I've found that the least expensive batting is the poly batting. I like the higher loft of the poly batting. I don't like quilts being quilted so close that they're like cardboard. Like most people here, I don't buy unless it's on sale, or using a coupon at Hancocks or JoAnns. I may have purchased some at Walmart if I needed it right away. I've also used cotton batting, but I thought it was fairly expensive.