i use polyester because that what i can afford and i get it at wal -mart some people say that wal- mart poly is no good in many years after putting it in, it will knot up but some of us can't afford batting that cost a lots i am on a budget even poly getting higher now day

Do what is right for you. To tell you the truth, I quilt because it makes me happy. I don't care how a quilt will hold years down the road. You could use the most expensive materials and give away a lovely quilt that may end up in a dog's crate (seen it). What matters is that it brings you joy. You may venture into other kinds when you can afford it, but in the mean time don't stop doing it just because it may not hold later. I am not in a situation where I can spend any money, so I am making small quilts. Bought a roll long time ago and stretch it by using little bits at a time.

If the wallmart batting has tissue paper rollef inside the batting then it give problems because the tissue is what keeps it from sticking together and a beast to work with.
But Wallmart sells major brands and their quality batting.
So just because you bought it at WallMart does not mean is is inferior. But watch about the tissue paper. I know from experience.

Quilt on, sister! I only use high end batting when I can afford it and when I have coupon's! Quilts are special, not matter what batting you use.

Just remember to check how close the quilting should be, otherwise once its in the quilt no one knows where it was bought. Just quilted two quilts for a customer using Walmart bought batting and they are so soft and comfy. :)

I think of it it this way, 50 to 100 years ago there were no quilt shops or walmarts. People used what they had on hand to make quilts. What fabric lines that were available, most couldn't afford it. A lot of these quilts and their batting still exist.
I use what I can afford. If I make one that holds up for the next 5 or so years, I got my moneys worth and it was well used.

do you use poly

I prefer warm n natural cotton, that being said, I only purchase on sale or with a coupon. I have heard many people even use old blankets and re-use as batting. Basically do what you want and with in your budget. Keep it affordable so it will remain pleasurable and NOT stressful.

I really like :Hobbs 80/20. but recently tried Hobbs Polydown and it is so soft & low loft. cotton
"sticks" better for machine quilting. just don't use too
thick, it is hard to work with. have fun !

I use what I can afford and how I want the quilt to look. I use both poly and warm and natural. I have a quilt that I made(back in the 70's) out of two bed sheets and a poly batt and I tied it. I still use it today and it is one of my most comfy quilts ever. KSue

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.

I perfer Warm and Natural or Warm and White but if I want something light and puffy, I use a poly batt.

thank you all i do lots of hand quilting and i want something to last

i also like warm and natural.. but boy has it got expensive! now only when i have a coupon....

I usually use warm and natural or warm and white...I love it when JoAnns has it on sale for 40 or 50% off, the wide batting on the roll...that is a deal, and I try and stock up on it...that being said, I also have used other types of batting from Walmart, Hobby Lobby, etc...and have had no problems with it, either...I think if I had to worry about buying things that I just cannot afford, it would take the fun and relaxation (barring fmq, at times....lol) out of my quilting...also, have heard if you quilt it properly, according to whichever batting you use, there should be no lumpy problems...I kinda liken it to sometimes I wish I could afford a top of the line quilting machine, with a stitch regulator, etc...but, right now I can't, and I am grateful for the machines I do have...and they seem to do just fine...
Good luck,
Kan

thank you all