takes lots and lots of water. Not very eco-friendly if this is the case. 😢
Hello there from Florida. Thank you for your great videos. I have a question regarding your amazing batting storage under your quilt frame. Where did you find those “brackets” that are mounted to keep your batting rod secure? I’m limited on space in my sewing room. Your solution seems perfect. Cheers!
I’m a longarm quilter. I have quilted hundreds of quilts. I get hoarse or lose my voice every time. I’m probably allergic to the batting, but it hasn’t stopped me from doing my therapy! 😂
Good info. Thanks Karen. Right now I have a collection of different kinds of batting, one of which is now my favourite and I will buy it exclusively in the future. How to use up all the rest? - that's my question.
Great video! Question? I have a customer that wants a high loft but doesn’t want polyester. Can I use 2 layers of cotton batting? A 4 layer sandwich? Should I baste the 2 layers of batting together before I quilt the sandwich? I will be machine quilting since this quilt is a throw size (72 inch square). Thank you!
It’s also about weight. 2 layers of cotton is a heavy blanket. So it will be also challenging machine quilting. Due to weight and thickness. Personally I LOVE double layers. Go slow, use a longer stitch length and breathe.
Great and informative video as always. Question for oven mitts, hot pads and bowl cozies - some sources say to use 100% cotton and others say to buy a specialty batting for use in microwaves. I think it’s called “wrap and zap” and seems to be 100% cotton but much more expensive. Any comments or tips? I was hoping to make some items for Christmas presents and info would be appreciated. Thanks again for a super video. From Dundas, Ontario!
If you care about the finished size of your quilt, you may want to pre wash your batting. Doing so removes some finishes that you can’t see and the batting gets softer. I may do this when I don’t want the quilt to shrink the 3-5% that cotton shrinks. Karen has a good video where she tests prewashing vs not prewashing.
I don't use batting at all anymore. I discovered something i like better quite by accident.
I was making a baby quilt on a deadline and realized I had no batting. I used 2 layers of flannel instead, and it came out so nice and was so easy to quilt, I have since been using 2-4 layers of flannel on everything. The quilts are drapey and quilt up smoothly. I search for ugly flannel on clearance and piece it together if necessary and have even used cut up old flannel shirts. I don't sew the pieces together, i just lay them into the sandwich with a little overlap. It makes me feel like I am quilting closer to what my great grandmother probably did, she didn't have polyester batting, and her quilts made in the 1930s are still holding up. I did a little surgery on one of her quilts and what a nice surprise to see it looks like she used old clothes instead of batting. Seems we are indeed "cut from the same cloth", Mother Necessity where would we be??
I love it. I have tried flannel when I use minky but not with regular quilts. Thanks for sharing
Great idea
Great information! You do so much research just to produce a 15 minute video!! Thank you for all your hard work! It is much appreciated.
This did take time. Thank you for noticing
As usual, Karen, you are a font of valuable information. Thank you, take care. Until next time.
Glad to help!
In my grandma’s day she covered old blankets with crazy quilts made of old clothes. The blankets were often made of old wool coats. Everyone wore wool back then. She also made room size braided wool rugs out of them. She cut up each coat into strips and sewed them into rolls. She had a room full. Then braided three rolls together attaching new rolls as needed. Then hand sewed the braid into a rug.
Wonderful to hear how wonderfully resourceful they were. Thanks for sharing
When I first started quilting, I used flat pre-washed cotton or flannel bedsheets. While in Germany, I used lightweight blankets.
I’ve done that too! Sometimes we have to get creative with what we have on hand.
So much useful information here. Thanks so much Karen.
I have never made a quilt before and I’m very new to sewing (I have only hand sewn items). I felt so intimidated for so long but after watching your videos, you feel like such a kind mother encouraging me to learn and I am excited to try again. Thanks to you, I just ordered my first sewing machine and quilting materials!! So excited for the future now!! Subscribed!!
Wow! The graphs really helped. Thanks for all the research and putting it in such an easy to understand format. I tried bamboo batting in a quilt I made for my husband since it draped so well and was so soft. I bought it at my local quilt shop where I was using their long arm service. The quilt it very soft and drapes well. So I used it on a baby quilt and quilted it myself. It was difficult to work with. It looked like it had snowed in my sewing room, I was covered from head to toe, and I sneezed so much, I could hardly sew. Every time I wash my husbands quilt, the lint trap in the dryer if full, and there are tiny white lint all over it. So, I will stick with the 80%-20% cotton batting, even though it doesn’t drape as well. Again, thank you for all your hard work. Really appreciate it.
