Quilter's cotton is ideal for quilts as it is heavy enough that you will not be able to see the quilt filling, and it is stable, so it won't easily stretch or warp while cutting and sewing. It should be made using high-quality fibers that are tightly woven together following a plain cloth weave.
Silk is a luxurious fabric that's often used in quilting because it's extremely soft and smooth. It's also easy to find in a variety of colors.
Many of the best quilts are lightweight and made from flexible materials, like cotton or linen, allowing them to drape nicely over the bed. Because they're thinner than duvets and comforters, you can also layer them over other blankets to regulate your temperature on chilly nights.
Renowned for their breathability, cotton-filled quilts are the ideal choice for summer - or anyone who finds themselves regularly kicking off their quilt in the middle of the night. With excellent moisture-wicking properties, a cotton quilt can absorb a lot before you'll begin to feel damp.
Cotton is a soft, breathable, and natural fiber—and it is likely the first thing you think of when you think of quilt batting. It is machine washable and dryable, so that makes it convenient to use, especially for kids and quilts that will get a lot of use.
That's because the fabric and fill used in quilts tends to feel heavier than the thinner fabric and fluffy filling used in most comforters. But even though a quilt feels heavier in your arms, comforters still win for overall thickness and warmth.
What is the Lightest Weight Batting for Quilts? Bamboo is considered the lightest-weight quilt batting available. Its lightweight properties make it great for keeping cool and it has a beautiful drape, too! However, bamboo batting can get quite expensive.
Natural fillings provide superior insulation and are more breathable than synthetic materials. Down and feather fillings are the most popular natural duvet fillings. Goose down is a preferable duvet filling to duck down or feather as the larger down clusters trap more air so they are warmer and softer.
Feather and Down Quilts
Down has the best thermal properties of any natural fibre, and is very light and fluffy, so you get the warmth without the weight. Feather and down quilts are very soft, light and fluffy, so look wonderful on the bed, if you're into interior design and decoration.
One of the easiest quilts for a beginner to make is a simple patchwork quilt. A square patchwork quilt is made from fabric squares that are sewn together in a simple grid pattern. You can cut squares from your own fabrics, or start with a precut fabric bundle called a “charm pack” or “layer cake”.
Down is often mixed with feathers in a quilt - the more down there is, the softer, lighter and warmer your quilt or doona will be.
Quilts are expensive because of the labor required to make them. Quilts require pieces of fabric to be evenly cut and sewn together to get the basic shape of a blanket. Then that piece must be sewn together with batting, backing, and binding to create a finished blanket.
Linen and cotton are both ideal fabrics for sleeping in the heat. They are woven from natural fibers (cotton is cotton, while linen is woven from the flax plant) that breathe remarkably well, which is key for staying cool.
The three most common types of quilt batting are Polyester, 100% Cotton, and Cotton/Poly Blend and each has its own pros and cons.
Want to really make your quilt extra soft? Skip regular quilting cotton and go for a special backing fabric instead. Think something that already feels cuddly - flannel, minky/cuddle, fleece, etc. One of my customers skips batting entirely and uses a thick, plush fleece for her quilt backings.
Never use fabric softener!
Repeated drying definitely alters the quality of the quilt. You will lose some of the color and the hand of the fabric will get a bit rougher.
"Traditionally, quilts are flatter and often have a more condensed filling, whereas comforters are loftier," Spampanato explains. Quilts are lighter-weight and more comparable to blankets, with a thin layer of fill inside. Elks describes a quilt as more of a decorative piece rather than a basic bedding necessity.
It's Flat & Lumpy & Won't Plump It Up
The filling has collapsed. After a period of time any filling, whether it's polyester hollowfibre, feather & down or white goose down, will lose its springiness. This is when you need a replacement.
Loading the Double Layer of Batting
I've noticed that many award winning quilters use two layers of batting to add more emphasis to the quilting line, so after making a sample, I decided to try the double batt. I chose wool batting for it's amazing loft and 80/20 cotton/poly for stability.
Polyester doesn't shrink, so if you're trying to avoid crinkling or puckering, polyester is a great choice. Another benefit of polyester (and blends) is that it tends not to show fold lines as much as cotton. However, polyester doesn't have the same drape or soft feel as other types of batting, and may not be as warm.