Wool Batting...Let's Talk...
 

I would like to use wool batting due to the loft and definition it gives to the quilting but I'm confused by the directions.

-Do you really have to hand wash it before you use it?
-can you Never machine wash the quilt?
-how far apart can you quilt it?
-some of them say a percentage of wool and polyester...is this normal and still considered what I'm after or do I want 100% wool?
My LQS has it 50% sale right now so if I'm going to take the plunge now is the time to do it.

Watson

I have used wool batting twice. I did not prewash it and I washed my quilt after I was finished and the batting was great. It is lighter and fluffier and was easy to hand quilt but I did not like that it slips and I had to be more careful about puckers. When I use cotton the cottons seem to cling together but with the wool the cotton top and batting could move. I pin when I sandwich and so maybe I am not careful enough. Anyway, no problems about washing. I do quilt pretty heavy so I don't know about how far apart.

Go by the directions on the package. There are different types of wool batting. Some are washable, some not.

I love wool batting, to me its worth the extra I pay for it. I never have pre-washed it and in my house, if it can't go in the washer it don't come through the door.

I have used it several times - wash and dry as normal (low dryer setting)

I'm curious about what brand you have, Watson, that says to prewash.

Wool does not shrink as much as cotton, so wool is the only batting I don't preshrink.

I don't think a blended wool batting would be considered the same as a 100% wool.

The packaging should indicate the minimum distance for quilting.

I've machine washed and dried wool batting quilts with no problem.

I do love wool batting but I find I get the same quilting definition and loft with Hobbs Polydown. Especially if I layer it over cotton or 80/20. It is a fraction of the cost. I save wool for the extra special projects.

I didn't prewash the batting. My quilt has such nice definition around the quilting as well as being light weight. After I finished quilting it, I machine washed it in cool water then dried on low for 30 minutes.

Or get the brand name and google it for details.

The brand of wool batting is very important. Hobbs Heirloom wool is the only one I would use. It does not require pre-washing and shrinks about the same amount as cotton batting. Quilting lines need to be 4" apart or less. Here is the website with information on this batting: http://www.hobbsbatting.com/products...washable-wool/

Quilter's Dream wool batting is also popular, although there was a long thread here some time ago about a bearding problem with it. (I can try to look up the thread if you are interested.)

Where are people finding wool and polyester batting? Is it 80/20? I have not seen one. Brand?