How to make a quilt soft and cuddly
#1
I just got a quilt back from the LAQ and it's beautiful...but not exactly soft and cuddly. (After I finish the hand work on the binding, I'll wash it.) In this case it's not important because it's a bed quilt, but I usually make lap quilts, which I want to feel really nice.
So what are the factors in assuring it will be soft and cuddly?
I typically use warm and natural batting...and try for good quality fabric. I suspect the density (?) of the quilting makes a difference...but would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks so much!
So what are the factors in assuring it will be soft and cuddly?
I typically use warm and natural batting...and try for good quality fabric. I suspect the density (?) of the quilting makes a difference...but would appreciate your thoughts on this.
Thanks so much!
#4
If you want it really soft and cuddly use the poly fiber batting instead of the warm and natural. I like the W&N for table toppers, wall hangings, and sometimes in a quilt but I really like the soft feel of the poly in a bed quilt. I know that others won't agree but this is my personal opinion. You can even try the different lofts but I've found that the high loft is hard to quilt--it's better for tied quilts. If I want a tied quilt to be even more fluffy (like a boughten comforter) I've been known to use two layers of high loft but it's hot to sleep under.
#5
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Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon 100% cotton batting gets softer with every washing, so this is the one I use exclusively.
I used to use Warm 'n' Natural, but that is a batting that is needlepunched through scrim. This makes the drape of it stiffer.
More quilting makes a quilt stiffer, but also the type of thread makes a difference. Finer thread will not stiffen the quilt as much as regular weight thread. So Fine is an example of a finer weight quilting thread.
I used to use Warm 'n' Natural, but that is a batting that is needlepunched through scrim. This makes the drape of it stiffer.
More quilting makes a quilt stiffer, but also the type of thread makes a difference. Finer thread will not stiffen the quilt as much as regular weight thread. So Fine is an example of a finer weight quilting thread.
#6
I like a good poly batting, Quilters Dream makes several. I also try to have a soft hand (feel) on the backing fabric, although it's not always possible to really know how soft a fabric is until the quilt is finished and washed. May in Jersey
#9
Power Poster
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: SW Iowa
Posts: 32,855
My quilts with poly batting are softer. I still love warm and natural but will use poly in some for a softer feel. Lots of quilting will make a quilt less flexible.....more stiff.....still it sure is pretty.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 547
As a LAQ, I've noticed the following:
The more stitching, the firmer the quilt.
W&N is great for wall hangings, table toppers, etc., but not for cuddly quilts.
Hobbs POlydown or Heirloom cotton makes a cuddly quilt, as does the Quilters Dream cotton.
A finer thread does help, but it's mostly the amount of thread that makes the difference.
Hope this helps :)
The more stitching, the firmer the quilt.
W&N is great for wall hangings, table toppers, etc., but not for cuddly quilts.
Hobbs POlydown or Heirloom cotton makes a cuddly quilt, as does the Quilters Dream cotton.
A finer thread does help, but it's mostly the amount of thread that makes the difference.
Hope this helps :)
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10-23-2012 05:50 PM