rvsfan

I am making a baby blanket with flannel top with flannel appliques and flannel backing. I want it to be soft, but not as soft as a receiving blanket. I have only used Warm and Natural and that is too heavy for what I want. What do you suggest for batting that will give me a soft blanket? I considered flannel batting but afraid that would be receiving blanket weight. Need help please.

Tartan

Two layers of flannel may be heavy enough but if not you might look for a thin polyester.

Jeanne S

I like polyester batting for soft baby quilts, and it hold up well to lots of washings and drying.

bakermom

You could add a third layer of flannel.

bkay

I would not do polyester. It doesn't breathe, so it can be really hot. There are some really thin cotton battings, but I have no experience with them. Saw them on Craftsy yesterday while doing the free class marathon. Maybe an extra layer of flannel?

bkay

QuiltE

Perhaps we need to know what your definition of a "soft" blanket might mean.
Soft and easy to wrap around a child like a receiving blanket?
Soft as in drapes well?
Soft as in not stiff? lots of flex?
Soft as in a no weight feel to it? light as a feather?
Soft as in poofy and squishy? with lots of loft?

Depending on your answers, that would skewer what might meet your definition.
Not just the batting could affect it being "soft", also the quilting.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think of a receiving blanket as simply one layer of flannelette.
You have already planned two layers.
Plus the thickness of the appliques, would create three layers in those spots.

What about using flannelette as your batting?
(or even two layers for batting)
One of my favourite cuddly adult quilts is a traditionally pieced cotton top and bottom with flannelette for the batting. It has a nice drape and hand, and year round, I just love the feel of it against me.

Jingle

I would use polyester batting. It is my favorite batting for quilts.

NJ Quilter

I would stick with a natural fiber - cotton; wool; silk. Silk is really pricey and unless this is to an 'heirloom' quilt not sure that I would spend the $$ for that. I, too, use W&N exclusively (I bought a roll!) so I understand the 'stiffness' to which you refer. I've not used it but my quilty friend uses Quilter's Dream 100% cotton and it has a great drape to it and very soft. If you have somewhere local that carries that could you possibly go fondle and see if that would work for you? Otherwise I would probably go with wool or the extra layer of flannel/flannette that others have suggested.

Quilt30

I would use Dream Request, or if wanted lighter weight, then Hobbs Thermore.

Prism99

Mountain Mist Cream Rose is a very nice, soft batting good for baby quilts, and it is normally available at Joann Fabrics.