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If you love sewing, quilting, or any other crafting activity involving fabric and batting, then chances are you know a thing or two about the importance of getting it just right. If you're new to stitching, determining the right material and quantity of batting can be intimidating.
Rejoice, for we are here to provide you with the essential information about batting fabric – including what it is, why crafting demands its use, the various types available on market shelves today, and valuable advice when shopping around. Read on to get an in-depth insight into this remarkable material! So grab your supplies because, by the end of this post, you'll be an expert in mastering the art of using batting fabric!
Batting fabric is made from polyester or wool and is often used in machine quilting, making it ideal for lightweight quilts and even projects like wall hangings. It's perfect for providing warmth and comfort with added cushioning.
It's also known for its resilience, easy maintenance, and high insulation properties, making it an excellent choice for quilting enthusiasts looking to make a lasting impression. From adding texture to projects to creating dimension and loft without extra weight, batting fabric offers endless possibilities, making it the perfect choice for all kinds of craft projects.
Knowing the different types of loft when it comes to batting fabric is essential for creating the perfect quilt. Low-loft polyester batting is excellent for a flatter, thinner look and gives quilts a lighter feel without sacrificing warmth.
High-loft polyester batting provides thicker builds full of body and structure, giving your quilt that warm and fluffy feeling. Wool batting is medium loft but offers a comfortable balance between high-loft polyester batting and low-loft polyester batting. Ultimately, finding the best type of quilt batting to suit your vision will make all the difference in the outcome of your project, so be sure to pay attention to those all-important lofts before you start sewing!
Low loft batting is cotton batting with short and tight fibers, making it lightweight and thin. The low loft gives the quilt top only one layer of softness, cotton fabric, rather than multiple layers of fluff, ideal for very functional projects.
Low loft batting is frequently used for smaller quilting projects such as wall hangings or table toppers since it offers little warmth or height. Those looking for more fluffiness should look towards other cotton batting fabrics with more loft, such as cotton/polyester blend batting.
High loft batting stands out due to its height of fibers and thicker, fluffy texture. It’s carefully woven fabric with a drapey look that is perfect for quilted throws and comforters. Compared to low-loft batting, high-loft batting requires longer, deeper stitches when you quilt it, giving the design more definition. An extra high loft has even higher fibers for a cozier, warmer feel. Both high and extra-high loft batting can be made from other materials such as cotton, polyester, wool, or bamboo rayon to create different drapes and levels of insulation.
Natural insulating batting is the optimal choice for a wide range of quilts, and Warm & Natural Twin Cotton Batting offers countless options. Boasting materials like wool, cotton, rayon, and bamboo fiber mixed, this batting provides a dual insulative layer to keep weighty blankets comfortable yet light. In particular, wool yields unbeatable warmth while cotton adds breathability; it's no wonder these two fibers are the most popular in natural batting.
Needle punched and then carded together to form an incredibly lightweight fabric, this insulating material has varied uses, such as machine quilting or hand quilting. For those who don't want to stitch their quilt top, tying is a more accessible alternative - perfect for baby blankets. With its diverse materials and wide range of applications, it’s easy to see why Warm & Natural Twin Cotton Batting is so beloved in the crafting community.
Synthetic batting is an increasingly popular batting alternative in crafting. Although they seem similar to wool batting, synthetic batting has many benefits, making it a go-to choice for many crafters.
From being able to make use of varied machine quilting speeds to being much easier to work with due to its plasticity, there are numerous advantages of using synthetic batting instead of traditional wool or cotton boosters. Furthermore, it's easy to clean, durable, and hypoallergenic; no wonder more and more quilters are now relying on it for their handiwork!
Polycotton batting is the perfect blend of cotton and polyester, offering needle punch durability and a breathable finish for quilting projects. This versatile batting typically comes in an 80/20 cotton/polyester mix, making it lighter than cotton alone but still providing excellent loft and shrink resistance.
It's a great alternative to 100% synthetic batting and silk batting (or thinner fabric) when creating a quilt sandwich. So if you're looking for the best attributes from different kinds of batting, polycotton batting may be an excellent choice for you.
Bamboo batting is composed of equal parts bamboo fibers and cotton - making it an ideal ecological option for environmentally-conscious quilters. This batting is also highly breathable due to its natural fiber content, and its antibacterial properties allow it to stay fresh throughout its lifespan.
Furthermore, bamboo performs very well in both hand and machine quilting stitches. Plus, bamboo tends to shrink less than other natural fabrics and can be easily maintained by machine washing and drying. Its distinct features make bamboo batting a great choice if you’re looking for the perfect drape, softness, and durability.
Bonded batting offers a stylish alternative for making quilts and other projects with thin fabric materials. It's ideal for stopping fibers from piercing through the quilt top or backing, a process known as bearding, which can give the project an aged and worn appearance.
This batting has an adhesive coating on both the top and bottom surfaces, either in the form of resin or glue, so that it can hold the fibers together securely. With its resistance to bearding due to its bonded surface, items, like throw blankets, don't necessarily require decorative stitching. Bonded batting is an ideal option for easy-care fabrics with a cohesive finish giving you great results every time.
