Batting/Quilting Interpretation Question
 

My batting is 80% cotton, 20% poly. The packaging says, "quilting up to 3-1/2". Does this mean I can have a minimum of 3-1/2" spacing between? Please help. Thank you.

I think that means a maximum distance of 3 1/2" between.
Rodney

Yes, that is what it means. The request is made so that the batting won't shift over the lifetime of the quilt. I use my fist as a guide. I find that some quilters are now overquilting tops and the quilts won't lay flat. I have quilted using Hobbs for over 25 years and I have never had a problem. It is a light and airy batting. I even used it in my award winning quilt that I use as my avatar.

Definitely means maximum between stitching lines. I look for the battings that have a distance of 6" or over. I usually quilt closer, but like that extra space in case I do have an open area in the quilting. I like softer quilts and too much quilting can make them a bit stiff. That's okay if you want a show quilt but not for cuddling.

The spacing between quilting lines can be no more than 3.5" apart. So 4" would be too wide and allow the batting to shift. Remember that this measurement is in all directions, so if you have a 3" border and just wanted to SITD around it, you would also need some lines across to keep everything in check.