Welcome to the QB from SE Michigan! I do not pre wash batting as the norm. Start with stippling when fmq. This is a wiggling movement over the surface of your quilt trying not to cross over any where you have already stitched when quilting. This can be a lot of fun. As your skills develop you will improve and move into better areas of fmq. Again welcome to the QB!

Welcome from sunny Southern CA wifeofblacksmith. I like the idea of steaming batting because I have found W&W does shrink on my art quilts. Even though everything is smooth when the quilt is longarmed, after pressing, the fabric isn't smooth and I think it's the batting that shrinks.

And thank you, wife of blacksmith for that hint about adding another layer to your practice sandwich so you can use it again! I always practice a bit before I go to the real thing. I need that warmup. I learned to fm by making a detailed vest. That was more motivating for me than doing samples, but I did like threedognight's class project.

I never wash the batting

What batting do you use for tying a quilt?

I almost always "wash" my batting. I really just get it wet and then put it in the dryer. It preshrinks it, so that you don't get that crinkled look after it's washed. I prefer the smoother look.

bkay

Welcome from Arizona

Welcome to the board!
My first quilts were tied, then I went to hand quilting, now I'm machine quilting for the most part. You have some great responses so far. I agree with all of them, except I don't get along with stippling. I don't like it at all. I like using stencils and am learning ruler work. Have fun!