I use poly batting from Joann online. I like that it holds-up to many washings, is easy to quilt and the price is right. I always wait to buy until it's on sale and there's a free shipping code. I buy a dozen at a time so I don't run out. I don't make heirloom quilts, just quilts made to be used and machine washed. :thumbup: :thumbup:

I find that joanns is cheaper with a coupon, but I have used wal-mart with no problem. Are you planning on getting into the quilting hall of fame? or are you quilting out of passion? Hate to tell you but all those quilts in the mueseums didnt use the best that money could buy. But they were loved and well taken care of. Read your history on Gees Bend quilts, or depression era, and those quilts are still alive and well. Some people just have more money than brains and think the name of a store or a line of fabric or batting is what makes them last. If I can afford warm and natural I buy it, if I cant wally world here I come.

Well, one thing you can do to help avert the problem of bumpy, bunching batting is to make sure to quilt closely so that the batting just doesn't have much room to shift around.

The Mennonite ladies I knew told me that the quilting lines should be no more than a thumb's width apart in any direction except for decorative motifs (like feathers, hearts, etc) and more was better. When I look at my Mennonite quilts, I notice that shapes larger than about three inches are filled in (cross hatching, echoes, whatever). Even things like leaves got vein lines when they got larger.

When I measure my thumb, it's about an inch wide and being attached to me, it makes a handy guide. (I apologise, I could not resist)

And it may never be a problem. The first (and to date, only) quilt I made 30+ years ago had polyester batting, which was all that was readily available in my area at the time. That quilt has been in continuous use since then and the batting hasn't lumped up in any perceptible way. It has been regularly machine washed and dried, no problem.

I imagine that batting technology, even at the level of Wal-Mart quality, has probably improved since then.

every quilt i make has different batting- the batting for that quilt- some poly (i love dream poly--but have used many different ones) cotton, wool, bamboo, dream orient (which is a silk blend)
poly batts are GREAT for utility quilts (quilts for kids- quilts that will take a beating- be washed alot---dragged around-used to make forts and have picnics)
it does not matter where you buy your batt---only you will know---unless you tell- quilt shops sell poly batts- the same as walmart.
as long as you follow the recommendations for quilting your quilt/batt will hold up as it's made to---so-if the batting says you need to quilt it every 4" make sure you do- if it says you can have up to 10" between quilting lines-it is really going to hold up-
poly batts are good for tied quilts too
they wash up nicely=wear like steel- don't shrink-
no reason to worry about it if that's what you've been using successfully no reason to think it's a bad thing-
only you know where you bought your fabric/batting/thread ect-
there will always be those people who will ohh and ahhh over your quilt- love some of the fabrics- ask where you got them---when you say walmart---suddenly they are sticking their noses in the air and have lots to say---well they liked it just fine a few minutes ago---
they had no idea until you told them...don't let negativity limit your creativity- use what you can afford-and works for you and don't worry about it.

One of my favorite quilts was quilted with a flannel sheet I purchased at goodwill. I thought 1.99 was a great price for batting!

It is only the 45" wide so you have to piece but Wal-Mart carries warm & Natural for $5.75 yard.

Personally, I use an 80/20 cotton/poly blend. I know how batting has gone up.
Watch for 40% off coupons and purchase as much as you can afford, I have purchase a bolt of W/Natural at this time.
Hobby Lobby has them from time to time. Also watch on line ads and get special prices which include free shipping.

As a longarmer, I purchase by the bolt. I believe you can get the correct size for a lesser amount than a Queen size which you may not need one quite that large.

It is always hard for me to not put quality batting in when I have purchased fabric, taken the time to sew a beautiful quilt, I desire this piece to last.

Enjoy!

a friend of mine saying the same as you and we are finguring that i quilt as i go it can go a long way so i am going to try and by so much a month

I use Warm and Natural. I buy it when it's half off and have the whole bolt shipped to my door!

I can get a king sized roll of batting, 120x120, of 80/20 at WalMart for $17.97. It's very similar to warm and natural, but just a bit of poly (shrinks less). I've used it in many quilts and love the way it works with FMQ, as well as how it looks after being washed....it has the crinkly look I want, but not too much. It also maintains the soft drape after washing.