#1piecemaker

I shadow quilt. I usually quilt about 1/4 to 1/2 inch away from the seams. As for batting, I use high loft batting because I like the puffyness of it. And, the backing? I always buy mine with a little extra to allow for stretching. Hope this helps. I love your top by the way. You did a good job.

Suzi

*Polyester batting will completely destroy cotton fabric in 20-30 years. * Is this quote really true? Oh, I so hope not!

moreland

I am sure this is not true. I've got quilts at least 30 years old that have poly batting and they are just fine.

Arleners

I agree with sewing on the diagonal. If your machine had decorative stitches, pick one of those. That disguises where the corners don't match exactly (ask me how I know) :lol:

If you want the quilt to be really light, use a good quality flannel as the backing, and don't add batting. Just be sure to pre wash the flannel.

kyleewonder

I don't use batting, I buy cheaper blankets and use that for batting, my quilts wash and wash and never have to worry about the batting coming apart

JeanDal

What about high loft batting and tying it maybe in the black squares with different color threads that match your colorful squares?

stormatsea45

Very pretty fabrics and the black makes them pop! Your backing seams do not have to match up with any of the seams on the front. I much prefer a cotton batting, it's much easier to work with. If your machine has a serpentine stitch, a straight stitch than wiggles back and forth, you could just stitch it in curved lines down the length of your quilt and then turn the quilt and stitch from side to side. I had my 7 year old DGD do that on a doll quilt I helped her with and she thought that was fun. She could run the machine a little faster than when she was doing the 1/4th" seams! I had her use some thread colors that were in her quilt, which she enjoyed. If you have a walking foot, use it. The serpentine stitch is very forgiving and it takes away from the imperfections that might be in the quilt top. Good luck and keep quilting! :thumbup:

pumpkinpatchquilter

I highly doubt it - just think of all the quilts from the 60's, 70's, and 80's that were made of polyester batting. I think the biggest reason cotton is the trend right now is because it gives the look of antique quilts...and because of good marketing. ;) There is no reason you can't use polyester batting unless you don't like it.

Now there is some debate on how polyester thread wears on cotton quilts, but if you're making quilts for use and utility, I wouldn't be too concerned. After a hundred or so washes ANY quilt is going to wear out.

Willa

I didn't know the polyester batting would do that. THANK YOU for telling us that! I also like the circle idea.

wraez

I think I would use inexpensive flannel for batting, being sure to laundry first ... I like it sometimes better than warm and natural, especially cuz it is less expensive and has a nice soft hand to it.

With the dark fabric squares, it might be a real challenge to stitch in the ditch without the thread showing on either side of the blocks. How about use a decorative stitch to sew down the center of your seams in a contrasting color? Some machines have a nice big S stitch that works great ... my machine doesn't so I pick an easy one that doesn't use lots of thread.

Sometimes I just use a decorative stitch diagonally thru the squares, (one direction only, or both creating an X ... up to you) changing the decorative stitch on each row ... that might be fun and pleasing to the eye IMHO

warm quilt hugs, sue in CA