Yes the washability and sensitivities are so much more important than the drape. It's funny how it works out
Congrats on buying your first sewing machine and quilting materials! Karen is a great resource! Happy sewing! 😊
I’m happy you are trying something new! Best wishes on your new sewing machine!
I love that info about the frugality of just purchasing a king size for 2 crib size and twin , also by the roll. Thanks so much!!😊
I love that crinklification is a word!!!!😊
Last year I did a number of experiments with my charity quilts and different brands. I decided that 80-20 was a fine cost/benefit ratio. Then I bought a roll on a Black Friday sale. Unexpected benefit - Because its on the roll, I'm producing less batting scraps
It you have the space, the roll is the best way to go
Love crinklefication
Me too. It has a special feel to it that no other bed cover has.
😎
Karen, your videos never disappoint. Thank you.
Thank you 😊
Intriguing quilt on the wall behind you. Over the years I’ve finally settled on buying rolls of 80/20 cotton polyester batting. Partly because it simplifies my quilting and partly because I noticed older quilts I made of 100% cotton are really flat. Thanks for the video.
I'm glad you've found what works for you!
I’m so happy for you doing this show I am self taught in quilting and I am very excited to learn more about it. I love your videos and I Thank you Karen for sharing your knowledge ❤
You're welcome! It's so much fun to share what I know about quilting.
Great research and information Karen. I buy a bulk roll of Matilta's Own wool/poly batting and use it for all my projects . I also piece scraps or use for stuffing.👏♥️🇦🇺
I love your videos. Your style is easy going and you are very easy to follow, for us beginners. Thanks.
Glad you are finding the videos helpful!
Karen, I appreciate your dedication to inform me about all aspects of quilting. I love learning about the 'technology involved.
If helps with the why and where
Thanks for this video! I learn something new every time!
One experience I’ve noticed with batting is that polyester and poly cotton blends even though they are cheaper, have a tendency to work their way through the cotton top and back, forming little “ pills” over time. Wish I’d know as a beginner, some of my early quilts were regrettably filled with polyester batting and ruined. Only use good quality cotton now or natural ( silk, wool) for special projects.
In a future video, ( or maybe you already did one?)could you talk a little more about thread weight? Where is it labeled?Brands you prefer and why? Thanks again! Keep up the great work!
Thank you. It was extremely helpful.
I love long videos. I probably listen to you all day. You are so informative. I always learn something new. thanks
Glad you enjoy them!
3am thoughts after watching this video.
Last week I spent 2 days pin basting my current WIP. As I was doing it, I noted how wonderful it felt as I smoothed out each section. The combination of fabric of the top, which is by Northcott, and the loft of the wool batting I recently found, created such a wonderful feel. I truly enjoyed the process of smoothing and pinning and smoothing and pinning. The batting makes such a big difference in the feel. I am so looking forward to the finished quilt, but I am taking my time and enjoying the process. 448 HST, fabulous fabric, fluffy wool batting, quilting in the hoop (the current stage), and a double flange binding. This is a wonderful pastime. I am grateful I found it and grateful you share your wealth of knowledge with the world.
Sounds lovely. Do share the final finish
I live on the Great Plains where summers can have temps over 100* and winter nights below zero are common - wool is definitely my favorite batting. I hand quilt and I have found I prefer wool for this as well. I had one top with a lot of bright white so I chose a bleached cotton. That cotton grabbed my thread so much as I quilted. I didn't like it at all. Plus it didn't feel as soft. Wool isn't cheap, but I only do about I quilt a year and spend so much time in the quilting that it is worth it for me.
I’m so glad you found a batting that works for you!
Karen, I love how you put this information into an easy to understand format. I would love to know where you got the reference chart with the different types of batting on it. That would be so helpful for new quilters to actually see and feel what each type of batting is. When it is in bags, it is hard to determine what to get.
All assets used in the video are mine. You are free to take screen shots
My grandchildren received a hand quilted ,baby quilt and I used a polyester batting. I found this was their favourite because of the softness of the quilts. Other quilts using 80/20 was not as popular as they found them flatter and stiffer.
