wool and silk batting
 

I have been wondering about these 2 types of batting, What are the benefits or draw backs about these. I know cost, but what else? I stay too hot with a quilt if there is any poly in the batting.

I have used both and really like them. I made a quilt for a son and daughter -in-law with silk batting. It was easy to work with, washed well, draped nicely and they use it all year around. I am going to put wool in a quilt for our bed that is in progress. I have heard good things about using it so I wanted to give it a try.

I've been wondering how to use my Q sz silk batting I got from estate (for pennies!)..felt it is so special I should do a special quilt for me. Usually my quilts are for charity, but this would not be. Perhaps something for son, my only child. But would I use simple cotton fabrics?

I know a lot of people use silk in quilted clothing because of the wonderful drape. Silk is much lower loft than wool so the quilting would not have as much definition as wool. Both are just dreamy to work with.

I have not used silk batting yet, but have used 100% wool, and it's my favorite. It's warm in the winter, lightweight on your feet/toes, and actually light and not too hot when the weather starts to warm up. An added benefit is that it makes your quilting stitches look great!

I am a big fan of wool now too. I have not tried silk and don't believe I will. But one of the websites had a big sale on the wool batting and so I ordered 2. (Because if 1 is good the 2 is better, right?) I love the quilt for the same reason JustAbitCrazy states.

I used silk in a quilted vest for my son--wonderful drape. I would agree with Feline that it doesn't give you the loft or quilting definition that wool does. I use wool often, usually as the top bat when I double bat to get super definition of quilting. Wool is wonderful! It needles so nicely, it's breathable so you don't sweat under it, lightweight, washable, etc. Wish I could afford to use it all the time but...
I haven't quilted it yet (cause it was expensive compared to 80/20 or even all cotton) but Hobbs as a cotton that is needle punched, no resin or scrim called Premiere that is so soft and lush--can't wait!

I love wool batting, my summer quilt has wool batting, it is wonderful to work with, lightweight, lofty, breaths, is cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Silk is also very nice to work with. I’ve only used it once ( just because I love the wool so much)

I have made a couple of quilts with wool batting and really like the way it turns out. Never have used silk batting.

I bought a roll of Pellon wool batting because it was on sale and I wanted to try wool. I agree with what others said-- it's lighter weight than cotton, and it's warmer than cotton. The first time I washed the first quilt I made, the wool 'bearded out' through the 100% cotton pieced front, and the 100% cotton backing. It did not come out through the needle holes from the quilting, or the seams from the piecing, but rather just everywhere. Every time I wash and dry it, it has pills of wool on it. It gets thinner and thinner every time. I made another quilt, and wondered if pre-washing the fabric would help to keep the wool batting inside, but the same thing happened. I gave away the rest of the roll of batting in disgust. It might make a warm pet bed made with corduroy or fleece on the outside? If I use wool again, it won't be the Pellon brand.

givio, try a wool batt made by Quilter's Dream, it's what I use. (I know this wasn't your problem, but a good general rule: Always make sure your needle is sharp when you do the quilting, with any kind of batt.)

JustAbitCrazy, Thanks for the tip! I figured that, or Hobbs next. :-)

I have used Quilter's Dream wool batting in two quilts. The top and back of the first quilt was made with quilting cotton and there is some bearding overall through the cotton after washing. The top and back of the second quilt was made with Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton which is a much tighter weave than quilting cotton and there is no bearding on the Liberty quilt. The wool batting is so luxurious that I am going to try it in the quilt I am currently working on which is both quilting cotton and Liberty of London Tana Lawn cotton.

I love wool batting. My summer quilt has a wool batting. It is wonderful to work with, lightweight yet lofty and breaths. Cool in summer, warm in winter. Showcases quilting beautifully. I’ve not tried the silk batting but I would guess it too would be wonderful to work with and have all the benefits of a natural fiber.

I am leery of wool batting now because it bearded through the fabric of the quilt top, and that quilt will now have an itchy feel. I will put a hanging sleeve on it and suggest it be hung. This happened only with the darker fabrics; it was Quilter's Dream wool. I plan to try Hobb's wool batting, but not with dark colors.

The only silk batting I know of is Hobb's Tuscany silk, which does have a small amount of poly. This batting does drape beautifully, but as mentioned above, there isn't much definition with the quilting.

I'm a big fan of the Hobb's wool/cotton batting (I believe it is 20% wool, 80% cotton). It is wonderfully cushy and soft.