KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
BATTING
When you hear the word batting in quilting and sewing, it refers to the soft layer placed between the quilt top and the backing.
Batting is what gives a quilt its warmth, softness, body, and texture. It can also be used in bags, placemats, potholders, table runners, and many other sewing projects when you want a little extra padding or structure.
What Is Batting?
Batting, sometimes called wadding, is a layer of material designed to be used inside a quilt or other sewn project.
A basic quilt sandwich consists of:
Quilt Top + Batting + Backing
The batting is placed between the decorative quilt top and the backing fabric before the layers are quilted together.
Why Is Batting Important?
Batting can give your project:
The type of batting you choose can change the look and feel of your finished project.
Different Types of Batting
Batting comes in several different materials and thicknesses.
Some common choices include:
Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is popular for quilts because it has a natural feel and gives quilts a soft, comfortable drape. It is often a good choice for everyday quilts.
Polyester Batting
Polyester batting is lightweight and can provide more loft, meaning the finished quilt may have a fuller, puffier appearance.
Cotton/Polyester Blend
A blend combines characteristics of both cotton and polyester and can be a versatile choice for many quilting projects.
Wool Batting
Wool batting is warm and lightweight and is especially useful when warmth is an important part of the finished quilt.
Loft Matters
You may also see the word loft when shopping for batting.
Loft refers to the thickness or fluffiness of the batting.
Low loft — thinner and flatter
Medium loft — a little more thickness
High loft — thicker and fluffier
The loft you choose depends on the type of project and the appearance you want.
Choosing Batting for Your Project
Before choosing batting, think about what you are making.
For a quilt, you may want to consider:
How warm you want the quilt to be
How thick you want it to look
How much drape you want
How you plan to quilt it
Whether the batting can be machine washed
The manufacturer's recommended quilting distance
For smaller sewing projects, batting can also provide structure and cushioning.
For example, batting can be useful in:
Pot holders
Hot pads
Placemats
Table runners
Quilted bags
Cosmetic bags
Pouches
Mug rugs
Small quilted projects
Batting and Heat-Resistant Projects
For projects such as potholders and hot pads, the type of batting matters.
Regular quilt batting is not automatically heat resistant.
If your project will be used with hot dishes or cookware, consider using a product specifically designed for heat protection, such as Insul-Bright or another appropriate heat-resistant material, according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Preparing Your Batting
Before cutting your batting, check the instructions on the package.
Some batting may need to be prewashed or handled in a particular way, while other types can be used directly from the package.
When making a quilt sandwich, make sure the batting is large enough to extend beyond the edges of the quilt top. This gives you room for quilting and trimming the finished quilt.
Don't Throw Away Those Batting Scraps!
If you do a lot of quilting, you will probably end up with batting scraps.
Keep them!
Small pieces can be useful for smaller projects such as:
Mini quilts
Mug rugs
Potholders
Hot pads
Small bags
Pouches
Coasters
Quilt-as-you-go projects
Just like fabric scraps, batting scraps can have another life in your sewing room.
A Simple Way to Remember
Think of batting as the middle layer.
TOP → Batting → BACK
It is the layer that helps give a quilt its warmth, softness, thickness, and quilted texture.
Final Thoughts
Batting may not be the most visible part of a quilt, but it plays an important role in the finished project.
Choosing the right batting can make a difference in how your quilt looks, feels, hangs, and performs.
Whether you are making a large quilt or a small quilted sewing project, understanding batting is another useful piece of sewing and quilting knowledge to add to your toolbox.
KNOWLEDGE BASE OF BASICS SERIES
This post is part of my Knowledge Base of Basics Series, created to explain common sewing and quilting terms, tools, and techniques in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
Keep sewing, keep learning, and make something beautiful! 🧵🪡❤️
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