batting
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,104
When you make baby quilts, do you use cotton batting or the polyester that is flame retardent? I am just starting to use cotton batting and haven't use but only one kind so far. When I first started I was using the poly. and found some that said it was flame retardent.
#2
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
I strongly prefer all-cotton batting.
The problem with cotton flammability comes mostly with clothing. Loose cotton clothing will go up in flames very quickly because air can get to it from all sides (think cotton nightgown). Cotton clothing is not a flammability problem if it is close-fitting, as in long-johns. A quilt will not burn unduly quickly because the cotton batting is thick.
Polyester is not without its problems. The fumes given off by burning polyester are not good. Also, polyester melts and can cause deep burns if it melts onto skin.
The problem with cotton flammability comes mostly with clothing. Loose cotton clothing will go up in flames very quickly because air can get to it from all sides (think cotton nightgown). Cotton clothing is not a flammability problem if it is close-fitting, as in long-johns. A quilt will not burn unduly quickly because the cotton batting is thick.
Polyester is not without its problems. The fumes given off by burning polyester are not good. Also, polyester melts and can cause deep burns if it melts onto skin.
#5
the "pros" for poly are price, it doesn't shrink, and it's easier to use when hand quilting. the "con" is that it's much more slippery than cotton, so i've always found i needed to pin and/or stitch-baste a lot more if i don't want puckers on the front and back when machine quilting.
the "pros" for cotton are that it grabs the front and back fabrics more, so it's easier to baste and machine quilt with fewer puckers. (someday i'll be able to say "no puckers". :lol: ) also, if you're looking for a flat look after quilting, cotton is the way to go. the "cons" are price, price, price, and the fact that you don't always get what you pay for when you fork out that price.
i've never understood all the angst and panic over fumes and flammability. if a fire has reached the bed, you already have plenty to worry about and not much time to get the heck outta there, anyway. :?
everybody has a favorite brand, regardless of content. experiment with the different types and brands that fit into your budget. when you find your favorite, you won't want to use anything else no matter what anybody else says. :wink:
the "pros" for cotton are that it grabs the front and back fabrics more, so it's easier to baste and machine quilt with fewer puckers. (someday i'll be able to say "no puckers". :lol: ) also, if you're looking for a flat look after quilting, cotton is the way to go. the "cons" are price, price, price, and the fact that you don't always get what you pay for when you fork out that price.
i've never understood all the angst and panic over fumes and flammability. if a fire has reached the bed, you already have plenty to worry about and not much time to get the heck outta there, anyway. :?
everybody has a favorite brand, regardless of content. experiment with the different types and brands that fit into your budget. when you find your favorite, you won't want to use anything else no matter what anybody else says. :wink:
#6
if a fire has reached the bed, you already have plenty to worry about and not much time to get the heck outta there, anyway.
K x
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 18,726
I don't pay alot of attention to the flammability warnings on the batting. I use what I prefer...100% cotton. I'm like the others...if the fire has reached the bed with the kid in it...well, lets just say there are many more larger problems than the batting inside the quilt :? :shock:
#8
I just finished a baby quilt. I am a beginner so didn't really know what was best. The lady that taught my quilting class told me to use 100% cotton....Warm and Natural.. so that's what I did.
I found it very easy to work with.
I found it very easy to work with.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Links and Resources
5
05-20-2011 12:08 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
04-30-2011 12:34 AM