Best Batting for Quilts

Learn how to pick the perfect quilt batting—without the confusion! Whether you’re making a snuggly baby quilt, a show-stopping wall hanging, or a big ol’ bed quilt, choosing the right batting can make or break your finished quilt.

There are so many options out there (hello, batting aisle overload!), so I’m breaking it all down in plain terms: what’s warm, what’s breathable, what’s puffy, and what’s just right for your next quilt.

We’re talking wool batting, cotton blend batting, fusible batting, poly blend batting—you name it.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly what kind of batting is a great option for your quilting projects—and you might even discover your quilter’s dream combo.

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Batting Basics: Let’s Talk Fibers

There are a lot of different types of batting out there, and each one brings its own personality to your quilt sandwich. Some are all about warmth, some give that crinkly look, and others are smooth as butter under your quilting stitches. It all starts with fiber content:

Natural Cotton

This one’s a popular choice for a reason. Natural cotton batting is breathable, soft, and gives that cozy, just-right weight to a quilt. It’s made from natural fibers and works well in summer quilts or any quilt that needs a flatter finish. White cotton batting is best if you’re working with white fabric on your quilt top to avoid shadows. Bonus? It’s often machine washable and gets that loved, lived-in look over time.

Polyester Batting

Need something that’ll hold up to a lot of use (like t-shirt quilts or children’s quilts)? Polyester fibers are your friend. They offer durability and come in different lofts—low loft for a sleek finish or high-loft batting for puffy, cloud-like comfort. It’s also fast-drying and doesn’t shrink, which makes it a great choice for utility quilts or bed quilts that need to last.

Wool Batting

Wool batting is basically your warm hug in batting form. It’s moisture-wicking, has a nice bounce, and works well in colder seasons or for quilters who love natural batting with extra loft. Just be careful—wool can shrink or felt if washed wrong, so cold water and gentle handling are key. Great for hand quilting and perfect for special quilts that deserve something a little extra.

Bamboo & Blends

Bamboo batting is soft, silky, and made from natural fibre that’s often blended with cotton or polyester for structure. Bamboo-cotton blend batting is a great option for anyone looking for natural batting that drapes nicely. Cotton-polyester blends (also called poly-cotton blend or poly blend batting) give the best of both worlds—durability, breathability, and ease of use. These blends are becoming more popular in recent years and are a good choice for quilting projects of all types.

Silk Batting

Fancy, huh? Silk batting is a higher-end option that’s light, breathable, and great for hand quilting or special heirloom quilts. It gives a thin batting feel with a luxurious finish. Definitely a great option when you want to treat yourself or someone else.

Quick Breakdown of Quilt Batting-

• Polyester – Polyester battings are thicker but lighter than cotton batts. But don’t let that fool you. Polyester keeps you warm without the extra weight. Be careful, though. Polyester fibers don’t breathe, so you can overheat in a hurry. Polyester fibers are stronger and more stable than cotton fibers. Polyester also holds it shape better, even with repeated washings. Best of all, it resists mold and mildew. There is no shrinkage with poly batting.
• Cotton – Low Loft, but appearances can be deceiving. Although cotton batting is thin, it’s also heavier than polyester batting. You’ll have to do a little more quilting on cotton than polyester. That’s because cotton fibers shift and beard while you’re quilting. Bearding happens when the cotton fibers in the batting separate and push up through your fabric. To avoid this, keep your quilting stitches 1/4″ to 1/2″ apart. Cotton also is a shrinker! It can shrink up to 5%. I personally like the puckered look after the first wash, but beaware that it will come when you go with this content.
• Cotton/Polyester Blend – The Best of Both Worlds. Minimal shrinking, not too heavy or light, warm, resistant to nature…. it’s pretty darn nice
• Wool batting is used for its warmth. Wool batting is a natural and lofty option. It holds its shape and it springs back. It’s excellent for hand and machine quilting, and can also be tied. I have used this for my boys quilts {actually it was an old wool blanket, and they love it! Super heavy though, but keeps them toasty}.
• Bamboo batting is made from 50% bamboo and 50% organic cotton blend batting. Bamboo batting is very breathable and ideal for machine quilting. It’s machine washable with 2-3% shrinkage. Bamboo is processed into luxurious fiber using pollution-free methods with little waste. I do find that it likes to sneak out. You will find your quilt a little ‘hairy’ at times because the fibers can sneak past the cotton fabric.
• Bonded batting has a light adhesive on both sides to hold fibers together. This helps so the batting won’t shift or beard. Bearding is when batting fibers push through the fabric.
• Fusible batting contains a fusible web so you can baste layers together. When using fusible batting layer quilt backing, batting and quilt top together. Follow the instructions when using this. I used this a lot when I started quilting and used my standard sewing machine. It worked great and allowed me to skip the pinning all together.

