Pros and Cons of Using Two Layers of Batting
11-15-2019, 02:44 PM
#41
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: Maine
Posts: 1,274
I took a long arm class this summer at our state show. The teacher was explaining that some people use two layers of batting for quilts that will be in a show, usually wool with a cotton, and with the batting closest to the backing it is usually turned a quarter turn. She explains this helps to provide the stiffness for them to hang for the show, hang straight and not have any waves in it. And as mentioned in this thread, to enhance your stitch appearance. She also explained the added weight as well as the stiffness and did not recommend it for a bed quilt, simply because of the drape, or lack of actually.
11-15-2019, 06:37 PM
#42
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: kansas
Posts: 6,407
On the long arm I will use 2 layers (80/20 on bottom, wool on top or a med. poly on top) to get more definition with my quilting. Especially like it when quilting an applique or embroidered quilt, gives that faux trapunto. On a very large quilt it will make it pretty heavy. I did use 2 layers of med poly on a wall hanging that I did for a show and it worked very well too--wanted poly as it doesn't hold onto creases as much as wool or cotton.
11-15-2019, 07:33 PM
#43
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,512
I know this is an old thread, but I am going to try....
I have a LA and have used two layers of batting before. As others say, it makes the quilting stand out but does make it a heavier quilt with less "drapability." The quilt that I used two layers of batting on was made of flannel and backed with flannel. I put the cotton batting on the bottom and the wool batting on the top. It was for my husband who loved the warmth. He now wants THREE layers of batting for a quilt I am making him -- cotton, wool, cotton. He wants it for the warmth to use at his hunting camp in the winter. Has anyone ever tried three layers? I am sure I will have to play around with the tension some but I am concerned that the quilt will seem like a huge potholder with very little draping and may ultimately not even keep him warm! This quilt is make out of traditional quilting cotton. I fully intend to try quilting a little sample first but that won't give me the real picture of the "drapability" of the quilt -- finished size should be about 72x89 inches. It is a really nice quilt and I hate to ruin it!
Thanks so much for any insight that any of you have.
I have a LA and have used two layers of batting before. As others say, it makes the quilting stand out but does make it a heavier quilt with less "drapability." The quilt that I used two layers of batting on was made of flannel and backed with flannel. I put the cotton batting on the bottom and the wool batting on the top. It was for my husband who loved the warmth. He now wants THREE layers of batting for a quilt I am making him -- cotton, wool, cotton. He wants it for the warmth to use at his hunting camp in the winter. Has anyone ever tried three layers? I am sure I will have to play around with the tension some but I am concerned that the quilt will seem like a huge potholder with very little draping and may ultimately not even keep him warm! This quilt is make out of traditional quilting cotton. I fully intend to try quilting a little sample first but that won't give me the real picture of the "drapability" of the quilt -- finished size should be about 72x89 inches. It is a really nice quilt and I hate to ruin it!
Thanks so much for any insight that any of you have.
11-18-2019, 03:06 PM
#45
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
Rather than 3 layers of batting I highly recommend you check your local Army Navy store or thrift store (salvation army or goodwill) and seek out a wool army blanket. Use that as one layer and wool or Hobbs polydown or quilters dream dream puff over that. Don't quilt it too densely so you get loads of air pockets. Most pantos e2e designs will be fine for that. I guarantee you it will be super warm and heavy. Prewash the wool army blanket so you get any shrinkage out of the way and know it is ok to machine launder and dry in the future. Also pick a pattern with lots of seams like log cabin or Pineapple made with 1 1/2 strips or smaller. All those extra seam allowances will also add to weight and warmth and if you really want to go over the top back it in a high quality flannel like moda double sided flannel or minky type fleece.
11-18-2019, 03:08 PM
#46
Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 9
clkonch: I don't have any experience to answer you but I wonder if it would tuck in around his shoulder with 3 layers. Wool breathes. What about 2 layers of wool? I am glad you reactivated this thread because I know when I finish my flimsy for our bed that I need more than just a layer of cotton and don't quite know what to do to keep us warm enough.
06-08-2020, 10:12 AM
#49
Member
Join Date: Jun 2020
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 1
Double Dream Wool Batting?
So glad I found this thread! Am considering a very simple queen size primative-type block quilt for our hunting cabin, using double layer of Dream Wool; and tying it (4-6-inches apart) to get puffiness and max warmth. Any thoughts on pros and cons of this plan? Thank you for your thoughtful responses.
06-09-2020, 06:29 AM
#50
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Carroll, Iowa
Posts: 3,426
I bought a bolt of Hobbs 80/20 and found it to be thin in some places and not in others so have no other choice but to double it up to get rid of it faster. Tried to quilt using 1 layer and had all sorts of tension issues. Finally gave up and called my Innova repair guy to come give her a "spa treatment" as at the time I thought it was the machine. He told me then that using 2 layers of batting sometimes will solve the tension issues. Plus once you've washed the quilt it also will help with the bobbin thread showing on the top and vice versa. Haven't tried it yet but will soon. Can't get rid of this Hobbs bolt fast enough. May have gotten a bad bolt as some folks swear by Hobbs 80/20. This was my 1st.............and last time ordering it. Will go back to my Quilter's Dream 80/20 or 70/30, can't remember which size offers 120 x 30yds.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
