Batting or NO Batting?
 

I'm working on a couple of wall hangings and wondered if I need to use batting or just back it and quilt it down.

I usually use one thin layer of batting. So I'm wondering is it necessary? Will the WH not hang straight if it doesn't have that added weight in it?

Is it a matter of how it looks without batting or is it just a habit to put the batting in?

I just don't know if I should try it without batting or go with the flow and use the batting.
I know it's a subjective thing and most would say do whatever you want to.

I'd like your opinion as to would you do it without batting? Would you buy one that didn't have batting in it?

I'd appreciate any comments. Thanks! Rhonda

IMHO batting is desirable. Just the added body should enhance the design, quilting. . . . .

What a timely question Rhonda. I am currently making a wall hanging and it never occurred to me to put batting in it!!!!!!
I thought that the interfacing that I ironed onto my drop of fabric would be enough "body".

I will watch this space with interest as I am about to put the backing on but will hold off.

I made one without batting and did some great quilting in the border which didn't show well at all due to no batting inside. I use 80/20 Hobbs Heirloom.

As others have said, batting does make the quilting show up better. And as a result I think it gives more depth to a wall hanging.

I think batting will give the extra weight you need for the wall hanging to hang properly. It will also enhance the quilting and give any light fabrics in the wall hanging a brighter look. I've used Thermore batting, which is made especially for quilted clothing, if I want a really thin batting - in a table runner, for instance.

I think it is a matter of personal preference--either way will work. I would opt for light low loft batting for the 3 dimensional effect on a wall hanging.

I like the effect that batting gives to the pieces after quilting. But it is all a matter of personal preference.

I think that batting & quilting add a wonderful texture to wall hangings in addition to enhancing how the item will hang.

My work is almost entirely wall quilts at this point and I would strongly recommend using batting no matter what the size of the finished piece. Something on the firm side like Warm & Natural works well or W&N topped with wool for more detail in the quilting lines. 'Drape' is not a desired trait in this case.

Without batting, the quilting has little or no definition, the quilt itself is saggy, and the overall effect is 'blah', looking more like laundry tacked to the wall. Batting gives wall quilts 'presence' and invites the viewer in closer to look at the details.

ETA: Would I buy one without batting? No, that would be a deal breaker for me.

I like to use a fleece. like the fusible fleece, but not the fusible. if that makes sense. the quilting shows up really well, and has a stiffer body, but not like board stiff.

I like them with batting, I like how it looks quilted and nice.

Thanks for your comments.

I dont know how to quilt anything but STID so that isn't really an issue for me. I wouldn't have any pretty quilting to show off.

As for it hanging well that is a consideration for me.

I have made lots of small stuff without batting so I know it can be done and made to look good. But if it is the best way to go is still a question for me.

I will have to experiment and see what I think.

I won't ever make large wall hangings. My wall hangings are in the 12" to 16" range. so not a lot of weight to deal with anyway.

It is interesting to see what everyone thinks. I am going to use one thin layer of batting for the Doll quilt I am working on but am considering trying one with out batting just to see.

I learn best by trial and error. If this is an error then I will redo it!! LOL

this was my first thought about it too. i love the look of the puffed out design. i don't think i'd buy one without batting.

Hi Rhonda !! I think as many of the others do. I use Hobbs 20/80 and find it sort of fills out the quilt as well as displays the quilting. It just might drape like a piece of fabric without batting.

What a great description ghostrider. You put everything I thought, but didn't know I thought, into that second paragraph.

I made one quilt without batting because I was backing it with flannel and have regretted it ever since. It's too flat looking. There is no dimension to the quilting.

I wouldn't like one without batting of some sort. I have used that fleece (flat) batting and it looks okay. I think I will try one with regular batting to see if it has more dimension. I think that might look better. Your own taste.