Polyester Batting is the perfect choice for quilters who love a lofty, puffy quilt. But there's more to it than just Fluff!
- What is Polyester Batting?
- How It’s Made:
- Polyester batting is made from synthetic polyester fibers that are bonded together through needle punching or thermal bonding. The fibers are processed to create a soft, lofty, and durable material.
- It’s available in various weights and thicknesses, often referred to as "loft." High-loft polyester batting has a puffier, more dimensional look, while low-loft is flatter and more subtle.
- Because polyester is synthetic, it resists mold, mildew, and shrinkage, making it ideal for projects that need to endure heavy washing or humidity.
- Why It’s Popular:
- Polyester batting is popular for its affordability, high loft, and durability. It’s commonly used in quilts where warmth and lightness are priorities, like comforters or baby quilts.
- It holds its shape well, even after multiple washes, and creates a puffy, dimensional look in quilts. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it a good choice for those with sensitivities to natural fibers.
- Benefits of Polyester Batting:
- High Loft and Puffiness:
- One of the key features of polyester batting is its high loft, which gives quilts a puffier, more dimensional appearance compared to cotton or bamboo batting. This is great for projects where you want a more dramatic, textured finish.
- It’s lightweight despite its bulk, so it adds warmth without making the quilt feel heavy.
- Durability and Easy Care:
- Polyester is extremely durable and resists wear and tear over time. It holds up well through repeated washing and drying, making it a good choice for quilts that will see frequent use or be gifted to children.
- Unlike cotton, polyester batting does not shrink or lose its shape, so your quilt will maintain the same dimensions and loft even after washing.
- Non-Allergenic:
- Since polyester is synthetic, it’s naturally hypoallergenic. This makes it a great option for people with allergies or sensitivities to natural fibers like wool or cotton.
- Mold and Mildew Resistance:
- Polyester batting is less prone to absorbing moisture, which means it’s resistant to mold, mildew, and bacteria. This is particularly useful for quilts that might be used in humid environments or outdoor settings.
- Tips for Quilting with Polyester:
- Machine Quilting:
- Polyester batting is easy to work with, especially when machine quilting. It has a smooth surface and doesn’t drag as much as cotton or wool batting might.
- It’s ideal for quilts that require a bit of stretch or give, as the synthetic fibers allow for more flexibility. Be sure to use a walking foot to help guide the fabric layers evenly.
- For higher lofts, you may need to adjust your tension settings and increase stitch length slightly to prevent puckering.
- Hand Quilting:
- Hand quilting with polyester batting can be a bit more challenging due to its thicker, puffier nature, especially with high-loft batting. You may need to use longer needles and take slightly bigger stitches.
- If you’re hand quilting with low-loft polyester, it’s much easier to needle through compared to the high-loft versions.
- Basting:
- Due to its slipperiness, polyester batting may require more thorough basting to prevent shifting. Using spray adhesive or basting pins will help keep everything in place as you quilt.
- Polyester vs. Other Batting:
- Feel:
- Polyester batting is soft but has a slightly slicker feel compared to natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. It’s lightweight and adds warmth without bulk, making it a favorite for baby quilts and comforters.
- Cotton feels heavier and more natural, while polyester tends to feel smoother and more synthetic, especially in high-loft varieties.
- Look:
- Quilts made with polyester batting tend to have a more dimensional, puffy appearance. This is great for quilters who want their stitching to stand out or who are looking for a quilt that’s visibly textured.
- Cotton, on the other hand, creates a flatter look, while bamboo has a soft drape and wool offers a more springy, medium-loft look.
- Longevity:
- Polyester batting holds up extremely well over time. It doesn’t lose its loft, become lumpy, or break down, even after years of use and washing. This makes it an excellent choice for long-lasting quilts that will be frequently washed.
- Cotton, while durable, will shrink slightly and develop a more aged look over time, and bamboo may lose some of its initial softness after many washes.
If you want to create a quilt that is light, durable, and has that extra puff, polyester batting could be your perfect match!
Although we do not carry 100% polyester batting, we do have an 80/20 blend which carries the best of cotton and polyester - there is a bit more loft than just cotton batting and has amazing strength.
