Top 14 Best Quilt Batting Reviews

Also known as wadding, quilt batting represents the insulation layer people use between fabrics in quilt making. It is often used in quilting and sewing projects.

Your completed quilts’ appearance, warmth, softness, drape, and comfort depend on the batting situated in the middle. In the past, people used natural fibers as batting.

They mainly focused on warmth. However, nowadays, you can also choose from synthetic materials and use them for wall hangings, blankets, and t-shirts, depending on the thickness and material.

Let’s review some of the most common materials and find the best quilt batting for your next project.

What is the Best Quilt Batting to Use?

Check out this list of first-grade quilt battings available in 2021 and compare their highlighted features. Each product suits different needs and projects.

• Best Overall: Warm Company 2341 Cotton Quilt Batting
  “Popular brand, American grown cotton, machine washable, quilting needles glide easily through it.”
• Best Budget: IZO Home Goods Quilt Batting Multipurpose
  “Multipurpose quilt batting, top-quality, affordable, the right amount of stiffness, easy to cut, versatile.”
• Best Polyester: Mountain Mist Polyester Quilt Batting
  “Very soft and uniform batting, easy to handle, medium loft batting, 100% polyester quilt batting.”
• Best Lightweight: Quilter's Dream Natural Cotton Quilt Batting
  “Very low loft, durable, finest American cotton, environmentally friendly, a super high-thermal value.”
• Best for Hand Quilting: Pellon B-96 Bamboo Blend Quilt Batting
  “Needle-punched makes hand quilting easy, it will not stretch, biodegradable, softer than 100% cotton.”
• Best for Machine Quilting: Hobbs Batting Heirloom Quilt Batting
  “Made with Harrier Hargrave, polyester and cotton batting, long-wearing, needle punched, durable.”
• Best for Wall Hangings: Winline Textiles Bamboo Quilt Batting
  “Highest quality batting, eco-friendly, made of durable, antibacterial, and breathable thin scrim.”
• Best for Couch Cushions: Mybecca Quilt Batting Multipurpose
  “Multipurpose batting, 100% polyester dacron batting, suitable for home décor, easy to cut, versatile.”
• Best for Tied Quilts: Pellon CP6020R Cotton/Polyester Quilt Batting
  “Enhances stitch details, it arrives with a stabilizing scrim, substantial, strong, ideal loft, natural blend.”
• Best for T-Shirt Quilt: Angel Crafts and Sewing Cotton Batting for Quilts
  “100% premium natural cotton, suitable for home décor, quilting, and t-shirts, perfectly weighted, soft.”
• Best Cotton: Warm Company 2131 Cotton Quilt Batting
  “100% natural USA grown cotton, needle punched, suitable for both outside and inside use, super soft.”
• Best for Baby Quilt: Warm Company 2391 Cotton Quilt Batting
  “Versatile, the finest twin size needle-punched 100% USA grown cotton batting, no harsh chemicals.”

Best Quilt Batting Brand 2021

Experienced quilters have a few brands they can trust.

However, if you’re a newbie, you can experiment and determine which products suit your needs best. Until then, let’s check some of the most popular brands you need to consider.

• Winline
• Hobbs
• Quilter’s Dream
• Mountain Mist
• Mybecca
• Angel Crafts
• The Warm Company
• Pellon

14 Best Quilt Batting Comparison Chart 2021

The immense number of batting on the market makes it hard to choose the right batting.

Also, when buying quilt batting, you should pay attention to certain features including thickness, brand, size, material, and so on. They vary from product to product.

I took the liberty to gather 14 best-selling quilt battings and compare their features in order to help you select the right quilt batting for your future quilting ventures.

Without any further ado, let’s check some of the warmest quilt battings you can buy in 2021.

Best Quilt Batting Reviews 2021

A quick glance over the products in my chart is not enough to help you decide which quilt batting is right for you. Let’s review the products in detail and make a smart decision.

Below, I have listed the main pros and cons of each quilt batting. Make sure to review the disadvantages before you buy a certain product, so you don’t regret your purchase later.

Warm 2341 Company Cotton Quilt Batting

(Best Quality Quilt Batting)

The Warm Company is one of the most popular brands on the market.

They make high-quality products and this one is one of them. If you’re looking for a cotton batting, look no further than this one. It’s 100% USA grown cotton that will not bread, bunch or separate.

It is punched with hundreds of needles through a thin base material to avoid creeping, migrating, tearing or shifting via the cover fabric. Meaning, it’s 12.5% polymer fibers and 87.5% cotton.

