I have found many different types of batting in the store. How do I know which type is best for my quilting project?

Batting comes in a variety of materials, including 100% cotton, 100% polyester, a combination of both, wool, and silk. Wool and silk are extremely expensive and are not often used in average quilting projects. If you are machine quilting, then 100% cotton is a good option. For hand quilting, I recommend a 20% polyester and 80% cotton blend with a thin layer of polyester on each side. This helps prevent the batting from separating in the wash and the fibers from jumping through small holes in the fabric once the quilt is complete.

I’m using cotton batting, but I’m worried it will shrink when I wash the quilt. Can cotton wadding be prewashed?

Yes. Both cotton and wool batting will shrink at least 3 inches, so pre-washing is a good idea. Fill your top-loading washer with water (no soap), then turn it off and push the batting down into the water until it’s completely submerged and let it sit for about 15 minutes. After the time has passed, set your machine to spin and drain. DO NOT SHAKE! When the tub is drained, dry the batting in your dryer using the Permanent Press setting.

My neighbor gave me some batting that she’s been saving for years, and when I pulled it out of the bag, it had crease lines all over it. How can I remove those?

Just toss the crinkled batting in the dryer on the air fluff for about ten minutes. This works with any type of batting.

What does it mean to put together a quilt?

A quilt is made up of three basic layers, the backing, which is usually a solid sheet of fabric, the batting, which is placed in the center, and the top, which is the front of the finished quilt. The top can be formed in many different ways. It can be as simple as a single sheet of fabric or made from various forms of patterns of material sewn together. It can also be a combination of square blocks that have been individually embroidered or applied.

Gathering a quilt is the process of cutting and sewing various shapes of fabric into a pattern or design. All seams are on the back and the finished top is approximately the size of the finished quilt.

I’m making a king size quilt, but I can’t find a piece of fabric wide enough for the backing, and I don’t want the seam to run down the middle. What I can do?

You can purchase wide quilt backing fabric, 108″ to 118″, large enough to back a king-size quilt without joining. Check with your local fabric store or search for ‘Broad Quilt Backing Fabric’ online.

I’m not sure how big my comforter needs to be to fit my queen size bed. Any ideas?

If you have access to the bed your comforter will be used for, measure the length and width, and don’t forget the depth. New mattresses, many with pillow protectors, are much thicker than the mattresses they used to be. The following is a list of standard sizes to get you started.

cradle

35″ x 55″

bed for child

45″ x 60″

Twin Quilt/ Bedspread

67″ x 90″ / 81″ x 107″

Double duvet/ bedspread

80″x90″ / 96″x107″

Queen Comfort/ Quilt

85″ x 95″ / 102″ x 112″

King Quilt/ Bedspread

105″ x 95″ / 120″ x 112″

And while we’re at it, here are some sizing ideas for some other common quilting projects:

baby quilt

35″ x 35″

lap top quilt

40″ x 65″

square card table topper

36″ x 36″ (placed diagonally across the table)

Dining table for six

15″ x 50″

Dining table for eight

15″ x 75″