Jan in VA

I agree this would not have happened with Warm batting. But the two, Hobbs and Warm are processed differently and that makes the difference. I personally don't care for the warm products for my quilts because they are heavier than I like and don't drape as softly. I used Hobbs products for the first 25 years or so of my quilting life because i was living in Texas where Hobbs is located and they were very proactive in the state quilting circles. I still have Hobbs cotton battings on my shelf.
But I now prefer The Quilters Dream cottons and wool for the way they come out of the package more ready to use with fewer wrinkles and for their beautiful softness and drape. it doesn't hurt that they are made in Virginia where I now happen to live, LOL! But that is actually just a coincidence.

Jan in VA

SarahBethie

Since I've never used wool batting I'd appreciate your suggestions on brands and your experience. I'm specifically looking for natural products. No blends. I'm uncertain if that's the case for batting.

SarahBethie

Jan, thanks for the feedback on The Quilters Dream. I noticed that their products come in specific sizes. Have you found them to be adequate for the suggested project or is sizing up a necessity? I'm particularly interested in the wool and natural cotton products.

quiltingshorttimer

I long arm and purchase by the roll (although not always wool--rather pricey!). My fav is Hobbs wool--but again, price! I use it, often doubled with Hobbs 80/20 on the bottom, if the quilt is going to be heavily quilted and or a wall hanging. But mostly I use Hobbs 80/20 because I like the loft better than Warm & Natural and had used a Pellon (Legacy??) on charitable quilts that I found very linty. (although it seemed very stable and thick) I don't like poly and try not to use it if I can--some wallhangings it works ok. One thing I like about wool is it doesn't crease as much when folded.

Jan in VA

I generally find them to be true to size. Realize that quilts are not meant to be bedspreads (according to batting sizes), if you need lots of overhang, size up your purchase.

Quilters Dream makes ALL cotton and cotton blends. I believe their wool may have a "scrim" which you will want as it makes dealing with the handling and quilting distance much easier.

Jan in VA

dublb

I usually use Hobbs heirloom. I don't like their Tuskany (SP?) near as well. I bought something off the roll at Handcocks (before they went outta business) but don't know what brand it is. I liked it too.

SarahBethie

I always assumed that they were for practical or decorative purposes. I think I'll keep them true to size until I get the hang of things. Thanks again.

sinceresissy

I am a hand quilter and I started out using W & N because I took a quilt class and that is what the teacher said to use. I thought at the time it was the best thing. But when I joined this board and started reading what several people were saying about it I decided to try other things. I like wool but I have to order it on line and lots of time I am excited to get my stuff in and ready for sandwiching so I buy 80/20 and I like it. I have used Dream Cotton and it is okay. There is one cotton that I bought that tore apart easily but I can't remember which cotton that was. I now really like wool, or 80/20 the best. I did buy some 100% poly but for some reason I haven't used it. The older I get the more I want a batting that is easy to get my needle through and W & N is hard to quilt for me.