Quilt Batting is a soft layer of fibers that adds body or loft to your quilt. Is is typically placed in between your quilt top and the backing. The thickness of different batting varies, as does its warmth.
Batting can be made from many different fibers; cotton, polyester, bamboo, wool, silk or a combination of these. It can also be fusible if required. Here is a list of what we carry and the uses. We can also special order your favourite batting if you don't see what you're looking for.
Selecting batting is one of the last decisions you will make and it's important to choose one that complements the nature and use of your finished quilt. After all the hours of work put into your project, continue to invest in a high quality product. The right batting will make all the difference in your results, producing a quilt that you'll cherish for many years to come.
Hobbs Heirloom Premium Cotton Blend- A favourite of Joanne Barton and is by far our most popular batting for both machine and hand quilters alike. It is made from 80% long staple cotton fibers and 20% fine polyester. This combination of fibers creates a strong, longwearing batt and is very easy to handle. This product gives exceptional depth, loft and dimension, and superior integrity to every quilt. The batting is lightly needle punched and treated with a soft resin to provide stability to the fibers and prevent the polyester from bearding.
Hobbs Premium Wool- This is a favourite of Debbie Smith as it provides loft and softness without extra weight. This batting provides superb insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in warmer weather. The fiber breathes, allowing excess heat to disperse away from the body. One of the many benefits of wool is that it gives warmth without adding weight. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling damp. The tiny fibers trap air which creates insulation in this lightweight batt. In addition, wool batts are naturally mildew resistant and resistant to moth damage when quilted with cotton fabrics.
Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 Fusible Cotton Blend- Is a double sided iron-on batting. This product has an additional fusible resin applied to both front and back, eliminating the need for the time consuming steps of pinning or basting. Made with 80% natural cotton and 20% polyester. It is lightly needle punched and resin bonded to provide exceptional strength and durability.
Thermore- Originally designed for clothing and miniatures, this batting is exceptionally versatile and can be used successfully wherever low loft and stability is needed or preferred. This batting is excellent for hand or machine quilting and works well with light and dark fabrics. You can confidently machine, hand wash or dry clean your project. It may be quilted up to 9” apart and will not shrink. Thermore is thin, and great for use on embroidery blocks.
Winline 50/50 Bamboo/ Cotton Blend- This batting is Clodagh's fabourite as it provides less loft and is soft. High-quality, made with sustainable/renewable fibers, this batting offers breath ability, is durable, & has anti-bacterial properties. This product also resists stretching and bunching.
Quilter's Dream Cotton- starts with the finest cotton and is carded, crosslapped and specially needlepunched. 100% natural and environmentally friendly. The special process prevents shifting and lumping. It has a very high thermal value (R=3.8) warm in the winter, yet wicks moisture away from the body to keep you cool in the summer. You can quilt up to 8" apart allows quilters wonderful freedom of design. The finished quilt may be machine washed and dried. Shrinkage is minimal. Drapes beautifully giving a traditional look and feel to your quilt.
Poly-Down Polyester- Poly-Down is made with very fine white denier polyester that provides a lovely soft drape and makes this batting exceptional for hand quilting. Poly-Down is resin bonded to provide added durability and resist bearding and migration. It is machine washable, non-allergenic and maintains loft.
Pellon Thermolam- Is a lofty, needle-punched fleece, fusible on one side so you can avoid quilting and use of spray adhesive. It is compatible with all fabrics including knits. Thermolam Plus is stable and compact for easy cutting and as it has no grain, can be cut any direction. Great for placemats, bags and wall hangings.
Battilizer- is super to use when you need both batting and stabilizer. It is supple and the project retains a nice hand. Comes 20" wide, this product is excellent for embroidery quilts.
How much Batting do I need- Batting should be the size of your quilt back when layering. The rule of thumb is that your batting should be 4 inches larger than your quilt top, on all sides. It is ok if it is out a little, but never smaller than your quilt top. If it is cut from a bolt, it is usually 96 or 120 inches wide.
Does batting have a right and wrong side? Some brands do! Batting that has been needle punched during its formation has a right side. If you look at the batting and search for small pin holes, this is the right side of your batting. You want your needle to puncture the batting on the same side as these pin marks.
Can batting be pieced? This is continuously debated. Fusible Batting Seam Tape can be used to join two pieces of batting together. If you have lots of left over pieces, a thrifty idea is to take your left over batting trimmed off your quilt after quilting and cut it into your favourite square size to be used for rag quilting.
Bearding- When you are quilting, does your piece actually grow a beard? This is the needle catching on the tiny balls in the batting and trying to pull it back through the quilt top or back. If this is happening to your quilt, the first thing to check is the size and sharpness of your needle. If you have a burred or dull needle, replacing the needle should correct the problem. If the problem persists, you may have a batting with a right and wrong side, and you are working with the wrong side.
We hope this has helped answer some of the mysteries of quilt batting. If you have any questions, please contact us.