What is batting and how is it used?
Batting (sometimes referred to as wadding or padding) is the layer that provides warmth and depth in a quilt. It is the layer between the quilt top and backing. These three layers together are often referred to as the quilt “sandwich”. While batting may not be the star of the show, it does have a big impact on the finished project. There are a wide variety of options to choose from but first, let’s get familiar with some batting terminology and have a look at some frequently asked questions to better understand the options.
LOFT
Loft is the thickness of the batting and can make your quilt puffy or lay very flat. It is often referred to as High Loft (thicker) or Low Loft (thinner).
High Loft
You will get a thicker quilt which tends to be heavier. Ideal for cooler climates. The thickness of the high loft lends itself to a variety of quilting techniques including the use of yarns or embroidery floss to “tie” a quilt or if you are more advanced, it is a great way to create dimension and texture with various free motion sewing techniques. The density of your stitches will impact the affects you can achieve.
Low Loft
Tends to finish as a thinner and less bulky quilt. Low loft batting might be great for warmer climates. It is also easier for those who enjoy hand stitching,
DRAPE
Drape is the way a quilt hangs with a particular batting. Some will be very soft while others are quite stiff.
NEEDLE-PUNCHED
A process where fibers are felted together using thousands of barbed needles to interlock the fibers into a layer of batting. You should be able to see or feel that this batting has raised bumps on one side. This is the side that should face the back of the quilt. Ideally, you should machine quilt in the same direction it was punched. Typically, needle-punched has a lower loft but is strong and dense compared to other battings.
SCRIM
A synthetic stabilizer that is layered and needle-punched into batting fibers to help them keep their shape and provide strength. Very strong and durable. It helps to keep fibers from shifting and bearding. Usually, scrim is positioned to face the back of your quilt for best results. Scrim will also impact how closely the stitches must be stitched to prevent shifting.
FUSIBLE BATTING
Has a fusible resin on both sides which allows you to layer your quilt and iron the layers to “baste” everything together. It’s only a temporary hold and works best with smaller projects that you don’t have to wrangle around.
BONDED BATTING
Fibers are bonded using either a resin or thermal method. This prevents the fibers from breaking down when washed. Resin bonded batting is available in a variety of fibers including favorites such as cotton, polyester, and wool.
