scrapnut

What is the best batting to use for tops that will be machine quilted or tyed? I need something that is warm and I LOVE thick fluffy quilts. They quilts will be used everyday

ckcowl

there is a definite difference between what is good for machine quilting and what is good for tied quilts.
for machine quilting batts with scrim are great (like warm & natural)
for tied quilts (especially if you want fluffy) a high loft poly batt that says (good for tied quilts) is best. there are some fairly (lofty) cotton batts too- but you need to read the package- the ones good for tied quilts say so- what to look for and avoid are batts that need to be quilted every 2"-4"---they are NOT good for tied quilts.
for machine quilting- and a fluffy/lofty, warm quilt my favorite is Hobbs Wool Batt, or Dream Wool...I love the wool batts- they are lightweight, fluffy, warm, easy to work with.

ckcowl

i should add- the quilt on my bed- used every day- washed when it needs it-
has a Dream Wool batt- it is wonderful!
poly batts hold up well to frequent washings- are good to use in (utility quilts) like the ones the kids drag everywhere.

purrfectquilts

I agree with ckcowl and have no new information really. I did just try bamboo batting several ways. I prewashed and dried it to eliminate some of the fuzz. It worked great for machine quilting, hand quilting and tieing. It is soft and snuggly, but not thick. And it is not stiff like Warm and Natural. I have yet to see how it feels to sleep under. Poly batting always feels like a steam blanket...although it is thick and snuggly the way you wanted for tied quilts. The wool breathes the best and is the most comfy. It is more pricey but seems to hold up longer too. Surprisingly we have had no allergy problems with the wool.

QuiltE

I'm so confused on the different batt choices! And am never sure what the "best" will be.

The same batt, with a different quilt ... different fabrics, amount of piecing, quilting ... can have such a different feel to it. I've had W+N that are flexible and drape lovely, and some which do tend to be the stiff feel. Until I can compare apples to apples, it's really a hard one to know!

I'm really intrigued with bamboo ... saw it in the store this summer and absolutely loved the feel and drape of it. I'm sure I'll be trying it ... unless I hear reasons to not go there! :)

AliKat

I would surely love to be able to try using the silk batting. Then I could report on that. Unfortunately, it isn't in my price range. Maybe one day.

Has anyone else used it?

ali