Batting fabric is a crucial component in the world of quilting and sewing. It is the layer of material that is sandwiched between the top and bottom layers of a quilt or other sewing project. Batting fabric provides insulation, warmth, and structure to the finished product. With so many options available on the market, it can be challenging to determine which batting fabric is best for your project.
When selecting batting fabric, the most critical factor to consider is the type of fiber used. The most common fibers used in batting fabric are cotton, polyester, wool, and bamboo. Each fiber has its unique properties that affect the finished product’s look and feel. Cotton batting is soft and breathable, making it an excellent choice for lightweight quilts. Polyester batting is more durable and holds its shape better than cotton batting, making it ideal for heavier quilts and projects. Wool batting is warm, lightweight, and has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it perfect for use in blankets. Finally, bamboo batting is eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and has excellent moisture-wicking properties, making it ideal for baby quilts and other projects.
When selecting batting fabric, it is also essential to consider the loft or thickness of the batting. The loft refers to the thickness of the batting and affects the finished product’s overall look and feel. Low-loft batting is thinner and ideal for lightweight quilts, while high-loft batting is thicker and provides a more plush, cozy feel.
In conclusion, selecting the right batting fabric is crucial to the success of your sewing or quilting project. Consider the fiber type and loft when making your selection to ensure that your finished product meets your expectations. With so many options available on the market, there is sure to be a batting fabric that is perfect for your project.
Best Batting Fabrics
We have researched and tested several batting fabrics and have compiled a list of the best options available on Amazon. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced quilter, we have included batting fabrics that will suit your needs. Our selection includes options that are organic, hypoallergenic, and easy to work with. Check out our top picks below.
Fairfield Poly-Fil Extra-Loft Batting Crib 45″ X 60″ 45 x 60-Inch
If you’re in need of a batting fabric that’s perfect for bed or baby quilts, the Fairfield Poly-Fil Extra-Loft Batting Crib 45″ X 60″ 45 x 60-Inch might be the right choice for you.
Pros
- Made in the USA with 100% polyester
- Breathable and perfect for bed & baby quilts
- Easy to use for hand or machine quilting
Cons
- May not provide enough loft for some projects
- May require double layering for desired thickness
- May not be suitable for advanced quilters
This batting fabric is light and airy, making it perfect for year-round warmth and comfort. It’s also easy to needle, whether you’re using a machine or doing it by hand. Additionally, it’s breathable, which makes it ideal for use in bed and baby quilts.
One of the downsides of this batting fabric is that it may not provide enough loft for some projects. If you’re looking for a batting fabric that’s extra fluffy, you may need to double layer this one. Additionally, while it’s suitable for beginners, advanced quilters may find it too basic for their needs.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a batting fabric that’s easy to use, breathable, and perfect for bed and baby quilts, the Fairfield Poly-Fil Extra-Loft Batting Crib 45″ X 60″ 45 x 60-Inch might be the right choice for you.
IZO All Supply Upholstery Dacron Batting
If you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable batting fabric for your DIY cushioning or craft projects, IZO All Supply Upholstery Dacron Batting is an excellent choice.
Pros
- Easy to cut and wrap around foam cushions for a soft and new look
- Multipurpose fiber with many uses including upholstery, padding, and more
- Sold in multiple yards in one continuous piece
Cons
- Some customers received the product with folds that are hard to remove
- May be a little thin for some applications
- Not suitable for heavy-duty cushioning or padding
This batting fabric is made of 100% polyester and is 36 inches wide with a thickness of 1/2 inch. It features the perfect amount of cushioning and stiffness, making it ideal for a wide variety of applications. You can use it to wrap foam cushions, padding cornices, quilts, duvets, and other upholstery applications. It’s also great for fish tank filters, snow displays, and other craft projects.
One of the best things about this batting fabric is that it’s easy to cut and wrap around your foam cushions. This will protect your covers and initially soften your foam, giving your sofa or other furniture a new and soft look. It’s also a multipurpose fiber that has many uses, making it a versatile and cost-effective choice for your DIY projects.
