Megan and Heather from Quilt Story create unique quilts like Circus Stack, shown here. Tummy time accompanied by these appliqued animal friends and a lively pieced border – what could be better for baby. You can buy this pattern in their Quilt Story Etsy shop.
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How to Choose the Best Batting for Your Quilt Project (Without Guessing)
Batting is one of those quilting decisions that feels strangely high-pressure.
It’s hidden inside the quilt. No one sees it.
But choose the wrong one? And suddenly your quilt feels stiff, too puffy, too flat… or worse, washes poorly.
I used to grab whatever batting was on sale. Then I made one quilt that felt like a winter doona and another that barely had any drape at all.
That’s when I realised — batting isn’t one-size-fits-all.
If you’re a hobby quilter making a few quilts a year, here’s how to choose batting confidently without needing a textile engineering degree.
What Batting Actually Does
Batting affects:
- Warmth
- Loft (how puffy it looks)
- Stitch definition
- Drape
- Weight
- Durability after washing
It’s the structure of your quilt.
The top fabric gets the attention — but the batting determines how the quilt feels in real life.
The 3 Main Types of Quilt Batting
Let’s simplify this.
1. Cotton Batting
Cotton batting gives a classic, traditional look.
It:
- Lays flatter
- Shrinks slightly when washed (creates that lovely crinkled look)
- Shows quilting stitches clearly
- Breathes well
Best for:
- Heirloom quilts
- Wall hangings
- Summer quilts
- Hobby quilters who love that soft, natural drape
If you prefer a quilt that feels traditional rather than fluffy, cotton batting is usually the safe choice.
2. Polyester Batting
Polyester batting has more loft and puff.
It:
- Resists shrinking
- Is lightweight but warm
- Dries quickly
- Holds its shape well
Best for:
- Bed quilts
- Utility quilts
- Quilts that will be washed often
- Gift quilts for busy households
If you’ve ever wanted that slightly “puffy” stitch texture, polyester delivers that beautifully.
3. Cotton-Poly Blend Batting
Blended batting gives you the middle ground.
It:
- Offers more loft than cotton
- Shrinks less
- Still feels soft
- Adds durability
For hobby quilters who want flexibility without overthinking, blends are often a very practical option.
Loft: Low, Medium, or High?
Loft refers to thickness.
Low loft:
- Flatter finish
- Easier for domestic sewing machines
- Ideal for detailed quilting
Medium loft:
- Balanced
- Good stitch definition
- Great for everyday quilts
High loft:
- Puffy texture
- Dramatic quilting lines
- Best for larger-scale quilting designs
If you quilt on a standard home machine, low to medium loft is usually easier to manage.
Scrim vs No Scrim (And Why It Matters)
Some batting includes scrim — a light stabilising layer that holds fibres together.
Scrim batting:
- Is more stable
- Easier for machine quilting
- Less stretching
No scrim batting:
- Feels softer
- More flexible
- Often preferred for hand quilting
If you’re primarily machine quilting, scrim can make the process smoother.
How Batting Affects Stitch Definition
If you love seeing your quilting lines clearly, batting choice matters.
Cotton:
- Shows stitching crisply
Polyester:
- Creates raised stitching
High loft:
- Makes stitches pop dramatically
If you’ve ever wondered why your quilting doesn’t look like the photos you admire, batting could be the difference.
Washing & Shrinkage Considerations
Cotton batting shrinks slightly after washing, creating that soft vintage crinkle many quilters love.
Poly batting resists shrinkage and keeps a smoother appearance.
Neither is wrong — it depends on the look you prefer.
For baby quilts or gifts, many hobby quilters appreciate predictable washing results.
Common Batting Mistakes
- Choosing high loft for detailed block quilting
- Not checking recommended quilting distance
- Using thick batting on a small domestic machine
- Ignoring fibre compatibility
Always check the manufacturer’s recommended stitch spacing. Some battings require closer quilting lines to maintain structure.
What Should Hobby Quilters Start With?
If you’re unsure, start here:
For traditional quilts:
Low loft cotton batting.
For everyday bed quilts:
Medium loft cotton-poly blend.
For puffy stitch texture:
Low to medium loft polyester.
You don’t need five types on hand. Choose based on project purpose.
Where to Compare Quilt Batting Options
Batting can be surprisingly varied, and seeing fibre type, loft, and recommended stitch distance clearly listed makes decision-making much easier.
Specialty quilting retailers like Fat Quarter Shop’s batting collection allow you to compare cotton, polyester, and blended options side-by-side so you can choose based on your specific quilt rather than guessing.
The Bottom Line
Batting is not just filler.
It determines how your quilt:
- Feels
- Washes
- Drapes
- Ages
For hobby quilters, understanding just three things — fibre type, loft, and project purpose — is enough to choose confidently.
You don’t need to memorise every product line.
You just need to match the batting to the quilt’s job.
This article is part of our Ultimate Guide to Quilting Notions for Hobby Quilters, where we break down essential tools without overwhelming you.
Next in the series:
Rotary Cutters Explained: Sizes, Blades, and When to Replace Them