I followed the discussion regarding batting used for hand-quilting. A few said that wool is very good to work with, but my question is how would it wash considering the top would be 100% cotton. Would it have to be dry cleaned?

Hobbs Heirloom wool batting is completely washable. I wouldn't dry clean it. Shouldn't shrink much either (at most, similar to a cotton batting). This is the only wool batting I would use, although some quilters like the Quilter's Dream wool too. Other brands, you cannot be sure of shrinkage or odor (when wet).

I've used Hobbs Heirloom wool batting and it was wonderful. I washed the quilt with no problems. I could detect a faint odor of wool while it was wet, but not after it dried.

Thanks! I'll keep that in mind. I'm only about half way through basting the flower "petals". Then I have to sew them all together so it will be a while before I have to worry about it!

dream wool is WONDERFUL! and completely washable- i will have to find the pictures of the quilt on my bed- i made it 3 years ago= used wool batting- it has been washed and dried quite a few times now- just comes out oh so fluffy, soft wonderful! i love that quilt!!!
and i love working with wool batts.
i toss it in the washer- i toss it in the dryer (normal heat) it did not shrink anywhere near as much as warm & natural does- it is wonderful!
our lqs is now carrying the hobbs wool batting and i am excited to try that one next-
just read the packaging- and follow the quilting recommendations- once you try it you will be hooked!

I have used both Hobbs wool and Quilters Dream wool and love them both. I do my own FMQ on my domestic machine and it is a dream to work with. Both are machine washable and dryable (cool wash and cool Dry). Dry cleaning is NOT recommended. The quilt on my avatar used wool batting.
Wool has become my batting of choice. Elizabeth