The Hobbs black batting from connecting threads is a very nice batting to use, the dream company black is also. I've used both many times - us has keep a couple on hand when I can find sales. I've never had a problem with bearding and have used natural colored battings in black quilts before too. You didn't say if you are hand or machine quilting, I don't know if it makes a difference with the bearding situation. I machine quilt.