i have always used warm/natural for my batting and the only time I had problems with the bearding is when I used a needle that was too big - once I changed to the next size down, it didn't happen anymore.

Congrats on your second quilt!! Mine was a pinwheels quilt and my DH's favorite one to this day!

I buy those cheap wool blankets from Family Dollar and use those for the batting. They are not too thick, not too thin and and won't pop through. Cheaper than batting, also.

Another advantage to using cotton Warm & Natural or Warm & White is that when you wash it the first time, the batting puffs up a little bit, and shrinks a little bit, giving your quilt a "used" and "antique" look. I think it looks soft and cuddly. I have never had a problem with bearding with it, either. I have never used poly batting.

I heard that polyester batting can do that. What kind of batting did you use? I've used Warm and Natural 100% cotton (it shrinks and I love the crinkly antique look), and haven't had that problem at all.

I love that shrinked up look.

And you can prewash the batting if you don't care for that look. :mrgreen: