What batting do you find works best for hand quilting? I have tried a cotton (which was to thick) and a poly (which worked well), but I would like something a little heavier. Thanks.

Sorry, I have never hand quilted. I hope someone can help you here though :)

I always use poly. I don't really care for cotton. Haven't heard good things about bamboo.

Wool is very easy to hand quilt through.

I use Warm and Natural, whatever that is made from. It works very well.

In my last quilt I used Hobbs Polydown, which is a pretty good weight. I also like cotton, but not Warm and Natural - Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon is my favorite.

I have a roll of wool to use in my next quilt. Many hand quilters like it.

Janet

Yes, Dream Wool is a dream for hand quilters.

i use the 80/20 by hobbs

Are you using a low loft batt? If so, what fabric did you use for the quilt? Sheets used as backing can be very difficult to quilt through as the weave can be really tight.
I use and love Warm and white/natural, Heirloom cotton, all low loft, and find them easy to quilt through. However, I think they are thin.
Cotton is harder to quilt through, poly is supposed to be much easier... Wool would be a good choice...heavier and warm.

I use Warm & Natural/white all the time. It's supposed to be very difficult to quilt through but I really don't have any issues. It is 100% cotton and everyone to whom I've gifted a quilt raves about how warm it is. I use 100% cotton light weight (think summer) blanket and a 100% cotton quilt on my bed year round. Works wonderfully. Any natural fibers (cotton, wool, silk) will hold body heat. I haven't tried wool or silk although I am anxious to try silk but very pricey. I do like thinner quilts, though.