This thread that I had recently bookmarked has some good info as well:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...t247835-2.html

I am confused as to why there would be a top and bottom in batting? Does the batting know what is the top and respond differently than if I put it on upside down? What if I am making a wholecloth quilt....there would be no difference between top and back? Sometimes quilters will do their fmq with the backside up...do they have to use special batting?

Longarm quilters and sitdown quilting machine quilters tend to use larger needles (size 16 or 18), with which their thread is less likely to shred and/or break at the high speeds these machines stitch. With batting that has a rough side, if that side is placed down these large needles can sometimes push the little nubs through to the right side of the backing. I've had that happen with my Sweet Sixteen when I didn't pay attention while sandwiching a quilt.

For this reason, I think a quilter who plans to fmq with the backside up would want to place the bumpy side next to the backing, if using batting that has a rough side.

So much to think about. :eek:

Daffy

Why would you want to use a batting that could cause problems like that?

Sometimes you use what you have available.

Daffy

Never knew there was a difference but with only 3 quilts behind me Im not suprised. But I did do it wrong ways round with the last quilt, because I can see all those speckles shining like beacons through my nice white backing. Oh well, live and learn.

Oh boy, my eyes don't see a lot of difference in my batting. Same thing with insul-bright. I guess it's just me.

Fifee, you're probably the only one who will ever notice the speckles. :)

nativetexan, if you don't see or feel any difference, your batting probably doesn't have a rough side. I don't see a difference in any of my Quilter's Dream batts, or Hobbs 80/20. Battings on which I have noticed a bumpy side are Warm & Natural, Warm & White, Hobbs 100% Cotton, and Quilter's 80/20 by Fairfield.