What to use as extra batting?
 

I am working on a large quilt that will have 4 Carolina Lily blocks as corners. The quilt will have wool batting, which I have never used before. I would like for some of the applique areas to be highlighted in some way- something that brings just a bit more attention to them.

I am experimenting with adding extra batting behind just the lilies in the blocks. I have temporarily glued one layer of DreamPoly mid-loft batting behind the lily that is in the middle, which can be seen in the block below. However, I don't think it makes any visible difference.

Of course, the block is not even in a quilt sandwich yet. Do you think it would show up better when everything is put together and quilted? Can anyone please share what you have done on your own quilts? Thanks so much for your help!

(Sorry the picture uploaded on the wrong side. I don't know how to fix it here).

You have not said what kind of quilting will be done. Have you done any research into Trapunto quilting? I think that is what you are aiming for. And the picture was right side up when I clicked on the thumbnail. Pretty block.

Trapunto was my first thought. Trapunto will definitely give enough padding to highlight certain areas. It has the advantage of it being easy to put the padding behind only the areas you want to highlight.

I was thinking trapunto as well.

Another thought ... density of quilting can do it for you too. Densely quilt the area that you want flatter, then do very little quilting where you want the puff. Although for me, I'd hate to lose the puff and fluff the wool batting provides by doing dense quilting.

Thanks for your help! Since I am using wool as the general batting, do you think it would be too much of a good thing to use wool as the trapunto "extra" batting, too? I want the lilies to be subtly accented, but not in-you-face elevated. On the other hand, it might take a lofty trapunto batting to show up against the general lofty wool batting??

Thanks again!

How would do trapunto on a pieced block?

I sort of understand how its done on an appliqued block. I think its slit the back, stuff, and stitch the back together again?

Good question, Bear. You'd probably have to put another layer of fabric on the back.

Have you checked out any info on the internet, this gives a basic run down as to the order and easy directions.
https://dianeloomisquilts.wordpress.com/tutorial/

I was looking to add a little dimension to the red "petals" of the 3 lilies. Thanks!

I would most likely add another layer of white fabric. This would also help with the beige of the wool batting from show through the white sections. Thanks for your reply!