Posted in — QUILTING, Batting, Tools & Supplies

10 Benefits of Cotton Batting

  1. Durability: Cotton batting is a strong and long-lasting material, making it suitable for quilts that will be used and washed frequently.
  2. Breathability: Cotton batting is a natural material that allows air to circulate, making it a comfortable choice for quilts that will be used in warm weather.
  3. Easy to quilt by hand or machine: Cotton batting is easy to quilt through and provides a stable surface for quilting designs.
  4. Drapes nicely: Cotton batting provides a nice drape to the quilt, which can add depth and dimension to the quilted design.
  5. Can be ironed: Cotton batting can withstand the heat of an iron, making it easy to press and shape the quilt as needed.
  6. Natural Material: Cotton batting is a natural material, which can be a good choice for those looking for an eco-friendly option.
  7. Good insulation: Cotton batting provides a good insulation and warmth, making it a good choice for quilts that will be used in colder weather.
  8. Cost-effective: Cotton batting is relatively affordable and can be easily found in most fabric stores.
  9. Low shrinkage: Cotton batting has a low shrinkage rate, which means that it will maintain its size and shape after washing and drying.
    • What is the percent of shrinkage for cotton batting?
    • The percent of shrinkage for cotton batting can vary depending on the specific product and manufacturer, as well as how it’s been pre-treated before packaging. Typically, the shrinkage rate for cotton batting is around 3-5%. This means that if a piece of cotton batting is 100 inches wide, it may shrink to between 97 inches and 95 inches after the first wash.
    • However, it’s important to note that this is just a rough estimate and the actual shrinkage rate can vary. Some cotton battings may shrink more or less depending on the specific type of cotton used and the manufacturing process.
    • To minimize shrinkage, it’s recommended to pre-wash and dry cotton batting before using it in a quilt. This will allow the batting to shrink before it’s incorporated into a quilt, and it will also remove any sizing or chemicals that may have been used in the manufacturing process. This way the quilt will maintain its shape and size after washing and drying.
  10. Versatile: Cotton batting can be used in a wide variety of quilt projects, from traditional pieced quilts to modern art quilts.