However, some customers have reported receiving the product with folds that are hard to remove, which can be frustrating. Additionally, the product may be a little thin for some applications, so it may not be suitable for heavy-duty cushioning or padding. Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and high-quality batting fabric, IZO All Supply Upholstery Dacron Batting is definitely worth considering.
Bonded Dacron Upholstery Grade Polyester Batting
If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile batting fabric, the Bonded Dacron Upholstery Grade Polyester Batting by IZO All Supply might be a good option for you.
Pros
- Easy to cut and shape for tailoring needs
- Holds its shape well and keeps heat in
- Works great for reupholstering furniture and boat cushions
Cons
- Thin, may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects
- Comes folded and may have creases that need to be ironed out
- Price may fluctuate, so it’s best to keep an eye on it before reordering
This batting fabric is made of polyester and comes in a 48-inch width, which is perfect for most upholstery projects. It is lightweight, easy to cut, and holds its shape well, making it ideal for tailoring needs. Additionally, it keeps heat in, which can be a great advantage if you’re working on a project that requires insulation.
However, it’s important to note that this batting fabric is relatively thin, so it may not be suitable for heavy-duty projects. Also, it comes folded, which may result in creases that need to be ironed out before use. Finally, the price of the product may fluctuate, so it’s best to keep an eye on it before reordering.
Overall, we think that the Bonded Dacron Upholstery Grade Polyester Batting by IZO All Supply is a good choice for those who are looking for an affordable and versatile batting fabric that can be used for a variety of upholstery projects.
King Quilt Batting for Quilting, 96″X108″ Natural Cotton Quilting Batting Fabric for Sewing
If you’re looking for a high-quality cotton batting for your quilting projects, this King Quilt Batting from newamishquilt is a great option.
Pros
- The batting is made of natural cotton fiber, making it a great choice for those who prefer to use natural materials.
- The addition of a layer of scrim gives the batting a tensile force, making it easier to work with.
- The thinness of the batting makes it great for projects that require a less bulky look.
Cons
- The batting may have a slight smell of cotton, which may bother some users.
- The presence of scraps of cotton leaves may be a downside for those who prefer a cleaner look.
- The thinness of the batting may not be suitable for projects that require a thicker batting.
This King Quilt Batting is a great option for those who prefer to use natural materials in their quilting projects. The addition of a layer of scrim makes it easier to work with, and its thinness makes it great for projects that require a less bulky look. However, the presence of scraps of cotton leaves and the slight smell of cotton may be a downside for some users. Overall, we recommend this product for those looking for a high-quality cotton batting.
Mybecca 36 Inch Wide (5 Yards) Quilt Batting Multipurpose Dacron Fiber Polyester Wadding Fabric Loft Upholstery Grade Padding (36×15′) (36 x 180) (2′ x 15′) 36″- 5 yards
If you’re looking for a versatile batting fabric, the Mybecca 36 Inch Wide (5 Yards) Quilt Batting Multipurpose Dacron Fiber Polyester Wadding Fabric Loft Upholstery Grade Padding (36×15′) (36 x 180) (2′ x 15′) 36″- 5 yards is a great option.
Pros
- The batting is made of 100% polyester Dacron, making it durable and easy to cut.
- The packaging is vacuumed and pushed down to a smaller size, making it easy to store.
- It’s perfect for a wide variety of applications, including decorative pillows, bedspreads, and upholstery projects.
Cons
- The polyester batting may get wrinkled in the packaging, but this can easily be fixed by laying it out to breathe or putting it in the dryer on low with a damp cloth for a few minutes.
- Some users have reported that the quality is unevenly made, which may not be suitable for quilts.
- The material is pretty thin, so you may need to stack it to match other cushions.
This batting fabric is ideal for enhancing your home decor and lending a better finish to your accents. The bonded cushion wrap ensures a comfortable fit with a rounded, smooth finish, making it perfect for use under fabric for headboards or cornices.
