I have used all kinds of batting and wadding. However, my preferred choice is 40/60 polywool batting such as Matilda’s Own and Minijumbuk Nu Wool wadding. I use it in both bed quilts and textile art whether I am hand stitching or machine quilting. The qualities I appreciate include:
- it is pre-shrunk with little residual shrinkage;
- it is machine washable – an absolute must for baby quilts!
- it is non-allergenic;
- it has great loft but compresses beautifully with intense stitching;
- creases and folds drop out – especially important for works that get squished on tour or in storage;
- it is readily available at my local quilt shop;
- it is Australian-made thus supporting the rural economy; and
- there is little wastage as offcuts can be butted together and joined with a wide zig-zag stitch.
I keep a bag of offcuts. By consistently using the same kind of batting, all the offcuts can be stored together:
Periodically, I have a joining session. The join is imperceptible when quilted:
And now I am quilting. Come back later!
Ms Lottie says
It’s always good to hear other’s opinions on batting. I’m not entirely happy with the cotton batting I’m using at the moment, but living rurally as I do, finding alternatives is a little tricky. And I’m loathe to buy a whole bolt online (the most economical way of purchasing) if I haven’t tried a sample first. Might have to see if I can find some poly/wool.
Brenda Gael Smith says
I hope you can find some poly/wool in New Zealand. There are plenty of sheep! Maybe Spotlight in Whangarei if you are ever passing through?