I am just looking at the pictures-the one with all the little brown flecks, which feels less smooth, is the side that goes up, and that's what it says on the picture. The W&N site says the same so I'll just remember the flecks touch my quilt top (maybe I'll write that down in my machine's manual). To me the cleaner side is smoother but maybe to others the cleaner side feels bumpy.

I tried Hobbs and hated it. When I smoothed it out, it got all stretched and wonky. I finally finished the one I had on hand-I used it for smaller projects and thought I'd never get rid of it.

this is what it says on warm and natural web site ›" Is there a top and bottom side to Warm & Natural?
If you hold your Warm & Natural batting up to the light, you’ll notice that one side has flecks in it, natural leaf and stem remnants from the cotton plant. The other side does not. The side with the flecks should face your quilt top. The reverse side (without flecks) will go towards your quilt backing. (If you do not like the look of the cotton remnants showing through your quilt, I suggest our product Warm & White which uses bleached cotton.) This is not required, however it does make it easier to sew through scrim"

Thanks for the great info.

This is the email that I received today. I hope it helps as I never knew...

Hi Kirsten – thanks for your email and for the link. It’s funny because I’ve been here and quilting for more than 20 years and the only problem I’ve had is when the bobbin thread and top thread don’t match. This looks like bearding but it’s really not. The Amish ladies I know always say to put the scrim side down because they use a black backing fabric and this prevents any bearding or fiber migration. The majority of long arm quilters agree with this as did the person in your thread who posted the pictures. We’ve put this information on the FAQ page here: https://warmweb.warmcompany.com/warm-faq.asp

Regarding the comment about 2nd quality sold to JoAnn Stores – this I can tell you is not true. Warm & Natural is the same quality everywhere. I can also tell you if anyone ever has a problem with any Warm product, they can return it directly to us for a full refund (we’ll pay the shipping to get the unused product back, we use it for training) or we will ship a replacement - no questions asked. Thanks again for your email. We appreciate the opportunity to better our products and service to you. Please let me know if I may be of any further assistance.

Warm regards,

Dawn Pereira

VP, Sales & Marketing

I'm a fan of Warm and Natural. Thanks for the info. I never knew about "bump is up".

Wow I have made at least 70 quilts using warm and natural. Most of them I have quilted myself, either by hand or my domestic sewing machine. Seriously, I have never had this problem. In fact I didn't even know it was a problem? But thanks for the information. I will keep my batting "Bumps Up", just in case!

Thank you, ScubaK, for contacting The Warm and Natural company for the last word on their batting. I will copy this letter and give it to the quilter that did my friend's quilt. I'll bet she has never heard about the right and wrong side of the batting either.

I would also like to thank everyone else that added information to this thread. This is truly an amazing, supportive group, that is always so helpful and creative. Without you all, the batting mystery would never have been solved. I am very greatful.
Many Blessings to you all.
Mary Ann

I've never had an issue with W&N/W. But I hand quilt so that may be why no issues. But, just for kicks when I sandwiched my latest quilt earlier today, I did put the bumps up. We'll see.

I always use w&n for my quilts and my mantra is eyes ( brown flecks) up!!!!!! Meaning facing the back of the quilt top.....