The fibers are kept together without glue so quilting needles glide easily through it. Also, you don’t need to pre-wash it. It is machine washable after quilting and easily dyes.

Your fabric will hold on to the batting while quilting.

Angel Crafts and Sewing Cotton Batting for Quilts

(Best Batting for T-Shirt Quilt)

Angel Crafts is another popular brand you can trust.

Their cotton batting for quilts is 100% premium natural cotton for quilting, pillows, upholstery and so on. It is perfect for both machine and hand quilting.

The low loft makes your project look antique. You can also use it for t-shirt quilts. It is machine washable and pre-shrunk.

It is perfectly weighted for wall hanging or sleeping comfort.

If you want a gentle and soft quilt material that will make your projects warmer, this product is perfect for you. Your completed quilt is something you will appreciate for years to come.

Mountain Mist Polyester Quilt Batting

(Best Polyester Quilt Batting)

If you’re looking for a polyester quilt batting, look no further than this one by Mountain Mist.

It is very soft and uniform batting with Glazene finish which inhibits fiber migration. Easy to handle, this medium loft batting that can be quilted or bind to 5 inches apart.

If you want a 36-inch x 45-inch medium loft 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch thick, this 100% polyester quilt batting is for you. However, make sure to check the pros and cons before you buy it.

Fusible Fleece by Pellon Quilt Batting

The Fusible Fleece by Pellon is perfect for different crafts and home décor. It is a fusible polyester that will add softness to your crafts, apparel sewing projects, and home decorating.

If you need a 45-inch x 60 inch Pellon fleece fusible polyester, buy it today. It is versatile and super soft. Made in the United States, this product by Pellon is one of the best-selling on the market.

Hobbs Batting Heirloom Quilt Batting

(Best Quilt Batting for Machine Quilting)

Hobbs Batting Heirloom quilt batting is made with Harriet Hargrave. He is the known author and quilter of Heirloom Machine Quilting.

If you’re looking for a mix of polyester (20%) and cotton (80%) batting, look no further than this one. It is a combination of polyester and long-staple cotton fibers.

This long-wearing, strong batting is needle-punched and spray bonded to deliver durability and strength.

No matter if you hand or machine quilt, it keeps its needles and loft wonderfully. If you use it right from the package, it will decrease up to 5% providing you the appearance of antique puckering.

If you pre-wash it, it will provide your quilt a modern look.

Pellon CP6020R Cotton/Polyester Quilt Batting

(Best Quilt Batting for Tied Quilts)

If you’re a passionate quilter, you will adore the Pellon Nature’s Touch batting for its softness and how it boosts stitch details.

Made of 40% polyester and 60% cotton, this natural combo batting has that ideal loft that every quilter wants. It arrives with a stabilizing scrim that delivers extra strength and drape to your projects.

Tie up or quilt up to 4 inches apart. If you want a batting that is 90 inches wide and 20 yds long, this is the product for you. It is substantial and durable with shrinkage of 2 to 3%.

Warm Company 3291 Cotton Quilt Batting

(Best Batting for Baby Quilt)

Looking for a twin size cotton batting? If yes, Warm Company has made this product just for you.

The best part? It is a 100% USA grown cotton that is punched with hundreds of needles via thin base materials to avoid creeping, migrating, shifting and tearing through the cover fabric.

This makes it 87-1/2% cotton and 12-1/2% polymer fibers. Needled cotton’s adjustability makes it great for both outside and inside use.

Fibers are kept together without glue. Meaning, your quilting needle will move through the batting with ease. You don’t need to pre-wash it. However, you can wash it in the machine after quilting.

It dyes fast and the fabric will catch on the batting while quilting. If you’re looking for the finest needle-punched cotton batting, look no further than this product by Warm Company.

This batting has never been bleached or washed with rough chemicals. If you want to get that antique puckered appearance, use lukewarm water for 5% shrinkage.

It is suitable for baby garments and other projects.

Mybecca Quilt Batting Multipurpose

(Best Quilt Batting for Couch Cushions)

Searching for a multipurpose batting? If yes, Mybecca has the right product for you.

It is a 48 inches wide and 3/8 inches thick 100% polyester dacron batting that will improve your home décor and provide a flawless finish to your accents.

This package has one 5 yards roll of 48 inches wide batting. You can use it to cover your urethane foam cushions. It gives a smooth rounded finish. Flaunt a smooth looking headboard using this bonded batting under your fabric.

It is super easy to cut and makes the ideal choice for different applications. You can use it for upholstery projects, bedspreads, decorative pillows, and other creative purposes.

IZO Home Goods Quilt Batting Multipurpose

(Best Budget)

Another multipurpose quilt batting that you will love is this one by IZO Home Goods.

