It is more expensive but if you figure in the cost of using 505 on a regular Hobbs batt, it is comparable. I like to iron mine flat out on an old carpet in my basement. I do the top side with a dry iron and then flip and do the back. I add safety around the edge to prevent it peeling up as I handle it. I still quilt from the middle out and sometimes need to re-iron on the edge if the quilting pushed extra fabric to the edge.