Posted in — QUILTING, Batting, Tools & Supplies

10 Benefits of Wool Batting

  1. Warmth: Wool batting is a natural insulator and provides excellent warmth, making it a good choice for quilts that will be used in colder weather.
  2. Moisture-wicking: Wool fibers can absorb up to 30% of their weight in moisture without feeling wet, which helps to regulate body temperature and keep you warm and dry.
  3. Natural fire retardant: Wool fibers are naturally fire-resistant, providing an added level of safety in case of fire.
  4. Durable: Wool batting is strong and long-lasting, making it suitable for quilts that will be used and washed frequently. Wool batting has natural elasticity, which allows it to stretch and move with the quilt, helping to prevent shrinkage and stretching.
  5. Insulation: Wool batting provides a good insulation, keeping you warm in cold weather, and cool in warm weather.
  6. Hypoallergenic: Wool batting is hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with allergies or sensitive skin.
    • However, it’s important to note that some people may still have an allergic reaction to wool. Wool fibers do not contain any proteins that are typically the cause of most allergies, but some people may be allergic to the lanolin oil found in the wool, which is used to protect the sheep from the elements. Some people may also be allergic to the dust mites that can collect in the fibers of wool.
    • If you are unsure about whether you are allergic to wool, it’s best to test a small amount of the wool batting before using it in a quilt. You can also look for hypoallergenic wool batting that has been treated to reduce the amount of lanolin or dust mites.
    • Additionally, it is also important to note that some people may have a sensitivity to wool, but not an allergy. This sensitivity can cause itching or skin irritation and should be taken into consideration when choosing a batting for a quilt.
  7. Easy to care for: Wool batting is easy to care for and can be washed and dried without shrinking or losing its shape. Best to wash on gentle and cool cycles.
  8. Eco-friendly: Wool is a sustainable and renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly choice for quilters.
  9. Resilience: Wool batting holds up well to repeated washing and use, making it a great choice for quilts that will be used frequently.
  10. Variety of options: Wool batting comes in a variety of options, which can accommodate different quilting preferences, including:
    • Merino wool: Merino wool is a soft, fine-grained wool that is often used in wool batting. It is considered a luxury fiber and is known for its softness, warmth, and durability.
    • Rambouillet wool: Rambouillet wool is another popular choice for wool batting. It is known for its strength, elasticity, and softness.
    • Romney wool: Romney wool is known for its durability and resistance to pilling, making it a good choice for wool batting that will be used frequently.
    • Corriedale wool: Corriedale wool is a strong and versatile wool, known for its strength and durability. It is a good choice for wool batting that will be used in a variety of projects.
    • Alpaca wool: Alpaca wool is a fine, soft wool that is known for its warmth and hypoallergenic properties.
    • Cashmere wool: Cashmere wool is a soft, warm and fine wool that is known for its luxury and comfort.
    • It’s important to note that the quality of the wool can vary depending on the supplier and how it was processed. Some wool battings may be blended with other fibers such as cotton, silk or polyester. It’s recommended to read the product label or check with the supplier to know what type of wool is used in the batting and to make sure that it meets your needs and preferences.