Call me out of date, but I'm not a fan of the crinkly, old fashioned look, so I prefer not to use cotton batting. I like the slight puff of polyester. When I did a cotton/poly batting because the quilt was going to the a hot climate (Brhan), I washed the batting first so the quilt won't crinkle when my grandson washes it. I also don't quilt mine heavily. I like soft. It's what feels right to you!