Such helpful info! I'm a new quilter and have finished only two so far, with two more I'm hoping to finish before the end of the year. Since I haven't yet taken the time to learn all about batting, you've saved me so much time by doing the legwork for me! Thank you so much!
I love using bamboo, much easier to quilt on my domestic machine. And perfect to stay warm but not too much like my family loves 😂
So grateful for your videos Karen, how to sew bating scraps has been a life changer for me!
Thanks and see you next time!
Wonderful!
I've had itchy eyes from one brand of batting and won't purchase again. It was a pandamic panic purchase. The roll is almost all used up. They are not all created equal. I've not noticed problems after binding is on, thankfully. Love this video and the idea of buying one singular kind and brand.
Thank you Karen. You've given some great tips there. Batting is very expensive in Australia so I'm always looking out for the least expensive. 🇦🇺💵💵
Keep an eye out for those sales
Thanks for all the great information. Love your videos. ❤❤
When you went through all the properties it would be good to discuss their sustainable and environmental impact too. I try to avoid plastic and polyester as much as possible and that’s the first priority for all my crafts. Maybe something for future videos
Sustainability is a slippery slope which I just don’t have all the facts. Choosing will or organic cotton are considered the best
I'm glad I watched this! I'm determined now only to use cotton/poly blend. But the biggest thing is, I'm making a quilt for my grandson & decided to back it with flannel. His mom doesn't care for top sheets. So, now I know to wash the quilt top AND backing beforehand, so there won't be noticeable shrinkage. ❤ Cool. 😊
👍👍👍
Hi Karen, what I’d like to know is if batting has a right side?
I remember her going over this in another video. You may be able to find it if you search her previous videos.
Nope…urban myth. With needle punched batting you can tell the ‘good’ side by the needle holes
Years ago I made a quilt after reading a magazine. I put polyester high loft batting in it - I didn't know anything else was available. It was sooooo puffy! And I found it a bit weird-sort of stiff. Now I use cotton exclusively and am very happy for crinklification to occur.
I’m glad you found what works for you.
Thank you for sharing this information. I have been buying my batting in king size (due to lack of storage space) when on sale. This allows me to cut any size quilt with leftover for frankenbatting. It works well for my space.
Smart. I am amazed how good frankenbatting is for quilts. You can’t tell unless you look really closely
Before I make my quilt sandwich, I put my batting into the dryer on very low heat, with a damp wash rag. This gets any wrinkles out, and it seems to tighten the fibers, shrinking it a bit. Then I don’t get as much batting shrinkage. If you do this, don’t cut your batting to size before this step.
Thanks for sharing
Wool batting is my fave.
Thanks for this video it was very helpful. I am so bad at getting a quilt finished and ready for the quilt
I had tried many different kinds.
In the end I prefer Warm and Natural cotton. So much so that I buy it by the roll. I’ve gone through two rolls. That’s a lot of batting. I like to quilt pretty densely and it responds well.
👍👍👍
Thank you!
Very informative - thank you!
As a quilting newbie, I have found Warm & Natural's 80/20 works best for me. I had a messy and altogether unpleasant time using 100% polyester and will never touch the stuff again!🤢
It is interesting to see how different batts work for different people.
Thank you for this valuable research. Much appreciated.
I wish that I had kept a record of what kind of batting went into the quilts that I made in the past. Only recently did I start keeping track and including care info on the quilt label.
Keeping a library is a good idea…unfortunately we only think of it after we’ve tried several types…fortunately you can start a library any time 😎
Nice video. You put a lot of work into it. ❤
I think I am going to go for 100% cotton from now on. Prefer to not have petroleum in my bed covers.
Just read the label to be sure. It’s amazing how it sneaks in
@@JustGetitDoneQuiltsI have had a time trying to get to the bottom of this myself and they ARE sneaky about it. Wonder why?
Another very timely video. Thank you🎉🎉🎉 Lately I have been ordering batting rolls. I am finding I have a lot less waste.
Next you need to try quilting two quilts side by side
@ I really loved being able to quilt yardage for Meals On Wheels placemats. It will be my go to in the future
Great video. I buy a roll about 2X/ year for my charity quilts. I can afford this as most of my material is donated. I use a 20/80 as a general batting.
It is so wonderful that you are able to make quilts for charity!
Great tips! I love how you provided a ton of information but broke it down into bite sized chunks. You don't overwhelm the viewer that way! Personally, I love Quilters Dream batting or Tuscany for most quilt projects. Thanks again for a great video!
