Modern times have provided us materials that spell comfort. With the intervention of technology, we can easily create a piece that benefits us. However, there are natural materials around us that can also give the comfort we deserve. Let us talk about the best lightweight quilt batting and discover the different varieties that can aid sewers to come up with quality material.
The most usual type of quilt batting is cotton or polyester. But the natural environment also has its way of providing material for this in the form of wool, silk, bamboo, and even poly-cotton blend. These mentioned natural materials are all recyclable and are not harmful ones.
There is nothing wrong with choosing polyester or other preference you wish to have. This article will present you with a list of varieties that will help you shape your best choice. To some extent, Cotton, wool, silk, and bamboo battings shrink, and you can observe it by merely looking into the packaging of the product.
Economically speaking, cotton has the least price and is known for its comfortable feature. Never underestimate this type for it might surprise with its heavyweight. On the other hand, if you want to have not-so-heavy weight wool, bamboo will provide you this piece. It has a breathable quality that spells comfort when in use.
What is quilt batting?
Quilt batting is a layer that is placed between the fabric and the quilt top. It’s important to choose a batting that is heavy enough to keep the quilt structure together, but light enough so it won’t add extra weight to your quilt project.
The batting is the middle of your quilt sandwich. It is what provides the warmth and insulation to your quilt. It is also responsible for giving the quilt its shape, drape, and loft. Quilt batting comes in different thicknesses, weights, sizes, and materials. The type of batting you choose will depend on the project you are working on.
What is the difference between quilt batting and fabric?
The main difference between quilt batting and fabric is that quilt batting is used to fill the quilt, while fabric is used to make the top and bottom layers of the quilt. Quilt batting is also known as wadding or insulation. It is a layer of material that is placed between the top and bottom layers of a quilt.
There are many types of batting available on the market, so be sure to find one that will work best for your project. Be prepared to spend time testing different batts before you make your final purchase – this step is essential in choosing the perfect batting material for your needs!
What are the Types of Lightweight Quilt Batting Materials?
Bamboo Batting
This is not the usual type of material for quilt batting, but with its quality, it has gained fame. Bamboo can be found anywhere, and it can be blended in materials such as cotton, silk, rayon, and others. This blending can range from 50/50 to 30/70 for both of the fiber being used. By adding cotton to bamboo batting makes it more affordable.
What makes bamboo quilt batting convenient is that the plant can be found anywhere, and it is renewable. Aside from that, bamboo is potentially antibacterial and can grow quickly. In comes in different lofts; thus it can be used in any type of quilt, which is either machine or quilted by hand. What makes it more economical than that of cotton is its cheaper price.
On the other hand, the disadvantage of bamboo batting is that it has the potential to shrink, but within 2-3% percent probability.
Silk Batting
This type of quilt batting is usually made from the silkworm cocoon. It is one of the newest materials for batting available on the market. Silk batting has a very light fluffy feature. However, what makes its distinct is its high price.
As a strong batting material, it is usually blended in polyester with a ratio of 90:10 (90 for silk and 10 for polyester). It is also known as a light batting material.
Before purchasing a silk wadding, be sure to look into how the fibers are assembled in manufacture. Because often, those punched by needles tend to have more problems, especially with bearding. This is the time when fibers are drifted through the fabric. Resin-bonding is another type of bonding that helps stop bearding. It is warm during winter and cools during the summer season.
Cotton Batting
You can also make a lightweight quilt with the 100% cotton batting material.
This adds warmth to the fabric and a little weight because of its impartial cut of quilting fabric with the additional 3 layers of cotton batting itself. Cotton flat bedsheet is one of the alternative options for you as well. Of course, you would not want to put materials that may ruin the quality of your output. It is recommended that you have to wash the bedsheet before its usage to avoid potential problems.
You can check the Quilters Dream Batting brand that is known for its thin and lightweight batting products.
Polyester Batting
This is the most common material used in quilt batting because of its low price and easy to find availability. The loft and shape of this type of batting are not stable, but it can be quilted easily by machine. However, hand-quilting might be challenging because of its slippery feature.
Polyester is both thicker and lighter than other fabrics, which helps to keep you warm without being burdened by extra weight. Additionally, it is non-breathable but resists mold and mildew.
Wool Batting
If you’re looking for wool resistant to rumples and is thick, you can opt for wool batting. It is expensive and lightweight and is often preferred by consumers because of its warmth. Although it is higher in price and can be a potential allergen to some, this material can be an ideal option for both machine and hand quilting.
Wool batting can provide one a warm and breathable type of batting, especially in the winter season. It is a perfect material that can quench our craving for warmth during the cold season.
Here is a fun fact about wool, a sheep was found in Australia and roamed around after being sheared. It was turned to be 89-pounds lighter. Take note that ONE pound of wool can yield 10 miles of yarn, which is equivalent to 890 miles of yarn. Since wools are lifted from sheep, it is renewable in form and cannot be harmful to nature.
Want to know how wool batting is made? Well, it is done through fusing the wool fibers through the help of heat, which secures the fibers are assembled strongly. Once the wool gets cool, you may now be handed in with fibers that will not shrink or shift. This is such an ideal material for quilting.