The Mybecca 36 Inch Wide (5 Yards) Quilt Batting Multipurpose Dacron Fiber Polyester Wadding Fabric Loft Upholstery Grade Padding (36×15′) (36 x 180) (2′ x 15′) 36″- 5 yards is easy to cut and ideal for a wide variety of applications. It’s perfect for those who want to create their own decorative accents or reupholster furniture.
Overall, if you’re in the market for a versatile batting fabric, the Mybecca 36 Inch Wide (5 Yards) Quilt Batting Multipurpose Dacron Fiber Polyester Wadding Fabric Loft Upholstery Grade Padding (36×15′) (36 x 180) (2′ x 15′) 36″- 5 yards is a great option.
Buying Guide
When it comes to buying batting fabric, there are a few key factors to consider in order to choose the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Material
The first thing to consider is the material of the batting. There are a variety of options available, including cotton, wool, polyester, and blends. Each material has its own unique properties, so it’s important to choose one that will work well for your project. For example, cotton batting is lightweight and breathable, while wool batting is warm and has good loft. Polyester batting is durable and easy to care for, but may not be as breathable as natural fibers.
Loft
Loft refers to the thickness or height of the batting. This can vary depending on the type of batting and the manufacturer. A high loft batting will provide more warmth and dimension to your project, while a low loft batting will be flatter and more subtle. Consider the desired look and feel of your finished project when choosing a batting with the appropriate loft.
Size
Batting comes in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to choose one that will fit your project. You can purchase pre-cut batting in standard sizes, or buy it by the yard and cut it to size yourself. Make sure to measure your project carefully and choose a batting that is slightly larger than your finished size to allow for any shifting or movement during quilting.
Quality
Finally, it’s important to choose a high-quality batting that will stand up to use and washing. Look for batting that is made from high-quality materials and has a consistent thickness and loft. Check for any defects or irregularities in the batting before purchasing, and be wary of any products that seem too good to be true at a very low price.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a batting fabric that will provide the right level of warmth, loft, and durability for your project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary uses of batting fabric in crafting and upholstery?
Batting fabric is a versatile material that is commonly used in crafting and upholstery. It is used to add volume and thickness to projects, as well as to provide insulation and cushioning. Batting fabric is commonly used in quilting, but it can also be used in other crafting projects such as stuffed animals, wall hangings, and pot holders. In upholstery, batting fabric is often used to add padding to furniture pieces such as chairs and sofas.
How does cotton batting compare to polyester batting in terms of quality and usage?
Cotton batting and polyester batting are two of the most common types of batting fabric. Cotton batting is known for its natural feel and breathability, while polyester batting is known for its durability and ease of care. Cotton batting is often preferred for quilts and other projects that require a soft, natural feel. Polyester batting is often used in projects that require a more durable and long-lasting material. Ultimately, the choice between cotton and polyester batting will depend on the specific needs of the project.
What alternatives exist for traditional batting fabric in quilting?
While batting fabric is the most common material used in quilting, there are other alternatives available. Some quilters use wool batting, which is known for its warmth and loftiness. Other quilters use silk batting, which is known for its lightness and drape. Bamboo batting is another alternative that is known for its softness and durability.
Where is the best place to purchase batting fabric by the yard?
Batting fabric can be purchased at most fabric stores, as well as online. Some popular retailers for batting fabric include Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Hancock Fabrics, and Amazon. It is important to choose a reputable retailer that offers high-quality batting fabric.
What should be considered when choosing batting fabric for quilting projects?
When choosing batting fabric for quilting projects, it is important to consider the desired loft, warmth, and drape of the finished quilt. The type of quilting stitch being used should also be taken into consideration, as some types of batting fabric may be more suitable for certain types of stitching. The size of the finished quilt should also be considered, as larger quilts may require thicker batting fabric.
How do wadding and batting differ in terms of material composition and application?
Wadding and batting are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they actually refer to two different materials. Wadding is a thicker material that is used primarily for insulation, while batting is a thinner material that is used primarily for quilting and crafting. Wadding is often made from natural materials such as wool or cotton, while batting is often made from synthetic materials such as polyester.
