Quilt Batting

I often will quilt a quilt and end up with long batting strips.  Rather than throw them out, I cut them up into rectangular sizes to use in  a Clorox or Swiffer type floor mop. (Note: cotton works best!)  Now I don't feel guilty by throwing them out and save money besides!  Other smaller batting sizes I use for cleaning the machine with! 

When you want to trim the batting but not the backing on a quilted piece, slip the edge of your rotary cutting mat between the batting and backing layers before you befin. This will prevent you from inadvertantly cutting into the backing fabric.

If you are seeking a different look for your quilt.  Consider layering different types of batting.  One great example of a warm and fluffy look would be to layer an all cotton batting on the backing side, like White Rose and top with a layer of lo-loft polyester.  Depending on the quilting pattern, this can give a "trapunto" look.

Bearding is the process where the batting migrates to the outside layer of fabric. This migration creates a lumpy, uncomfortable quilt that worsens with use and over time. Some batting materials beard worse than others. Polyester batting beards easily although it is a popular material due to its hypoallergenic properties and cost. Cotton does not beard, however, unless the quilting lines are at least one-half inch apart, the batting can bunch, especially after the quilt is laundered.

Before you choose a batting material, answer some questions about the intended use of the quilt. Where is the quilt going to be used? Who is going to be using the quilt? Is the quilt intended to be hung on the wall? Will you be quilting by hand or by machine? Will the quilt need to be laundered frequently? The answer to each question will clue you in to what batting is best for your needs.

Besides the widely-used cotton, polyester, and cotton blended batting, you can choose to work with natural fibers. These natural battings may be more expensive and harder to find, but they are an option you should consider when making a quilt. Natural battings include wool, silk, and down. Wool is an excellent batting material and easy to work with, whereas silk requires special quilting techniques. Down is an excellent batting material; however, the feathers can be quite messy to work with.