Tips for Choosing the Right Type of Batting

When it comes to choosing batting for a quilting or needlework project it can be a little bit confusing. There are many different types of batting and within each of those types there are different subcategories. The wide variety of styles and types of batting on the market can make it difficult to know which is going to be best for your project. Here are some quick tips for choosing the right type of batting to get you started.

The first thing you will need to decide is what type of batting to use in your project. The 4 main types of batting include cotton, wool, polyester and a polyester/cotton blend.

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• Cotton batting is made from natural fibers, has a soft texture and typically a low loft, which makes it well suited for delicate, fine stitching.

• Wool batting, again a natural fiber, is lightweight but still provides a nice, soft texture as well as extra warmth. Wool tends to be the most expensive style of batting.

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• Polyester batting is the most common and inexpensive batting and also comes in the largest variety of lofts or thicknesses.

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• Cotton/polyester blend batting combines the benefits of both cotton and polyester batting. It is soft and easy to work with like cotton, but can have a higher loft or thickness thanks to the polyester. The ratio of cotton to polyester varies between brands.

Once you have chosen which type of batting to use, you still have some decisions to make. First, you need to decide if you want bonded or needle punched batting.

With bonded batting, both sides are treated with a light glaze which provides stability and helps to prevent the fibers from pulling apart. Needle punched batting. On the other hand, is created with a special machine that essentially tangles the fibers of the batting to help it hold its shape.

Bonded batting usually has a higher loft or thickness than needle punched batting. Additionally, it tends to hold up better to repeated washing and requires less quilting to hold it in place. Needle punched batting, on the other hand, tends to have a lower loft which makes it more suitable for delicate or fine stitching.

Finally, once you have decided on the type of batting you are going to use as well as whether you want to use bonded or needle punched, your last decision is what loft or thickness you need for your project.

Keep in mind when you are choosing that thinner or lower loft batting works best with delicate, intricate stitching, while thicker or higher loft batting will give your project more puffiness and thickness.