a batting without scrim is usually desirable for hand stitching- it is the scrim in the warm & natural that makes it difficult to needle-
hobbs heirloom is a wonderful cotton batting for hand quilting- but any without scrim is good.
scrim is a (fabric/netting) that hold the batting fibers together- giving it that held together/blanket property
cotton batts without scrim can be pulled apart easily- batts with scrim can not-they need to be cut.
also a batt without scrim usually says the recommended quilting distance is 2"-4" apart- batts with scrim can be quilted much further apart (because they do not tend to separate)
lots of great cotton batts made for hand quilting- you do not have to use polyester if you prefer cotton.