Cotton Batting has been a favorite of quilters for generations, and for good reason! In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know about cotton batting, from it's soft, natural feel to it's beautiful aging process.
- What is Cotton Batting?
- How It's Made:
- Cotton Batting is made from raw cotton fibers that are cleaned, Carded (combed to straighten and align the fibers), and then layered together in a sheet. These fibers are often needle-punched or thermally bonded to create the batting you know
- Why It's Popular:
- Cotton batting is a favorite among quilters for its natural feel and comfort. It's soft, lightweight, and breathable, making it ideal for quilt that will be used year round.
- Benefits of Cotton Batting:
- Breathability
- Cotton is a natural fiber that allows for airflow, making quilts with cotton batting comfortable in many climates. It's especially good for quilts that will be used in homes where temperatures fluctuate or people whose core temperatures seem to change.
- Durability
- Cotton batting is known for its durability. While it may start off with a bit more stiffness than polyester, it softens and becomes even more comfortable after each wash.
- Its strength also makes it a good choice for quilts that will see frequent use and washing, such as baby quilts, bed quilts or family heirlooms.
- Natural and Hypoallergenic
- Since cotton is a plant-based fiber, its hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for people with sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic materials.
- Shrinkage and Aging
- One charming quality of cotton batting is its slight shrinkage (around 3-5%) when washed. This shrinkage creates that sought-after puckered, vintage look, giving quilts an extra cozy appeal.
- Cotton also gets softer over time with use and washing, so quilts only get batter the more they're loved!
- Tips for Quilting with Cotton Batting:
- Pre-Washing
- Some quilter's choose to pre-wash cotton batting to prevent shrinkage after the quilt is finished. This can be done by soaking the batting in warm water, then laying it flat to dry. If you prefer the crinkly look, skipping pre-washing is totally fine!
- Layering and Basting
- Because Cotton Batting can sometimes shift or bunch, it's important to baste thoroughly before quilting. Use safety pins, spray adhesives, or thread basting to keep the layers from shifting during the quilting process.
- Hand Quilting
- Cotton Batting is relatively easy to quilt by hand because it is not too thick and allows the needle to pass through smoothly
- If you're hand quilting, choose a cotton batting that does not have a scrim, as this can make it easier to needle through.
- Machine Quilting
- For machine quilting, use a walking foot or free-motion foot for best results.
- If you're using cotton batting with a scrim, be aware that it can sometimes feel a little stiffer to quilt through. However, the scrim can also help stabilize the quilt, specially for larger projects.
- Cotton batting generally has a low loft, so it creates a flatter, more traditional look rather than the high, puffy loft of polyester.
- Cotton vs. Other Batting
- Feel
- Cotton batting has a natural, soft feel with a bit of weight, making it perfect for cozy, warm quilts. In comparison, polyester batting is much lighter and fluffier, while bamboo batting is softer and silkier to the touch.
- Look
- Cotton batting create a flat, low-loft look, which works well for traditional and modern quilts alike. It adds subtle texture, but if you're looking for a puffier quilt with more dimension, polyester or wool batting may be a better choice.
- Bamboo batting tends to be more supple and creates a silkier finish, which is great for drapey, luxurious quilts.
- Longevity
- Cotton batting holds up well over time, becoming softer and cozier with each wash. It's durable, making it a solid choice for quilts that will see heavy use.
- Polyester batting is known for its resilience and ability to hold its shape, making it ideal for quilts that will washed frequently a or need to retain their loft.
- Bamboo batting is breathable and naturally resistant to bacteria, but may not be as durable as cotton or polyester, especially if used in high-traffic quilts.
We carry American Fiber batting in 100% Cotton, 80/20 Cotton/Poly, 50/50 Cotton/Bamboo, and 100% Bamboo. Wool and Large Rolls can be special ordered.
Whether you're working on a traditional quilt or something modern, cotton batting is a reliable, cozy choice.
