To wash batting or not.... will it shrink with washing? If so, does it shrink very much? Thank you.

Read the package directions. They vary.

In general, cotton will shrink, but how much depends on the batting (whether 100% cotton or not) and how you wash it. Poly doesn't shrink.

You don't _wash_ batting. You pre-shrink it. Never agitate batting. Some shrink more than others. Read the label. You just get a crinkly quilt if it does shrink some.

I didn't mean to agitate... just rinse it out in warm water... will ask at the shops tomorrow when they open... not sure what it is called... thanks everyone...

why would you want to wash your batting before finishing your quilt?

the package will tell you how- if it is something that you should do-
the only time i can think of i would even consider it was if i went to a woolery and purchased a raw-wool batt and it needed to be washed- any commercial batt i would never consider washing before my quilt was quilted and bound
but the packaging tells you a wealth of information- and i'm sure different batts have their own instructions/recommendations where pre-washing is concerned.

ROFL! since my husband does all the laundry.. i would be in big trouble if i tossed batting in the mix!

no, i have never washed batting. use W & N 90% of the time.
never had a problem!

I have washed W&N, loosely following directions on the package. I say loosely because I did wash in the washing machine, I did let it agitate very briefly on gentle cycle, and I let it spin dry before putting it in the dryer. I did it because for one particular quilt I did not want any shrinkage of the batt after I did the quilting. (And at this point I can't even remember which quilt I did this for!)

I HAD to wash batting that I sprayed with Dritz (supposedly worked to help sandwich a quilt), it was like gum but after 2 washings it came out and did NOT shrink, it is the warm and natural brand

If you use hot water and dry on high heat it is supposed to shrink about 3%.