quilting polyester batting
 

Can anyone give me examples of what type of quilting you can do with polyester batting? I'm pretty new to quiltingen and have only done a few quilts. I use the polyester as it's much more economical for me, but it admittedly has a higher loft then the warm & natural or poly cotton blend people tend to use (and show such fine quilting designs with).

So far I've only stitched in the ditch, but I'm wondering how more complex designs work with straight polyester batting.

I quilt on it by hand, and can get as complex as I like with it. A lot of feathers, chains of little hearts, whatever. Poly also comes in high loft, nice and puffy, or low loft, which is flatter.

I have only used polyester batting, for the economy on my wallet too. I have never felt that I have a limitation in quilting because of it. My limitations are my skills LOL. I've been doing a lot of FMQ lately and the batting always seems fine. I like medium-low loft myself, but have done overall stippling on a high loft baby quilt too.

You can do the same type of quilting on poly that is done on cotton or cotton blend. Poly batting is especially good for children's quilts that must be washed often. Happy quilting, Natalie.

I use 99% poly and I do anything I want with it, FMQ, SITD, you name it. Never had a problem

I've yet to make a quilt using anything else - I've done some FMQ using a domestic machine, but mostly I quilt with my HQ longarm, both FMQ and robotics.

Even with reading on this board for several years, I'm not sure when cotton batting would be a better choice.

I mostly use Quilters Dream poly Select, and Hobbs 80/20. The weight is about the same on both and one of the difference is that Hobbs shrinks a little after washing and poly does not.
I people request Hobbs then I use it otherwise I will use Poly..love it.

cool, thanks everyone!

when I use poly I always use a lower loft--even though I sometimes double that. Poly is good for quilts that will get washed often, need some puffiness to hi-light the quilting,or a quilt that you plan to fold or mail as the poly does not hold onto the fold creases as much as cotton--so a show quilt may have poly. What I don't like about poly is it doesn't breath and holds in the the moisture . What type of quilting is limited by your skill level--if you haven't done a lot of FMQ then I'd definitely suggest you use low loft as less chance of puckers.

Since I usually make kids quilts or living room throws poly batting is my regular batting. I used cotton for one baby quilt when the person I was making it for was adamant organic type materials. Since I was hand quilting, it was a bear. Someday I plan to try wool batting but that will be one I make for us.

I have to admit I love the "cuddliness" (is that a word?) the poly gives to a quilt. (plus is more affordable). So a win-win for me. I just see all the beautiful quilting done on "flatter" type batting and was wondering how to translate that to a fluffier batting (with my rudimentary skills!). :)

I do the same quilting on polyester batting as I do with cotton or wool. I don't tend to purchase high loft battings, when I have used tend to do a large, sweeping, open design.

Poly is more loftier than cotton, but you can get low loft poly, that may be what you need.

Poly comes in different weights and two poly bats in the same weight may have different feel to it. At my local fabric store, you can get a 5oz poly bat that is stiff, or on that is soft and nice. Probably people use the stiff kind for other things besides quilts. If you go to a quilt store, they, thankfully, only carry bats that are suitable for quilting.

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*** I use it for economy also & straight line quilt or shadow images.
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I am 75 percent done with a crib size quilt using poly and I do regular FMQ same as I do 80/20. It is loftier but still moves fine under the needle, especially on a supreme slider.

You are not limited. But, until you get a bit more comfortable, I suggest you continue with straight line quilting (not just STID but diagonals, cross hatching, etc) using a walking foot. When you feel more confident, then try some free motion quilting on small samples. I often start students on small pieces that they can make into placemats if they are happy with the result or discard without guilt if they are unhappy. Biggest thing - is to have fun! Don't push yourself and end up frustrated.

I mostly quilt with polyeaster batting, I do FMQ and straight stitch. I use high loft and I love it.

This is an interesting topic. I recently got some 60/40. The loft is low and I just love it. My only problem is that I can't remember where I got it. I want some more to use instead of the warm and natural. Anyone here know where I can get some more?

I like to use the one they sell with the interfacings, and have used that in over 95% of my quilts. It's gone up in price in the past few years. I can get intricate or quilt it 6=7" apart.

i've used it for almost every quilt i ever made, both by hand and fmq on domestic machine, as well as midarm on frame. It gives a nice high texture to the quilt. If machine quilting, don't quilt too densely, as this will result in a stiff quilt. Stitched by hand, they make the softest warmest bedquilts. the one hanging behind my photo is hand quilted polyester batting with flannel on back, made for a neigbour with ALS.

I actually prefer poly for my quilts in the northeast. They are warm in the winter, easy to hand quilt and don't wrinkle when stored. Also, comfortable on my wallet. I love Hobbs Poly Down. Have quilts that are more than 20 years old that have this batting and have held up well through much use and frequent washing. I purchase mine through Connecting Threads when they have their 30% off sales a couple times of year. They are wonderfully warm without feeling heavy.