I'm not the best person to ask about hand quilting because I've only done maybe 5 full sized quilts by hand. I love hand quilting and have tried W&N, as well as a thin poly blend. My stitches using the W&N tend to be larger because the bulk of the batting plus top and backing makes it very hard to rock the needle back up when you make each stitch. My stitches wouldn't come out as small and even. When I used the thin poly blend I didn't have those problems. Without the bulk, I could get small even stitches and that's the look I wanted. I've not tried wool but for my next hand quilted project, I do think I'll give it a try. Either wool or silk have such a glorious soft feel. I don't think there would be any problem getting those tiny even stitches that I love.

You have to consider the quilting frame you use as well. I try to always use my quilting frame. It's an antique home made one with wooden gears. The quilt can be loaded and then you have to manipulate your stitching according to direction. With a hoop, you can turn the hoop around to stitch front to back or left to right, etc. But I don't like a hoop because I don't get the taught, flatness that I get using the frame. If the quilt is stretched too tightly, you can't rock your needle to get the best stitches. If it's too loose, you're not getting the smoothness I really like.

Do let us know what you decide on. You're now in the mix of hand quilters that will have more experience than many out there. Hand quilting is still my absolute favorite if I only had more time or was faster at it. I just can't hand quilt every project I do. Good luck.

I really love wool batting but my grandson is allergic to wool and he love hand quilted quilts. I now use Hobbs 80/20. Warm and Natural is okay too.

My thoughts exactly!

I have had good luck with Quilters Dream Cotton, request loft. They make a couple other lofts but for hand quilting, the thinner the better which is the request loft.

Are you getting the idea that there is no perfect batt? It's all up to you! I've been hand quilting for long enough to know that not all quilts come together the same. I do use poly though and like it in every way, including price. I like a puffy quilt/vs the flat appearance of cotton and it seems to hold up well with use. I like the way it needles. I found a high loft among my stash and am getting ready to use it in the next project so am anxious to see how I like it compared to the usual low loft that I use. I've quilted in a frame and in a hoop. I like the adjustablility of the frame but now prefer the hoop as I can turn it to best advantage for my hands and wrists. Also this makes the project portable or can be easily put away if having guests and need the space. I was recently in a discussion on what thread to use for quilting--some use only quilting thread but I use whatever is available according to color possibilities. I do like quilting thread as first choice but I've never had problem with using regular sewing thread if the color is what I want. To each his own!! Unless your quilt is to be judged by someone else, you are the one to be pleased with your work.

I'm a hand quilter and have tried several different battings but my favorite is Quilter's Dream Poly Request. It is a thinner batting than some, but still gives a great look to the quilt once it's finished.

! Thank you for all your opinions and rationale for your favorite hand quilting batting. I will make my choice soon and post my "final choice" soon. As well as a photo of what I am working on. Y'all give me just the info and needed and more.

Nothing better than wool!!!

Wool! I have used Hobbs Tuscany wool on the last several quilts that I have done. I love the definition and loft of the wool and it is so easy to hand quilt. I have also used Quilter's Dream Request which is easy to quilt, but not enough loft for me. It is quite thin, but if you're looking for a summer quilt, that might be a good choice, too.

To frame or to stitch freehandily?