I use Warm and Natural or Warm and White batting. I preshrink mine before I use them. I just put the batting in the washer in HOT water and let it soak for about 30 minutes and keep pushing it down in the water until it is wet enough to stay under. (It floats). I do NOT let the washer agitate. Then, I spin it out and put it in the dryer. I think it make the batting softer and since I hand quilt, it's easier to needle.