Batting for Machine Quilting
by Evelyn Hilgendorf
I am a beginning quilter. I do not like hand quilting at all as it seems to be very difficult for me to get small enough stitches. So I would rather machine quilt. I have been using Warm & Natural batting for the few quilts I have made. Now I am making a crib quilt and want to know if using a polyester/cotton batting will be easier to machine quilt than the cotton batting is. I am using all cotton material with all purpose thread. Thanks! I have learned so much from your site. Keep up the wonderful information. ANSWER You could use a low-loft cotton or a low-loft cotton/polyester batting. Low-loft (thin) batting is easier to quilt because the needle has less bulk to penetrate. It's a matter of personal choice as to which batting you prefer. Both have advantages and disadvantages, which I discuss in my batting chapter. You said you're making a crib quilt. I can only assume it's intended for a baby or small child. That being the case, I must warn you that polyester melts when it's exposed to high heat. For that reason, it's not a good idea to use it in juvenile quilts. It's much safer to use 100% cotton batting. |
