This has probably been asked before, but here goes. I am trying to choose a batting for my wall hanging quilt which is in its 3rd year of work.

It is fairly small (maybe 60 x 60"). Very dark blue wool, which I dyed myself and felted with applique also wool and hand dyed. I used all perle silk embroidery thread for the applique and there is a lot of hand embroidery in the same thread. It is entirely made by hand (even sewing blocks together, so I am concerned about batting "leaking" through the seams).

I plan to dye some silk noil for backing and silk thread for quilting.

Can anyone advise me on what kind of batting to use? The finished quilt will not be washed so shrinkage is not a concern. I am worried about bearding. Also, it will not be quilted very closely as some of the quilting is just for part of the design.

I was thinking of silk batting - or wool - or would a thin cotton be better? I would like to stick with natural fibres. Because it is small, I can afford to spend a little more than usual.

Thanks in advance - hope somebody can advise!

Lorli

Most batting has instuctions as to how closely it needs to be quilted. Even wall hangings can stretch over time :wink:

Could you dye a wool batting to match to your quilt top so that bearding wouldn't show? I believe wool doesn't usually beard, but that may depend on the thread you are using to quilt with...and if there are any burrs on your needle, too...

I can't wait to see your quilt :D:D:D

Connecting Threads had some black batting on their web-site (it's on sale) so this may work like Amma said so the bearding wouldn't show. I wouldn't know how to dye batting.

Your project sounds interesting-please post pics when done. Good luck with whatever you decide.

I'm not familiar with wool or silk batting, but can't wait to see pics of your wall hanging!!!

I don't like poly b/c of bearding but you said you aren't going to wash it. Since I've washed anything made of poly batt (which I don't buy anymore)I don't know if non-washing would make it beard or not. I'd go natural all the way!!!!!!!! Although I do like 80/20 for hand quilting.(doesn't beard) I can't wait to see it, sounds fantastic!!!!! :D
Please be sure to show us!!

Your wall hanging sounds beautiful. I would love to see a pic of it. :-D

I have used Hobbs black and had no problem with bearding. I am all out, but I like to keep a package on hand for when a client or myself have a black or dark background quilt.

Thanks, all, for the ideas. I also got to thinking that the whole wall quilt might stretch because it's made of wool, so I have to try to think of a way to limit the stretching. Maybe the backing, or my DH could build a frame for it???

I would love to send a picture as soon as I figure out how to get pics onto the computer and then onto the board! I'm technologically challenged. Also the quilt is taking forever because I really only work on it at a friend's house. When I try to work on it at home, my cat is drawn to it like a magnet, and leaves handfuls of his fur behind him (its like a magnet in more ways than one).