It is a good batting. You have great taste!
My quilting Granny used carded wool - Nothing nothing warmer
Agreed 👍
My sister gave me leftover 108" flannel that I used instead of batting for a wall hanging. I **loved** the drape and how easy it was to hand quilt. I haven't priced it yet, but yardage or sheets are definitely something I plan to consider for future projects.
I love using flannel for minky quilts. It’s so soft and cozy.
I have started using flannel for my middle layer. I prewash and dry on very low heat. This works well for me.
Flannel can be a lovely middle layer! I prewash mine before I use it.
I've used old blankets with holes. If they can't be stitched closed I padded some wadding in the hole. You can't see where it is. It feels a little different but it's so small it doesn't matter. Batting i get is whatever is on sale. I've also bought remnant batting and made the quilt to fit what size batting I had. I've also got a bunch of old ripped sheets that I could use to make a light summer quilt or add an extra layer on top of batting if the batting shows through.
Very resourceful 👏👏👏
You have the best informative and to the point videos. Love watching them. Hope your holiday season will be great.
Thanks! I hope yours is too.
Thanks for the info Karen. I always have a problem knowing which is the right and wrong side of batting and if the right side goes towards the quilt top or bottom.
You always provide a wealth of very helpful information! Thank you for doing the research for us. My question is: Does it matter which side of the batting goes up (touching the top of the quilt) and which side goes down? I have heard conflicting opinions for this.
I think she covered this in another of her videos.
That’s an urban myth. It might make a difference for a hand quilter but after a lot of testing and experimenting, no one can tell the difference after it’s quilted
Just finishing a quick tree skirt for a friend. It needs to be quick, because I need it done this week!
I have been happy to see that my skills are improving, even though there are parts of this project I wish had turned out better 😅
I will be sure not to point any of that out to the recipients!
You go girl
Batting scraps are great for quilt as you go projects! Especially the kind with small pieces like the Daisy and Grace ones
Thanks again Karen for this very informative video on batting types. I really enjoyed it and learned so much!
You're welcome! Keep on quilting!
This is a nice detailed comparison. I find that I prefer wool from the roll. Fortunately, I found a source only half an hour away where they sell it by the ¼ yard. It is 120 inches long so I have used the method of getting several quilts from buying the width according to the longer quilt and using the length of the batting for one or two smaller quilts.
I love that you found a local source!
Thanks for this video. Very informative. The mattress you were talking about - I was interested until I heard you say there is natural latex in it. I’m very allergic to latex. 😢
I have tried nearly every type and brand of batting, and Dream is my favorite, and bamboo silk blend is my most favorite of Dream brand. It was easiest to sandwich because it “grabs” the fabric. I did not need to use many pins.
Good info. Thanks for sharing
Thank you so much. This answers many questions and provides a solid base for figuring out the rest.
Thank you for so much information on batting! I remember you mentioned in a past video that you had downsized the number of different batts you use to simplify the scrap aspect afterwards. I've headed in that direction as well. I'm hoping 2025 will be the year I have everything in it's place!
Thank you for this much needed video! I learned a lot. You are the best!
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Thank you, Karen , for this timely tutorial on quilt batting. I’m about to sort through my quilting supplies, batting included. At least now I’ll be more informed. Thank you again.
I'm glad it helped!
Thanks Karen. So much information and I love the graphs. I’ve taken to using bamboo wadding: I live in the Uk and it’s readily available. Bamboo has a lovely drape I do a mix of machine and hand quilting and bamboo works well for both. There’s an overwhelming choice of wadding and your video certainly helps with the options.
So overwhelming. It’s such a relief to find something that works that is readily available
My go-to batting is 100% cotton. I use the quilt-as-you-go method and find that polyester sticks to the fabric when I iron my blocks. And sometimes it just melts.
Very interesting and informative. Thank you! By the way, I piece my batting scraps together and make pot holders. I also cut the smaller scraps into small pieces and stuff pillows with them.
I'm glad you are reusing the batting scraps
Your videos are so informative, interesting, they do not seem long at all .❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏😉🐾🎄🎅🦃
I’m glad you find them helpful. 🤗🤗🤗
I have made and use two different extra large queen sized quilts for our bed. One I used Dream Orient (silk blend) and the other Dream Wool. The one with silk blend is warmer than the wool, so we use the silk blend in the cooler part of the year, and the wool in the summer.
