I have neglected to mention that for your quilt you will need a "crib size" (45"x60") batting. Packaged batting is on sale at JoAnn's for 40% off through April 24th -- only a few more days -- so I figured I'd better talk about batting now so you have a chance to hit the sale!Let's quickly talk about batting choices. Many people, when making their first quilt, imagine a super thick, fluffy blanket -- more like a comforter -- and end up purchasing the thickest, fluffiest batting they can find. Don't do it! You are looking for a low-loft (thin) batting -- 1/4" "loft height" or less. (You can find the loft height on the packaging.) If you try a super thick batting you will get yourself into trouble on the quilting -- it just isn't going to work!
**Let's talk fiber content**
Most quilters prefer a 100% cotton batting. There are also 100% polyester battings and 100% wool battings, and even 100% bamboo battings.
I have used cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blends in my quilts. I have not tried wool or bamboo -- I feel that wool would be way too warm, and bamboo is about twice the cost of the cotton and polyester battings.
My current preference? I like the cotton, but in a finished quilt I honestly prefer the texture and weight of an 80/20 cotton/polyester blend. JoAnns carries a brand I am happy with at a decent price -- and since it is at JoAnn's I can either get it on sale or use my 40% off mailer coupon. Score!
I have used cotton, polyester, and cotton/polyester blends in my quilts. I have not tried wool or bamboo -- I feel that wool would be way too warm, and bamboo is about twice the cost of the cotton and polyester battings.
My current preference? I like the cotton, but in a finished quilt I honestly prefer the texture and weight of an 80/20 cotton/polyester blend. JoAnns carries a brand I am happy with at a decent price -- and since it is at JoAnn's I can either get it on sale or use my 40% off mailer coupon. Score!
We won't need batting until a few more steps down the road, but now may be a good time to pick yours up!
Oh Yes! Definately go cotton! It feels so much nicer and is so much warmer!
ReplyDeleteI was actually researching this very thing in my Jo-Ann's sale papers this morning! Wanted to make sure I didn't miss a sale. Too funny!
ReplyDeleteOh POO!!! I was just there yesterday and didn't even think about batting. I went for some elastic thread and of course they didn't have any. We have the worst Jo-Ann's here. What is the batting you recommend so I will know what to look for.
ReplyDeleteI've got my squares all sewn and sorted--
waiting for the next step--YEAH!!!
I got my batting when you first said you were doing this. And I actually got the right size Yeah!
ReplyDeleteAnyone who is interested can check out my blog. I have posted pics of the material colors I am using. Very retro...Love it!
In making the quilt top, why is it, quilters only use 100% cotton? How come they never use polyester or a polyester/cotton blend as the quilt pieces?
ReplyDeleteUh, I wish we would have a Joanns overhere. DARN!
ReplyDelete