I am involved in a quilt ministry at our church and the quilts we make are usually for someone seriously/terminally ill. I have used the lightest weight batting I can find from the quilt store, but even then, the quilts are heavier than we want and they don't always drape well. For economical reasons, we started using Joann's Soft n Crafty low-loft batting (poly-fil). Anyone have any long-term experience with how this "less expensive" batting holds up for the long-run? Also looking for quick-sew patterns for our quilts that can be pieced in a day or two. Right now we use a lot of 6" blocks that can be assembled quickly.

Try using preshrunk white flannel. It works wonderfully well for tied quilts, and makes an excellent "batting." I use flannel inside my flannel quilts, and would certainly use it if I was making a summerweight quilt.

Anita

I use the poly batting all the time. I have no problems with it over long term.

Barb

I don't have problems with poly batting, but she wants something lighter than poly... flannel is fairly light and is warm!

We have a prayer blanket ministry at our Church. We use a 1 yard piece of cotton fabric and 1 yard piece of flannel. Pre wash!! Sew the two pieces together wrong sides together. Thne turn right sides out and sew along the edges. Our minister blesses them before we make them available to those that need them. We don't use batting at all. Folks appreciate the symbolism and the prayers that are included with the blankets.

My daughter takes a block that she likes and enlarges it to be the size she wants. The quilt ends up being the one big block. And I think they turn out pretty darn good and I plan on making a couple as lap quilts for myself.

Barb

if you want something lightweight, why don't you make a sheet quilt. I don't know if that is the right technical word for it, but just layer muslin between the front and back? I know someone that just did the front and back without a center for a baby. It was lighter then a receiving blanket, but light enough to cover up with in the summer. But with added muslin in the middle you wouldn't be able to see the seams. Just a thought.

Never even thought about a flannel back. That's a great idea and saves our group on the expense of batting. We stitch on ties of pearl cotton and an individual ties a knot representing prayers said for the individual. it's a great ministry and growing.

I have always used poly batting and never had any problems. Some of my quilts have been made for my 5 year old GD and they get washed often and have held up very well.

I have 2 quilts that were my sons quilts that I made for them when they were babies, they are 27 and 25 years old. I used poly batting in them and they have held up to many washings and are still as good as the day I made them. I just tied them instead of quilting them.

Wilda