I wonder whether the type of fabric used contributes to this. The warmer silk blend quilt is made of all Kona cotton, and the wool is made with Tula Pink fabric. Kona cotton seems heavier.
Ordered a roll of batting today now I have to figure out where to store it. I don’t have a long arm machine to hide it under😅
I have stored it on a chair that rolls. Pull the chair off and put a rod in the chair tube. Put the roll on the rod. You can roll it and it's easy to unroll. Google it.
I use to store it in the back of my closet
Due to allergy issues for myself, I only use Warm & Natural's 100% cotton needle punched batting. I don't use Poly or Poly-cottons because of the issue you have, I discovered the hard way that very fine fibers come off and both my eyes and hands/arms itch. I also only get King size because I can cut it down for things. Timely video and great advice here though.
Glad that I am not the only person with the problem. We could form a club 😎
Through recent investigations within the past two weeks I have found that the W&N brands have the poly scrim on their otherwise cotton battings.. with exception of the wrap n zap line. Hope this helps.
Thank you again, I love these videos - the nuts and bolts we need!
Please tell what’s your current favourite batting and why? If you don’t want to tell brand’s name for reason just tell us the type. It’s hard experiment with batting after spending so much time, effort, love and money on the quilt. Need someone trustworthy to give recommendations. Thank you so much. Love your videos. Miss Toronto and it’s quilting material availability.
I like the thickest 100% batting I can find. I have used ‘warm and natural’ , Quilter’s dream and now Hobbs.
@@JustGetitDoneQuiltsdo you mean 100% cotton?
I wish you would showcase( again) the quikt businesses you like
Im local and always looking for brick and morter options ty❤
There are the videos to refer to
oh you have excellent timing.
😎
Perfect timing. I just finished my first quilt top.
So glad to see another one of your straightforward and informational videos! Thanks for all the useful tips!
You’re welcome! I hope it helps you.
So far my favorites in order
Winline bamboo (this is the only brand of bamboo I've tried) I like the drape and the weight.
Quilters Dream Dream Puff has a higher loft than the bag of Quilters Dream Wool I tried. I like how light the quilt is, even with a flannel back and it's warmer than the one with wool.
Warm and Natural 100% with 100% cotton scrim
Quilters Dream Wool (only wool I've tried) not impressed with the loft, and it smelled horrible after the first wash so I immediately washed it again. It's nice to cuddle with and is warmer than the cotton and it's the second lightest quilt I have.
Thanks for sharing your experience with different batting! First hand experience is so valuable
Thanks for this! It IS very confusing!
It's one of those things that seems simple but there are so many options.
Great information. I just bought a lage roll of 100% cotton battin (I believe it was 25 meters) and am set for a while now. I was able to get some samples from the manufacturer, so that I was able to test-run the batting.
And yes, my first quilts had poly batting since it was the cheapest and they are holding up quite well.
Sounds great!
Ultimate sewing on oshawA has 20^ off batting if you biy the roll
This was extremely helpful and informative! So much to learn and retain, I will have to refer back to it alot! Thank you for your tutorials!!
You're welcome! There's a lot to quilting!
This was a great video. Thank you so very much!!
I am so glad you found it helpful!
Thank you
Thank you again Karen for a very informative video. I also used to use warm and natural 100% cotton but found the thickness and weight inconsistent. lol, I also tried Quilters Dream and Hobbs. I liked the Hobbs but I am not a big fan of dense quilting so I mostly use the Quilters Dream. Maybe that means I’ve retained what I’ve learned from you?
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Here in South Australia we have a “budget” shop and I have purchased cotton batting/wadding when on “special “ and it’s extremely thin
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I'd be curious to know exactly how you're meant to pre-wash batting? In the bathtub, with hot or cold water? with detergents or other additives? are you meant to tumble dry it, hang it to dry or lay it flat? (expecially with wool or cotton, if it doesn't dry fast enough will it mildew or mold?) I've tried looking up blog posts or video tutorials and reading the labels of multiple brands of battings and have given up on pre-shriking it because I've never been able to find a straight answer
I actually was doing some research this week on exactly this topic and then I picked up my phone and thought to look on the packaging to see what the manufacturer suggests for this very topic. This was a W&N brand it says shrinkage 3-5% and to preshrink it lay it in a bathtub of hot water for 15 mins. Do not agitate and lay flat to dry… my take of that is DONT PRESHRINK! For exactly the reasons you laid out and embrace the lovely (Karen coined) crinklfication!