If you’re searching for a high-quality and affordable quilt batting for craft or cushioning projects, look no further than this one. It is super easy to cut which makes it even more versatile.

You can utilize it for different uses including home décor, seating, school projects, upholstery, and so on. Wrap it around your foam cushions on your sofa to give it a modern and softer appearance.

This batting helps smooth out the bumps. You can use it for dog beds because it has the right amount of stiffness and cushioning. It is 100% polyester with 1/2 inches of thickness.

If you order this product, you will get a couple of yards in a single continuous piece.

Pellon, Natural Wrap-N-Zap Cotton Quilt Batting

Looking for the perfect quilt batting for microwavable projects? If yes, look no further than this natural wrap-n-zap cotton quilt batting by Pellon.

You can use it for insulated potato bags, casserole warmers and so on. It keeps moisture foe vegetables and steamy potatoes.

If you order you will get a package of 1 yard of wrap-n-zap 45 inches wide 100% natural cotton batting. However, it is not flame retardant and fire-proof.

Warm Company 2131 Cotton Quilt Batting

(Best Cotton Quilt Batting)

If you want a full size 90 inches wide and 40 yds long batting, this product by Warm Company is for you.

It is a 100% natural USA grown cotton that is punched with hundreds of needles via a thin base material to avoid creeping, migrating, shifting or tearing via the cover fabric.

This makes it 12.5% polymer fibers and 87.5% cotton. The needled cotton’s adjustability makes it great for both outside and inside use. The fibers are kept together without glue.

Meaning, your quilting needle glides through the batting smoothly.

You don’t need to pre-wash it. However, you can wash it in the machine after quilting. You can also use it as an exterior fabric quilt. It dyes fast and the fabric will catch on the batting while working.

Winline Textiles Bamboo Quilt Batting

(Best Quilt Batting for Wall Hangings)

I personally recommend this cotton batting because it is the highest quality batting on the market.

The best part? You can pick your size and they will cut it to your wish. It is a 100% natural Bamboo made of antibacterial, durable, breathable and thin scrim to avoid bunching and stretching.

It is perfect for those who prefer eco-friendly products. You don’t need to pre-wash it. It is ideal for both hand or machine quilt around 8 inches apart.

If you want your projects to last forever, use this bamboo batting.

Pellon B-96 Nature’s Touch Bamboo Blend Quilt Batting

(Best Batting for Hand Quilting)

Another Bamboo batting that will blow you away is the Pellow B-96 Nature’s Touch.

It is softer than 100% cotton batting and biodegradable. This product is known for its ability to breathe and its coolness. It is also known for its great moisture absorption and ventilation.

This will keep your garments cool. When mixed with natural cotton, bamboo softens the batting.

You will be able to handle it with great ease while sewing and make a soft garment or quilt. It is needle-punched onto a super lightweight sheet of polypropylene.

But here is the kicker. The scrim is lighter in comparison to most on the market today which makes your hand quilting very easy.

However, strength has not been affected in any way by utilizing this super-light scrim. This item will not stretch and can be stitched up to 8 to 10 inches apart.

Quilter's Dream Natural Cotton Quilt Batting

(Best Lightweight Quilt Batting)

Last but not least, Quilter’s Dream Natural cotton batting is the finest American cotton.

It is specially needle-punched, cross lapped, and carded. If you’re looking for a 100% natural cotton that is environmentally friendly, look no further than this one.

It features a super high thermal value. It is warm but lightweight at the same time.

Stitching up to 8 inches apart provides crafters the freedom of design. Both machine or hand needles go through the consistent, fine, even webbing.

The completed quilt can be machine washed and dried. The shrinkage is slight. It drapes nicely providing your project a traditional feel and look.

It is beautiful, durable cotton batting with a very low loft.

Type of Quilt Batting

There are multiple types of batting that are picked according to the fiber that is utilized to make them. Let’s check them out.

Cotton Batting

Made of 100% natural fibers, this batting is a popular choice because it is comfortable and super-soft. It is also highly breathable which makes it easier to use.

Polyester Batting

Polyester batting is kinda stiff and keeps its thickness and shape for a longer period in comparison with other fibers. This is why it is preferred for creating cribs and beddings.

Cotton/Polyester Combinations

These blends combine the advantages of using polyester and cotton batting. Most of them are made of 20% polyester and 80% cotton.

Wool Batting

This type of batting is not very common because it costs a lot. This batting is ideal for resisting creases and providing warmth. It has a super spongy feel that bounces back easily.

