Thanks to all of you for your replies! I appreciate the tips. I have used 80/20 batting, polyester also. I have some cotton, but have not used yet. I will try your suggestions. I am really a hasty person, and have never even read the batting packaging. Might help if I read instructions. As far as backing, I usually use muslin, or other cotton backing. I try to buy 108" so that I dont have the seam in the backing. It seems to be difficult in my longarm. I guess I always thought I needed to quilt the size of my hand (which is very small, by the way).