Prism99, thanks for the suggestion that I try each one before deciding! Funny how the obvious can be obscured when one is in the midst of a dilemma.... ;-)

Thanks, everyone!
 

I appreciate all the very helpful responses to my batting question! The best way for me to decide is to try each kind I already have and go from there! Happy Quilting everyone!

I never used anything but polyester for hand quilting ( started in the 70's. Recently, l was helping out a friend, finishing hand quilting her quilt's border. It had a 100" cotton batting...l've never had such a hard time hand quilting. I couldn't get my nice short consistent stitches. I would never use cotton. Wool, l think would needle much nicer.

I ordered some wool today, Hobbs Tuscany. Can't wait to use it! Thanks for this post about batting.

I really don't like the Hobbs that Conn Threads sells and prefer Quilters Dream select for all my quilts, whether hand- or machine-quilted.

I recently used wool batting for the first time for a hand quilting project. I am now a convert - a dream to handquilt - needle just glides through.

Wool, hands down. It is more expensive, but worth every cent, IMHO

I also am a hand quilter only and have been thinking of trying wool batting but am concerned about shrinkage. What if any shrinkage should I be concerned about.

I did the same....absolutely loved quilting with wool.... Will use it again and again! Quilting is easy and the quilt looks just wonderful, too. Good luck!!

Many hand quilters say to stay away from Warm and Natural (or Warm and White) as they are a little dense.