I have been using bamboo batting for all my quilts. However, I was visiting an aunt and her quilt which she called a "summer quilt" was very light.
What would the batting be?
Here's how I've been looking at the batting issue. If I spend all that time and money on the top, shouldn't the batting be the best? YOu know what I mean?

PS And I do agree with this being one of the best boards.

It is probably some kind of synthetic bating or a blend of cotton and poly. It is really light, but I personally don't like quilting it.
I love bamboo batting too.

Maria

I use Dream Blend (70%cotton, 30%poly) and it's light. I love machine quilting with it.

If it was REALLY light it could be either a thin poly batting or I seen a quilt last summer where she used pre-washed flannel as the batting to make it summer weight.

Are you using the bamboo batting for hand quilting or machine? I thought I had read that it wasn't great for hand quilting. There are a couple of brands now, maybe one is better than another for hand quilting, anybody know?

My mother made a light weight quilt for my DD by usinga flannel blanket as batting.

I love the Quilters Dream battings - mostly Dream Blend, and you can quilt up to 12 ins apart. Also Dream Poly Select, and Dream Cotton Select. I just used Dream Puff for a cosy quilt, lovely high loft and machines beautifully.
Also use Hobbs 80/20 occasionally.

Thanks for your responses. I'm going to look for different kinds as stated.
I love the bamboo for machine quilting. It's so easy to work with.
I spray baste usually, so this is great stuff to use with it. Spray basting cuts the work and fingers in more than half.

Does anyone use the warm and natural?

For my summer quilts I haven't used any batting at all, but I like the flannel idea.

I use Warm and Natural for most of my quilts. I like Hobbs wool batting and silk batting. I buy batting when it's on sale and I've been happy with all kinds and brands. The only batting I won't use is the starchy cobweb stuff.

I use Warm and Natural for all my quilts

That's all I use too. Warm & Natural.

i use warm and natural or warm and white for all myquilts - except baby quilts that will be used in warmer areas - such as the south - i use flannel.

I'm glad you asked this question. I would never have thought of using flannel.

Another question for experts (I'm sorry to hijack your thread)......does using flannel cause the quilt to 'drape' nicely? If flannel is really light as batting, I was thinking I could use it for a quilted tablecloth. What's your opinion?

I used a fire red and orange flannel for batting for my quilt made with jewel toned fabric. When the light hit it, the quilt glowed.

That sound beautiful. What a great idea.

That would look awesome!

So, if using flannel, you then use it as back and as the batting? I am pretty new to quilting so it's a learning lesson for me.

The quilt my mom made had a pieced top, a sheet for the back and the flannel in the middle (like the batting). Daughter could use it all year round.

If it's light weight and for a summer quilt, it could be.....wool!!!

Wool breathes, is cool in summer, warm in winter. And it quilts like butter left on the counter in July with no air conditioning. You can quilt it to death and it doesn't get stiff.

I haven't tried the bamboo yet (I've heard good things from the other LAers), but it is on my list to try next time I place an order.

It's exactly like warm and white in feel. If I didn't know the colour difference, I wouldn't be able to tell.
quilts like a dream and spray basting is fabulous also.

My mom would use a used cotton sheet for the middle layer.

Next quilt that is sandwiched, I want to try soy batting. Supposed to be really nice to work with and very sturdy. I haven't priced it and compared it to Hobbs, etc., but I want to check it out.

Shelley, do you have any comments about the different brands/types of wool battings? I'm particularly interested in your comment that it doesn't get stiff even with close quilting...

The only one I've used so far is Quilter's Dream, but I hear good things about Hobbs, too. If you check my blog, the comfort quilt for a friend was done with QD wool, and it had a TON of quilting. Stayed soft, even with all those pebbles.

More great information!!! I love this message board!!

I've used flannel for my table runners and small wall hangings ( under 20"). It seems to work well. I usually pre-wash the flannel though as it shrinks sometimes more than the cotton.

She may have used a lightweight batting called Thermore. It is used a lot in making clothing but I have used it when I want to have a very lightweight batting and it is very nice.

I used the fannel as the batting in the middle, but that is a good idea to use it as the backing. Never thought of doing that. Great Idea!!

Wow, Shelley, you've sold me! Do you have a good source for QD Wool?

Check your local quilt shop. If that doesn't work, shoot me a PM with the size you need and I'll see if I can't get it to you at a reasonable price.

I have a quilting business - my source is a wholesaler.

Hi Al
May I put my two cents worth into this discussion please?
One of the tutors that came to our quilting group to tutor a quilt said that Bamboo batting is great to work with BUT do not use on childrens quilts or for people that smoke. The batting is highly flammable! I have not seen any warning on the wrapping or anything but does anyone on the forum know if this is correct?

Take care
Quiltykiwi :(

The only batting they sell here in Argentina is the woven polyester. I really do not like it, have only used it once. You can not hand quilt with it either, it just does not look right. So as a subsitute I have been using polar fleece. I like it because it is not too heavy in weight but it is warm and you can hand or machine quilt with it.
Penny

Thanks, Shelley! That's a sweet offer, but I can certainly do some checking around first.

It could be Warm and Natural which is 100% Cotton. I use for baby blankets and love it.

I use Hobbs Heirloom Wool for just about everything. It machines excellently, has great drape, and is, as Shelly advises, cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It has the loft of some poly blends but none of the hassles. I won't quilt something for someone else if they want poly batting, life is too short, to have to fight that stuff.

I purchase batting by the roll. It seems like a lot to purchase but it doesn't go bad and you get great prices.

Hello Everyone,
How does the Hobbs Heirloom Wool batting wash and dry? Can I put it throuh the dryer? Is it fluffy like a comforter or flat?

Thanks! :)

Usually a summer quilt has flannel for batting.