Bonded Batting

Bonded batting has light adhesive on both sides in order to keep the fibers together and avoid shifting and bearding when strands push through the external cover.

Needle Punch Batting

This type of batting is often felt together in a mechanical way. And by that, I mean utilizing hundreds of needle punches to connect the two types of fabric.

The outcome is a very durable quilt that doesn’t beard or shift because the batting is denser and firmer. This makes it suitable for apparel and blankets.

What Kind of Quilt Batting Should I Use?

It depends on your project, preferences, and budget. If you want a super soft and comfortable batting, choose cotton.

However, if you want something thick and light at the same time, opt for polyester. It is affordable and suitable for bedding and cribs. It is also non-breathable but resists mildew and mold.

Wool batting is expensive and lightweight. It is often used for warmth. It is also resistant to creases and thick. This batting makes a great choice for both hand and machine quilting.

Cotton/Polyester combinations make a great choice for those who want to use the benefits of polyester and cotton bedding. They’re usually 20% polyester and 80% cotton.

If you’re looking for something environmentally-friendly, choose Bamboo batting. It is created from 50% organic cotton blend batting and 50% bamboo.

Bamboo batting is perfect for machine quilting. Also, it is very breathable.

Bonded batting, on the other hand, contains a light adhesive on the sides to keep fibers together which means that your batting will not beard or shift.

Needle punch batting is suitable for apparel, blankets and quilt backing.

Can You Quilt Without Batting?

Yes, you can make a summer quilt without batting. Keep in mind that even a super-thin low-loft batting inside your project can make it warm.

How Much Quilt Batting Do I Need?

It entirely depends on your project. However, let’s say that you just finished a lap quilt that measures 57-inch x 70 inches.

You will need a min of 2 inches more on all four sides so your backing and batting should measure at least 61 inches x 74 inches.

If you’re buying a packed batting, a twin size would do. However, if you’re buying batting by the yard, 2 yards of 90-inch wide batting should be enough.

How is Quilt Batting Made?

A quilt batting can be joined to hold the fibers together. This can be resin or heat and each has its cons.

It can also be done by punching it with hundreds of needles that felt the fibers together. The third way is the scrim. This is a thin layer needled punched into the batting.

How to Choose Quilt Batting?

Let’s check some of the features you need to consider when buying a quilt batting.

Loft

The thickness and weight of battings are measured by their loft.

For example, the low loft represents thin batting while the high loft stands for thick batting. If you want your project to have a flat look, opt for low loft quilt batting.

However, if you want a fluffier look and feel, choose a high-loft batting. Wool batting is the thickest of them all. If you want something lightweight, pick bamboo batting.

Usually, they all come in white colors. Bamboo and polyester drape better than wool and cotton batting.

Price

If you’re on a budget, choose a polyester batting. However, if you’re interested in buying something soft and expensive, wool and cotton make a great choice.

Warmth

Wool batting is the warmest of them all, then polyester, then cotton. However, wool and cotton breathe better than polyester.

Size

This depends on your project and needs. If you need more material for your quilting project, by a larger batting size.

However, don’t buy the biggest batting you can find. Large sizes come at a higher price. Know how much you need before you actually buy a certain amount.

Thickness

Thin batting is easy to cut and easy to needle through. However, it is not that warm.

Thick batting, on the other hand, is perfect for making warm quilts but it is more difficult to cut or stitch through. It depends on your needs and preferences which batting you will choose.

Can Quilt Batting Be Pieced Together?

Quilt batting can be pieced together. You can either use a fusible item to keep them together or you can sew them together by hand or machine.

Can Polyester Batting Be Microwaved?

Absolutely, NOT. Polyester, cotton and blended battings are not suitable for microwave use. Search for a product that is intended for microwave use.

Can Cotton Batting Be Washed?

Washing your cotton batting before your quilt is completed is not recommended or needed.

However, washing your batting can reduce the shrinkage that can happen. Some quilters tend to leave it laid out to lessen wrinkles while others fluff in shortly in the dryer.

Does Quilt Batting Need To Be Prewashed?

The thing is, you can pre-wash almost every type of batting.

However, it doesn’t need to be prewashed. Today’s quilt batting is made to resist shrinking. This makes a homey look many people enjoy.

Does Quilt Batting Have a Grain?

Yes, quilt batting has a grainline. The lengthwise grain is secure and doesn’t have much give. However, the crosswise grain will be elastic.

Can You Piece Quilt Batting?

Yes, you can piece quilt batting by using the following technique:

Zig zag patch the pieces together

This technique requires a thread only. Adjust your sewing unit to medium stitch length and the biggest zig-zag stitch available.