You will find that quilt batting comes in different forms too- you can purchase them on the roll {watch the width size and contents when you buy it} or you can buy it pre cut and packaged for you. The pre packaged will have creases in it from the folds. I have heard of putting them in the dryer to release the creases, but have never tried it.

Also- when you buy your batting, make sure it is larger than your quilt top. It has a tendancy to shift and stretch or shrink when machine quilting and you don’t want to end up with one corner without batting! {I am for sure not speaking from experience here. wink, wink}.

If you are looking at a pile of batting pieces- did you know that you can sew them together to make a larger piece? And, that the fusible that you use for this process is washable?!

Color-

Did you know that there is dark quilt batting? Yes, there is! If you have a quilt that is all dark colors {think civil war} you can use a dark batting. It will help deepen the colors and make the quilt richer/darker looking. I would stay away from this though if you have light background fabric in it. The batting will show through!

Need help putting those little bits of batting together to make it big enough for your project? Here is a tutorial all about it.

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Understanding Loft: Flat vs. Fluffy

When we talk about loft, we’re talking about thickness—the puff in the middle of your quilt sandwich. There are different lofts, and your batting choice here will impact how your quilting lines look and how the finished quilt feels.

Low Loft Batting

Low loft batting gives a flatter finish and is ideal for detailed quilting stitches. It’s easier to sew through—especially for hand quilters and longarm quilters—and is perfect for summer quilts, baby quilts, or when you just want a thin layer of stabilizer without the bulk. It also helps your quilt top shine!

High Loft Batting

High loft batting adds extra puff and dimension, making your quilting stitches really pop. It’s great for bed quilts or quilts that live on the couch. But a little heads up—it can be harder to quilt and may shift more under the sewing machine. Fusible batting with higher loft can be helpful to keep everything in place while you stitch.

Mid-Loft & Specialty

Some battings hit that sweet spot in the middle—like wool or poly blend batting. They give just enough puff for comfort without overdoing it. If you want a little bit of everything, this might be your perfect batting.

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Matching Batting to Your Quilt Type

The type of quilt you’re making totally affects your batting choice.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Baby Quilts: Look for natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. Use lower loft for comfort and safety. Machine washable is a must.
• Art Quilts: Go for low loft batting to keep things smooth and highlight those gorgeous quilting lines. Fusible batting helps with easier layering.
• Bed Quilts: High-loft batting adds warmth. Cotton blend batting or wool batting are great options for colder seasons. Polyester batting is a good quality choice for quilts that get a lot of use.
• Wall Hangings: Choose thinner quilt battings like low loft or fusible batting to avoid drooping. Black batting is available for darker quilt tops.
• T-Shirt Quilts: Poly-cotton blend is the best quilt batting for durability and ease of use. It won’t stretch like natural fibres.
• Large Quilts: Pick batting with a larger size or piece together with a thin layer of stabilizer. Be mindful of fold lines and the sides of the batting so your quilt top lays smooth.

Batting Care & Tips

Taking care of your batting before and after quilting helps your finished quilt last a long time:

• Prewash natural batting (like natural cotton or wool) if shrinkage is a concern.
• Use cold water when washing quilts made with wool batting.
• Store batting flat or rolled to avoid fold lines.
• Use the correct side of the batting (yes, some have a right and wrong side!). The smoother side of the batting goes toward the quilt top for best results.
• Try fusible batting for quilt sandwiches that stay in place while you quilt—great for beginners!

Because batting can be bought on large rolls, they are a bit tricky to store. There are some great suggestions out there to help you out.

Don’t forget to check out brands like Quilter’s Dream and Warm Company—they both offer excellent batting choices in different sizes and lofts.

Whether you’re hand quilting, using a longarm, or tackling it on your sewing machine, finding the best batting for your style is an important consideration—and totally worth the time.

The type of batting you choose really comes down to your personal preference and the purpose of your quilt. Want something breathable and soft for summer quilts or baby quilts?

Natural cotton or bamboo batting is a good option. Looking for something with bounce that can handle a lot of use (like a children’s quilt or picnic quilt)?

Polyester fibers or a cotton-polyester blend is a great choice.

And if you’re going for something fancy and extra cuddly, wool batting or even silk batting might be your perfect batting.

No matter what you choose—white batting, black batting, low loft or high loft—the right batting will help your quilt sandwich hold up beautifully and feel as good as it looks.

So take a little time in the batting aisle, pet a few samples, and trust that the best batting for your next quilt is the one that fits your style, your project, and your vibe.

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