batting for fm quilting
 

what is the easiest batting to work with for fm quilting. I'm new to this and the batting I'm practicing on seems to be too puffy. I can't flatten it enough to slide it through the machine. Is it always so hard to push the fabric

Either Hobbs 80/20 or Warm & Natural.

Does your machine have a presser foot height adjuster? Many do. Check your manual. If your machine has this adjustment, you can raise the presser foot to allow more space between it and your machine bed.

I use Pellon 80/20 I get from Walmart. It's just as good as Hobbs and costs a lot less.

Cari

I use Hobbs 80/20 and Warm and Natural. Just wondering...are you using the darning foot to FM?

When I first began doing FMQ I found that the flatter or thinner the batting was the easier it was for me to work with and manipulate thru the machine. I even started practicing by using flannel instead of batting. Cotton batting seems to be a bit harder or bulkier to work with. Polyester or poly cotton will be easier to work with. With some polyester in the batting you will not have to worry about any bearding and there will be less lint building up.
Try using flannel for practice pieces and once you figure out all the things you have to get used to, you could switch to a low loft or thin batting. I stay away from the higher loft or thicker battings as I prefer flat quilts.
Don't give up. It does get easier! Barb

Thank you everyone............I have used flannel for place mats for years. Good advice to practice this way. Now if I can learn to move the fabric around easier I'll be all set

I guess I'm the odd man out. I was a W&N girl until I tried Quilter's Dream, and I haven't looked back. I prefer the softer drape and hand of QD over W&N.

It sounds like you have a fat batting of polyester. I have used Hobbs 80/20 cotton batting. Over the years of quilting, I found that cotton backing and quilt top will stick better to cotton batting. I was taught by Harriett Hargrave to buy the best batting and fabrics that you can afford.