I wouldn’t try to pre-shrink batting because it most likely will ruin it. However, I have put batting into the dryer on low heat with a damp wash rag, which relaxes the wrinkles and tightens the fibers.
I wet lay it first between two sheets then wet in the tub and then dry. You don’t need to wash it just wet it
Thank you so much for your great practical types.
I think I missed it, but what is the batting you use all the time?
I live in Canada too. Can you talk about doublebatting and when to do it?
I love a double batting
I have been buying my rolls from Kawartha sewing centre. You can ask your local quilt store to bring it in. Shipping costs on batting is nasty
Thank you for a terrific video! ❤❤❤❤
I use Hobbs wool batting. It's a dream to hand or machine quilt. It's breathable, warm, but not too warm. I find I can use these quilts year round. I've used 100% cotton. The finished product is nice, but cool or damp weather makes this quilt not very cozy. Warm and natural has similar.problem, and the larger size quilts become too heavy. I like the 80/20 cotton w poly scrim it shows off the stitches, but in winter, the quilt just isn't warm enough. Now I'm just looking for natural black wool batting for my darker projects.
There are some smaller manufacturers that specialize in niche batting. Let me know if you find anything
I started quilting with ordinary 100% cotton and failed miserably. Pushing the needle through was painful. I tried bamboo next and have used it ever since, but because of the expense I don't quilt much. Thanks for the tip on a different type of cotton bat!
It is so hard to sew through some of the cotton batting! By hand and on the domestic sewing machine. Luckily there are lots of types to choose from
I'm wondering about the process of turning bamboo into batting. I read somewhere that it takes lots and lots of water. Not very eco-friendly if this is the case. 😢
Yes. Bamboo is not the most eco-friendly batting. Look for the organic cotton or wool
My quilt shop does not sell poly/ ploy blend for baby quilts. And they also tell you that wool is wonderful for handquilting.
Thank you for all the great information. Your videos are exceptional!
Glad you like them!
Hello there from Florida. Thank you for your great videos. I have a question regarding your amazing batting storage under your quilt frame. Where did you find those “brackets” that are mounted to keep your batting rod secure? I’m limited on space in my sewing room. Your solution seems perfect. Cheers!
I’m a longarm quilter. I have quilted hundreds of quilts. I get hoarse or lose my voice every time. I’m probably allergic to the batting, but it hasn’t stopped me from doing my therapy! 😂
Have you tried a mask…though that isn’t comfortable either
Funny that you would say that, I thought I should wear one when I wrote out my comment!
Good info. Thanks Karen. Right now I have a collection of different kinds of batting, one of which is now my favourite and I will buy it exclusively in the future. How to use up all the rest? - that's my question.
Be sure to make a library of some sample quilted square to remember the results
Great video! Question? I have a customer that wants a high loft but doesn’t want polyester. Can I use 2 layers of cotton batting? A 4 layer sandwich? Should I baste the 2 layers of batting together before I quilt the sandwich? I will be machine quilting since this quilt is a throw size (72 inch square). Thank you!
It’s also about weight. 2 layers of cotton is a heavy blanket. So it will be also challenging machine quilting. Due to weight and thickness. Personally I LOVE double layers. Go slow, use a longer stitch length and breathe.
Great and informative video as always. Question for oven mitts, hot pads and bowl cozies - some sources say to use 100% cotton and others say to buy a specialty batting for use in microwaves. I think it’s called “wrap and zap” and seems to be 100% cotton but much more expensive. Any comments or tips? I was hoping to make some items for Christmas presents and info would be appreciated. Thanks again for a super video. From Dundas, Ontario!
Cotton burns. So if it’s going into a microwave it needs the specialty batting
Great information filled video. Loved the graphics! Thank you!
You are very welcome! Glad you liked the graphics.
Thank you once again for a wealth of information.
You are welcome. I’m glad it was helpful.
If you care about the finished size of your quilt, you may want to pre wash your batting. Doing so removes some finishes that you can’t see and the batting gets softer. I may do this when I don’t want the quilt to shrink the 3-5% that cotton shrinks. Karen has a good video where she tests prewashing vs not prewashing.