Join the straight edges up with each other and patch, zig-zagging down and grabbing both pieces. Make sure the pieces don’t overlap. If they do a little bit, don’t worry about it.

Backstitch at the beginning and end in order to hold the batting together long enough to get your quilt quilted and basted.

Can You Iron Quilt Batting?

It is not recommended to iron your quilt batting especially if it contains polyester and natural fibers such as cotton and others. If you iron your quilt batting, it might melt in the process.

Can You Use Quilt Batting for Upholstery?

You can use quilt batting for upholstery. However, keep in mind that it is not as durable and the thicker batting utilized in upholstery.

Quilt Batting With or Without Scrim?

Batting with a scream is more stable and stronger. It allows you to put your quilt stitches further apart as much as 8 to 12 inches apart unlike a batting without a scream that allows a max of only 3 to 4 inches apart.

Quilt Batting Cotton vs Wool

Cotton is a traditional natural fiber batting. It has been used as batting for many years which means it is good and proven by users around the world.

The benefits of cotton batting include softness, comfort, moisture absorption, sustainability, and natural fibers. It also retains both warm and cool temperatures.

The downfalls of cotton batting include shrinking and cost. It is important to wash your batting to avoid shrinkage.

Wool batting, on the other hand, is the warmest of all battings. However, it is another traditional batting that has existed for many years. The most common form of wool is sheep wool.

The benefits of wool batting include warmth and thickness. Also, it is simple to quilt by machine or hand. You can choose between high or low loft.

The cons of wool batting include shrinkage if washed and high price. Some wool is not washable. This is considered a big disadvantage. Also, many individuals are allergic to wool.

Quilt Batting Cotton vs. Polyester

Cotton is a traditional natural fiber batting. It has been used as batting for many years which means it is good and proven by users around the world.

The benefits of cotton batting include softness, comfort, moisture absorption, sustainability, and natural fibers. It also retains both warm and cool temperatures.

The downfalls of cotton batting include shrinking and cost. It is important to wash your batting to avoid shrinkage.

Polyester represents a synthetic fiber batting. It comes in both large and small sizes. It is soft, affordable, and stretchy when combined with a natural fiber like cotton.

The benefits of polyester batting include affordability, easy making and unnatural fibers for quilters who prefer this type of product. Also, it doesn’t shrink if washed.

Polyester cannot breathe like cotton and other natural fibers. Also, it is not heat-resistant unless labeled otherwise.

Rag Quilt Batting or Flannel

Batting would be warmer and more quilt-like as opposed to a massive blanket.

It would take longer to cut everything because the batting would be a different size, and sewing would take longer. You have to patch the fabric/batting/fabric sandwiches together and then sew the squares to each other.

Flannel, on the other hand, would not be as warm, more like a big blanket, but I have a down comforter that would be underneath it so that may not be an issue really.

It would lack that quilt bulk though. Cutting and sewing would be easier, and it would fray more on the edges, but I would be concerned about the flannel coordinating well with all the squares.

I would be able to pre-wash all fabrics before constructing them.

Cotton Batting or Filling

Batting is basically fibers wadded into layers and represents one of the main parts of a quilt.

Filling, on the other hand, is produced fiber used in coats, skiwear, and other household items. However, before the produced filling was available, people created their filling at home.

Small amounts of wool or cotton were placed side by side between the two external layers of fabric and closely patched together to make a quilted design.

Most antique quilts were created from wool, linen and silk fabrics. However, nowadays, you have other options to choose from. It all depends on your project and preferences.

Bamboo Batting Pros and Cons

Bamboo is not as popular as other types but it is becoming more and more used with every day. You can easily find 100% bamboo batting.

However, you can also find blends of bamboo and other fibers such as bamboo and rayon, bamboo and silk, bamboo and cotton, and so on.

The benefits of bamboo batting include renewable fiber, breathability, lightness, softness, and coolness. Also, bamboo is anti-bacterial and comes in different lofts.

You can use bamboo batting for various quilts. It is suitable for both machine and hand quilting. Choose bamboo over cotton batting if you’re looking for something stretchable.

The downfalls of bamboo batting include slight shrinkage if washed.

FAQ

Conclusion

Selecting the right quilt batting can be a challenge if you don’t know what you need to consider.

This is because most battings look the same. However, they’re not the same and you can easily choose the wrong batting for your next project.

However, after reviewing the content above, you will know how to distinguish the many types of batting so that you can choose the best quilt batting for your next project.

My personal favorite is Warm Company 2341 Cotton Quilt Batting. However, if you want something cheaper, opt for IZO Home Goods Quilt Batting Multipurpose.