Quilt Batting Types
Quilts are normally made of three or more layers of fabric. 'Quilt Batting' is the middle or inside layer. This is typically a thicker, soft fabric that is used to provide warmth.
The type of quilt batting to use is a matter of personal preference. It all depends on the look and feel that the quilter is after. There are many options available when choosing a batting. You can use cotton batting, organic cotton batting, polyester batting, or a warm blend 50/50 (cotton/polyester) batting.
Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is a popular choice. It provides softness and is a favorite of many quilters. Even through repeated washings, it is designed to reduce the effects of creeping through the cover fabric and resist bunching. Prices vary, but a 90" wide x 40 yard long bolt will normally retail for approximately $335.00.
Organic Cotton Batting
Organic cotton batting is very soft to the touch, and is very durable. It will typically have an invisible scrim. You might pay a bit more for organic cotton. We see the average retail prices running approximately $179.00 for a 100" wide x 20 yard long bolt.
Polyester Batting
Polyester batting offers unsurpassed bond strength, great insulation, and is soft and silky to the touch. Microsafe battings control the growth of bacteria, mold, mildew, and fungi. It is excellent for providing sanitary conditions making it ideal for bedding. This hypoallergenic material holds up under frequent washings. We typically see 54" wide x 24 yard long bolts retailing for approximately $79.00.
50/50 Cotton/Polyester Batting
You can get the best of both worlds with a 50/50 batting. These blends offer 50% warm cotton fibers combined with 50% polester fibers. The stitches sink deep, providing lofty dimensions in your finished quilt. The Warm Blend 50/50 Batting is the most highly regarded batting among both crafters and quilters around the world. This thin but strong base material prevents shifting, migration, and tearing, and the fabric naturally clings to this batting. A 34" wide x 50 yard long bolt normally retails for approximately $150.00.
When selecting a batting for your quilt, choose one that will match its purpose. The thicker the batting, the warmer the quilt will be for those colder wintery nights. A thinner batting might be more suited for a throw quilt for cool night. You might want to only consider a very thin batting for a display quilt, or decorative quilt made just to match your decor. Remember that the batting is an important component that will affect the look, feel, and durability of your quilt. A high quality batting will help the quilt that you spent hours making last for a lifetime.