As others have already said, you may also need a new needle. If the point is dull, it is too large and will push the batting through to the outside, instead of piercing through the batting.

It might mean your needle is too big. I've had this happen, but washing shrunk the batting and it didn't show after being washed and dried. Maybe you will be that lucky, too.

I didn't know W&N had a right and wrong side, either. We learn something new every day.

That was what I was going to suggest

Good luck - lots of good suggestions here - just learned recently about the right and wrong side of batting!

A big 'YES' to posts about right/wrong sides of batting and the new needle suggestions. Now, after the fact, when the quilting/binding is complete, wash the quilt, and before drying, lay it on a hard, flat surface, and shave it. Yes, use a disposable razor like you'd use to shave your legs, spread small areas with your hand so the fabric is rather taunt, and gently shave off the damp tufts of batting.

Likewise! I never knew batting has sides.......

Yes, the backing was prewashed and I put in a new needle. That did help. It is not as bad as it was at first. Thanks for your help.

I'm confused now about what needle size to use. I have a long arm and was using a size 16 until someone at my local quilt shop said I should be using a 18.....So, I am using an 18 on this quilt that has the white poking through. I guess I'll go back to a 16 to see if that also helps. Thanks.

I made a quilt for my husband with dark borders and found 'bearding after washing. I used my sweater shaver on it and it worked just fine. Only had to do this one time. I think that buying a sweater shaver is a very good inexpensive investment. I have found many uses for it over the years. Good Luck 'debearding' your quilt.

Thanks for that tip! I never knew that W&N had a smooth and a rough side!