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I took a long arm class at Paducah and the instructor said that if you are making a quilt for "show" to use the cheapest poly batting! I was shocked, but she said it has no memory and will hang straight right out of the package, meanwhile the quilts with cotton batting have folds down the middle. Judges do NOT like fold marks, or so it seems. Just thought I would pass that little tidbit on where ever I can.
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Originally Posted by Joeysnana
I am getting back into quilting after a "break" of about 20 years! My question: how is the cotton batting for hand quilting? Years ago it was considered to be okay for machine quilting but too difficult to hand quilt with. Any opinions?
I definitely advise against using my favorite Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon 100% cotton batting for hand quilting! I hand quilted the first quilt I made with this batting, not knowing any better. Years ago this was all that was available; nowadays there are better options. I no longer hand quilt, but the cotton batting that seems to get rave reviews from hand quilters is Dream Request. Like MMBR it is 100% cotton, but unlike MMBR it is needle-punched. This results in a soft, even, smooth batt that is easy to needle. Many hand quilters also like thin polyester battings. Before committing an entire hand quilting effort to a specific batting, I recommend buying small quantities of several and hand quilting some samples. Even as a complete novice, I think I would have noticed the difference if I had done that years ago. |
I used the Hobbs 80/20 and I never had any problems with bearding. I love to hand quilt it and the drape is very soft. I also used 100% cotton several times and the brands I used quilted a little bit harder than the 80/20 - but I love the antique look after washing. I agree with Pam - fold marks come out easier with polyester, but I still prefer the cotton or cotton blends. For me Warm & Natural and Mountain Mist is not available here in Germany - but if I find it one day of course will give it try.
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I use the Hobbs 80/20 for hand and machine if I want that old fashioned look and used to use W&N for machine if I wanted a wadding that wouldn't shrink, but I agree that it can be a bit stiff. I now use Quilters Dream Blend for machine work - its a 70/30 blend, lovely and soft even close quilted although you can leave up to 12" if you like, and it's very stable.
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I like the Warm & Natural too. I was given a queen size Quilter's Dream and used it for a gift. I liked it too. I'd like to try the Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon cotton, but can't get it locally, so I'll have to start looking online.
Be sure whatever you use that you watch for how close to quilt it. I see in my search the Mountain Mist is every 2", and I think the Warm & Natural is every 8". It might make a difference which you choose based on how you like to quilt. |
Originally Posted by Edie
I have always been a "Warm and Natural" kind of gal! Batting, I mean! I was at a fabric shop the other day and discovered Bamboo and also cotton and polyester. The price difference on the cotton/polyester is like night and day and understanding the width is only 45, I am wondering, is it a good thing for quilts? Why is it less expensive (other than my thought of the fact that it isn't 100% cotton). Is it used for quilting or other crafty stuff and shouldn't be used for quilting. Is it strong? Is it weak? What is the difference between the two. Explain the bamboo!
I am one of these "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." I have never used anything else other than W&N since I started quilting over ten years ago. But, you can always teach an old dog new tricks. Thanks so much! Edie |
Yes, Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon is very traditional cotton batting so needs the close quilting. I have bought it on from JoAnn Fabrics online for a very reasonble price when it was on sale!
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It's so subjective.
For bed quilts, I love Quilters Dream wool. it is lofty and yet lightweight, and I have arthritis and hate a heavy quilt on me. For kids or modern types who will throw it in the washer and dryer with the sheets, I like to use Hobbs 80/20. it takes a lot of laundering and looks great. I love Quilters Dream cotton select too. It is wonderful to work with on the longarm in Deluxe or Select weights, and I love hand quilting it in request weight. |
I only use Warm & Natural. I am very , very happy with how it holds up to washing, and how it drapes. I don't find it stiff at all. I have never used polyester, because of the bearding issue, and also because I feel it is too stiff and too puffy.
I have seen the breakdown of costs on the bamboo batting. Some people say it's the Green Alternative...that's not really true. The chemicals used on it are toxic, the processing part negates any green advantages resulting from the fast growing bamboo. It's all a marketing ploy!!! Don't fall for it!! |
I just received an e-mail from Fabric Depot with the warm and natural on sale for 50% off.
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