Why You Should Use Polyester Batting In Your Quilts
For a few decades now, low-loft natural fiber batting has been the go-to for almost every serious quilter. In fact, it seems like anyone who used a polyester batting was deemed cheap, inexperienced, or behind the times. You would only see high loft poly batting in old books and magazines from the 80’s and 90’s. But, as is the case, things have come back around, and I am seeing high loft polyester batting being used in quilts again. In this post, I’d like to share some thoughts on Polyester batting, high-loft batting, and why you might want to try it in your next quilt.
Softer, Fluffier Quilts!
Use high loft batting when you want a soft and pillowy finish. Stitches should be no less than 1″-2″ apart. High loft batting is lighter, with less drape than cotton or wool batting. If stitching is dense, it may result in a stiff quilt. Simple geometric patterns, or stitching in the ditch, are best. Think of a soft and light comforter with large squares stitched on the fabric.
Consider using two layers of batting. You could use one layer of a thinner cotton batting, along with a layer of poly batting. Or, you could use two layers of a poly batting like Sharon Holland did in her Prairie Sundrop Quilt. This quilt is a great example of a simple stitch in the ditch quilting pattern that lends to the soft and puffy look of the doubled-up Hobbs Poly-Down batting.
Image Credit: Prairie Sundrop Quilt by Sharon Holland. Purchase The Pattern HERE.
Save Money – Poly Batting Is Inexpensive
Polyester batting is often much cheaper than cotton or wool batting, making it a great choice for those on a budget. For example, the regular price of Hobbs Heirloom Cotton Batting is $25.95 vs. 17.95 for Hobbs Poly-Down Batting. With today’s inflation, and fabric prices going up and up by the minute, quilters are starting to cut back and get creative. Also, if you sew many quilts throughout the year, the price of batting can really add up.
Since straight lines, and more open space works best for quilting with poly, you could even manage quilting it on your domestic sewing machine, rather than sending it to the longarmer. Sharon Holland did this for her Prairie Sundrop Quilt pictured above. And if you do pay to have it done on a longarm, you may even save on the price, as many longarmers won’t charge as much for simpler designs.
Polyester Batting Is Great for Kids
Many quilters love to make baby quilts or quilts for children. If asked, most kids prefer soft and fluffy things that they can cuddle up with. Kids don’t necessarily want an heirloom quilt with cotton batting and fancy quilting. They want a practical blanket that is warm, durable, and comfortable. Poly batting is soft and light, making it easy for little ones to carry around, build forts with, and pack for trips. It is also very easy to wash and care for!
High-Loft Polyester Batting Is On-Trend
Yes, I know you may not want to admit to following the trends. It might even feel sacrilegious to use a manmade fiber in a cotton quilt. I definitely understand that, and it was my initial reaction. But it really does look fun to use a batting with so much puff. and I can imagine how delighted my nieces and nephews would be to receive something so warm and comfortable. If you are a quilt pattern designer, maybe even consider this option for one of your samples. I think with the uncertainty in politics, culture, and the economy, people are looking for that old-fashioned comfort of a soft and lofty quilt to wrap up in. It sure does sound nice to me.
Popular Polyester Battings To Try
- Hobbs Poly-Down
- Quilter’s Dream Poly
- Quilter’s Dream Puff
- Mountain Mist Buffalo Batt Polyester Batting
- The Warm Company Soft & Bright
