Batting for hand quilting
 

I have been a hand quilter for quite a long time and have always used the same batting. Recently I have not been too pleased with the results and am wondering what others use and their pleasure or displeasure with the results. I would love any feedback on this!

I have used all types of batting from all lofts of poly to warm and natural.I all depends on who the project is for, the amount left in my checking account and the ending warmth I am looking for. So far have not found any too difficult to work with. Are you using a good needle? I use John James with great success

I only hand quilt because I love the look. I use Quilter's Dream Request and a John James 11 needle. I baste my quilts and then lap quilt without a frame. That just is easier for me since I have some mobility issues with my hands.

Lynneander, what batting is it that you no longer like so much?

For those who like cotton, the Quilter's Dream Select and Request cotton battings are much liked for hand quilting. They are needlepunched, so are very stable. The result is a typical vintage flat look.

If you like some loft, Hobbs 80/20 is easy to hand quilt.

I'm using the Hobbs 80/20. In reading the responses, it seems like perhaps I need to change from using Roxanne to John James to see if that makes the difference.

I hand quilt with Roxanne needles and warm & natural batting. Don't have an issue with either. Personally was not fond of the JJ needles. Much prefer the Roxanne's. Usually use #11's. Sometimes 10's; sometimes 12's. I know lots of folks think the w&n is difficult to needle through but I don't seem to have that issue. Find the quilts to be warm; flat; crinkly after washing.

my favorite is hobbes wool. their heirloom cotton is nice too :)

i really only use piecemaker needles. i have lots of other ones but the piecemakers last forever, and they bend just a tiny bit with use which seems to suit my quilting style. eventually they break but it takes a while.

aileen

I use Quilter's Dream Request and Quilter's Dream Wool if I want bit more loft and fire retardence, especially on baby blankets. Gosh, don't get me started on Fine English needles made quick and cheap in China. All the English brands are made in China now, and then packaged in England. They are no longer the best needles by a long shot.

Bohin needles are Made in France and seems to be the same quality, but I had to go with 10s to get them threaded. the 12s just defeat me. I think I got them from some Ebay seller. Piecemakers are Made in Japan and are indeed okay, if not quite as slick or sharp as the Bohins, they still have quality plating and nicely polished eyes. I may note that my LQS only carries Piecemakers now, when she used to carry John James, Richard Hemmings, and S. Thomas & Sons.

all of the battings from the Dream company are very nice- needle beautifully- any are a nice choice for hand quilting- Hobbs wool is another 'fabulous' choice.

I find Quilter's dream Orient to be my favorite for both hand and machine.

I never cared for Quilters Dream - it was easy to hand quilt but I ended up with a very flat quilt. My last quilt, I used Hobbs Heirloom Wool. It quilted very nicely, had enough loft that the design looked great, and it makes a nice warm quilt. I've also used Hobbs Polydown and been happy with it.

If I want cotton, I like Mountain Mist Blue Ribbon.

Without knowing the specific problem, I can't say what would work better for you. I try every hand quilting needle I can find, just in case one works better for me. If you're having trouble needling the batting, then a smaller needle might be better.

Janet

I have used Hobbs 80/20 a lot and I still like it. The Legacy brand by Pellon, also 80/20, is great as well: easy to needle and a nice drape. I do a lot of show quilts and therefore I prefer a little more loft because it makes the quilting show better. Hobbs/Tuscany wool is perfect for that. For smaller quilts I have also used a high quality polyester batting like Legacy or Tuscany poly and I am still very happy with the result.

I love my Roxanne needles, size 11 for me, I use YLI hand quilting thread, and I cannot get the size 12 needles threaded, or I would use the size 12, Quilters Dream and Hobbs Poly Down and Tuscan Wool, are the battings that I use. The only batting that I have had any trouble with is Warm & Natural, I bent needles, broke needles and put holes in several thimbles with the W&N.

Just from what I have read I wish quilters dream was available in my area - Alabama.

I'm another Quilters Dream Cotton - Request (the lightweight one) It is flat, and that is what I want. To the person in Alabama - you can order it online.

I do think needles are something you have to try and see what works. I have come to love Jenna Kimball's betweens - Size 10. I have bought every needle out there before I found these. I also only use YLI glazed cotton thread. That I have to buy online because the quilt store in the area doesn't sell it. In a pinch, I did use the Gutterman glazed cotton - it was ok, but still prefer the YLI