Organic Quilt Batting
When it comes to quilt batting, organic options are definitely the way to go. Not only do they require very little care, but they also offer good insulation and can be used for a variety of quilt projects. Plus, organic batting is made of 100% natural fibers- making it eco-friendly in addition!
How Is Batting Fabric or Quilt Stuffing Made?
Quilt batting is an essential ingredient for quilt-making. It’s typically made from a variety of materials, including cotton and polyester, and can be stretched over a frame to create the desired shape and then machine-sewn together.
When comparing quilt battings, different weights of batting can be used for different purposes – light weight battings can be used for summer quilts help to cool your body during summer weather, while heavy battings add warmth in colder months. Baffle quilts are often made with batting because it helps trap air and keep the structure of the quilt together.
Needle-Punched
Batting is a vital piece of sewing equipment and can be used for a variety of projects. When shopping for batting, be sure to read the description carefully as different types have different properties.
For example, some batts are moisture-resistant while others shed water droplets easily. This process creates a dense batting that is perfect for quilts and other textile projects – it’s lightweight yet provides great drape and coverage. So if you’re looking to add extra thickness or protection to your project, then batting is definitely the right choice!
Bonded
Bonding different types of fabrics together to form a batting is a process that produces an extremely durable and soft fabric. It is used widely in quilt-making as well as for stuffing animals, dolls, and other objects. There are many types of batting available on the market – some are softer than others.
Bonded batting is double-sided with a light adhesive to keep batting fibers in place and prevent bearding. Bearding occurs when batting fibers poke through the fabric.
It’s important to choose the right type of batting for your project so that it will provide the desired level of comfort and durability. Different materials have different properties that can be exploited depending on what you want your finished product to look like or do (natural drape versus stiffness). Experiment until you find the perfect batting!
High Loft vs Low Loft Quilt Batting
In addition to the type of batting material, you also need to be aware of batting loft for your quilting projects.
High-Loft Quilt Batting
High loft batting is thick, fluffy, and provides a great deal of warmth. It’s perfect for winter quilts or projects that need a lot of padding.
Low-Loft Quilt Batting
Low loft batting is thinner and less dense than high loft batting. It’s ideal for summer quilts or other projects where you don’t need as much padding.
Standard Quilt Batting Sizes
Quilt batting is a key component of any quilt, and it’s important to choose the right size. Batting is available in a variety of weights and sizes, so find what works best for your quilt project.
To determine how much batting you need, simply measure the length and width of your quilt top. Add two inches to each measurement to account for shrinkage, and then multiply those numbers together. This will give you the total number of square inches you need to purchase.
For example, if your quilt top is 60″x80″, you would need to purchase batting that is at least 62″x82″.
King-Size Quilt Batting
When choosing quilt batting, it is important to account for the size of your project and the amount of fabric you intend to use. This way, you can be sure that all the batting will be used and won’t end up in a tangled mess at the bottom of your sewing machine!
King-size quilt batting is available in a variety of materials, including cotton, polyester, and wool. It is important to choose the right type of batting for your project so that it will provide the desired level of comfort and durability. King size batting will measure approximately 108″x108″.
Different materials have different properties that can be exploited depending on what you want your finished product to look like or do (natural drape versus stiffness). Experiment until you find the perfect batting!
Queen-Size Quilt Batting
Quilt batting is a essential ingredient for quilting and can be used with any type of fabric. However, it is important to choose a cotton batting as it will be breathable and durable. Layers of lightweight batting are often used in quilt making to create a warmer and more comfortable sleep environment.
There are three standard quilt batting sizes – king, queen, and twin – each of which works best for different types of quilts. Queen-size batting is the most common size, measuring 80×90 inches.
Twin-Size Quilt Batting
When quilting a twin-size quilt, be sure to choose the right batting weight. There are options that range from lightweight to heavyweight, depending on your use case. A standard size for a twin-size quilt batting is 72×90 inches.
For a quilt that will be used primarily for decoration, a lightweight batting is a good choice. If the quilt will be used as an everyday bedspread, then a medium-weight or heavyweight batting would be better. Choosing the right weight will ensure that your quilt looks and feels great!
Keep in mind the finished size and shape of your quilt when choosing your batting size – it should fit snugly without adding too much extra bulk.
Crib-Size Quilt Batting
Adding quilt batting is an important step in making a quilt – it not only gives your project that finished look, but also helps to keep the quilt light and durable. There are a few different types of batting available, depending on the size of your crib.
For standard crib-size quilts, using lightweight batting will be ideal. On average, quilt batting for a crib should measure approximately 28″x52″.
If you are making a quilt for a specific purpose, such as making a baby blanket or a play quilt, there are other types of batting available that may be more suitable. For example, there is bamboo batting which is perfect for warmer weather projects or cotton batting that is more breathable.
Wrapping Up
As you can see, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best batting for your quilt project. Be sure to take into account the size of your quilt, the weight and type of fabric you’ll be using, and the finished product you’re hoping to achieve. With a little bit of planning, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect batting for your next quilt!