Quilt Wadding Guide - Choosing the Right Batting for Your ProjectUpdated 2 days ago

Quilt Wadding Guide - Choosing the Right Batting for Your Project

Wadding - also known as batting - is the hidden layer that makes all the difference to how a quilt looks, feels and lasts. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose the right one for your project.

What is wadding - and why does it matter?

Wadding - also known as batting - is the middle layer of a quilt sandwich, sitting between the quilt top and the backing fabric. Once the quilt is finished you cannot see it, but it has a huge impact on the result.

🧵 It affects how the quilt looks

The loft of the wadding determines how flat or puffy the finished quilt appears. It also affects how much the quilting stitches show - lower loft gives more definition to your stitch patterns, higher loft gives a more dramatic, sculpted effect.

🤲 It affects how the quilt feels

Wadding adds warmth, weight and drape. Cotton wadding gives a softer, more traditional feel that improves with washing. Polyester holds its loft and is lighter. The fibre you choose shapes the whole character of the finished piece.

🪡 It affects how easy it is to quilt

Some waddings are much easier to work with than others - both by hand and machine. A dense high-loft polyester can be difficult to feed through a machine; a cotton or cotton-blend wadding moves much more smoothly under the needle.

💰 It is worth investing in the right one

Wadding is the one part of a quilt you can never go back and change once it is made. Choosing well the first time is far better value than regretting the result. A good quality wadding will also outlast a cheaper alternative many times over.

Things to consider before you choose

There is no single right answer - the best wadding depends on your project, your quilting method and the result you want. These are the key questions to ask yourself first.

Which fibre type is right for you?

🌿 Cotton

The traditional choice. Gives a flat, classic finish that many quilters associate with a low loft result. Breathable, natural and improves with washing - cotton wadding gives quilts that much-loved crinkled, vintage look over time.

🔄 Cotton blend (80/20)

Combines cotton softness with polyester durability. Gives a gently rounded finish and handles regular washing very well without losing its shape. A good all-rounder for everyday quilts.

🌱 Bamboo

A naturally soft, silky alternative to cotton. Drapes beautifully and is naturally anti-bacterial and sustainable. Gives a flat, low-loft style finish with a luxurious feel. A good choice for bed quilts and anything next to the skin.

🔬 Polyester

Lightweight, durable and easy to care for. Gives a slightly more cushioned finish than cotton - closer to a medium loft feel. Non-allergenic and resistant to mould and mildew. The most practical choice for quilts that will be washed frequently.

Breathability If the quilt will be used on a bed, breathability matters - cotton, bamboo and blended waddings breathe much better than polyester, helping to regulate temperature through the night. Bamboo is particularly noted for its moisture-wicking properties.
Washing Polyester handles regular washing well and dries quickly. Natural fibres need more careful handling - always follow the manufacturer's instructions and pre-wash natural waddings where recommended to allow for shrinkage.
Allergies Polyester is hypoallergenic and resistant to mould and mildew. If natural fibres are a concern, polyester is the safe choice.
Machine or
hand quilting Cotton wadding and cotton blends are the easiest to machine quilt. For hand quilting, needle-punched waddings are generally easier to stitch through. Our cotton and cotton blend waddings include scrim - a lightweight woven layer that adds stability and helps prevent bearding, where loose fibres work their way through to the quilt top surface.
Sustainability If sustainability is a priority, cotton and bamboo are natural choices. Polyester is derived from non-renewable sources, though recycled polyester options are available. Our cotton waddings are ethically manufactured using UltraClean carding to remove all impurities.

Our wadding range

We stock Sew Simple, Pellon and Vlieseline waddings, all sold by the quarter metre. Our standard quilting waddings are available in two widths - 90 inches and 124 inches - so most quilts can be backed in a single piece with no joins needed.

🧵 Standard quilting wadding

Our core quilting wadding range from Sew Simple, available in polyester, cotton and a cotton blend. All sold by the quarter metre in 90" or 124" widths.

Product	Key specs	Best for
Super Soft 100% Polyester Sew Simple / 90" or 124" wide	Needle-punched. Under 1% shrinkage. Quilt up to 10" apart. Gives a slightly cushioned, rounded finish - similar to a medium loft result.	Hand quilting, tied quilts and anyone looking for a lightweight, soft result. No pre-washing needed. Non-allergenic and resistant to mould and mildew.
Super Soft 100% Cotton Sew Simple / 90" or 124" wide	Needle-punched with scrim. 3-5% shrinkage. Quilt up to 10" apart. UltraClean carding. Gives a flat, traditional finish - similar to a low loft result.	The classic choice for quilters who want a traditional result. Gives a beautiful crinkled, vintage look after washing. Great for both machine and hand quilting.
Super Soft 80/20 Cotton Blend Sew Simple / 90" or 124" wide	80% cotton, 20% polyester. With scrim. 3-5% shrinkage. Quilt up to 10" apart. UltraClean carding. Gives a flat to gently rounded finish.	The best of both - cotton softness and breathability with polyester's durability and stability. Excellent for machine quilting. Pre-wash by hand and dry naturally, or machine wash the finished quilt on a delicate cycle.
100% Bamboo Sew Simple / 90" wide	100% bamboo fibre with scrim. Under 5% shrinkage. Quilt up to 8" apart. Gives a flat, traditional finish - similar to a low loft result.	A naturally sustainable choice with a luxuriously soft, silky feel and beautiful drape. Naturally anti-bacterial. Ideal for bed quilts and anything worn close to the skin. Machine washable.

🔥 Insulating wadding

Designed for projects that will come into contact with heat or cold. Not for use in traditional quilts - these are specialist products for pot holders, oven mitts, lunch bags and similar makes.

Product	Key specs	Best for
Insulating Wadding - Mylar Film Sew Simple / 22" or 44" wide	Polyester and Mylar heat-resistant film combined. Hollow fibre polyester.	Pot holders, oven mitts, tea cosies, place mats, ironing board covers, lunch boxes, stadium cushions and window treatments. Keeps hot things hot and cold things cold.
Insul-Fleece (Pellon 975) Pellon / 45" wide	80% polyester, 20% metalised polypropylene. Needle-punched with aluminised scrim. Machine washable.	Reflects heat or cold back to its source. Soft and flexible - works in clothing as well as home accessories. For pot holders, place an extra layer of cotton wadding between the fabric and the Insul-Fleece for best protection. Not for microwave use.

☁️ Fusible fleece and wadding

Iron-on fleece that adds softness, loft and light padding to bags, accessories and smaller quilted projects. Saves time by eliminating pinning and basting. Not recommended for full-size traditional quilts.

Product	Key specs	Best for
Fusible Fleece - Low Loft Pellon / 45" wide	100% polyester. One-sided fusible. Low loft.	Bags, pouches, cushion covers and home accessories where a subtle layer of softness is wanted. Fuses to fabric, card or wood - no pinning or basting needed.
Thermolam Plus Fusible Fleece Pellon / 45" wide	100% polyester. Extra lofty, needle-punched. One-sided fusible. Remains lofty after fusing.	Craft and home decorating projects where more volume is wanted. Fuses to fabric, card or wood. Machine washable on delicate cycle.
Fusible Fleece - Low Loft (H630) Vlieseline / 90cm wide	70% polyester, 30% recycled polyester. 86gsm. One-sided fusible.	Quilted bags, pouches and accessories where a subtle padded feel is wanted. Low migration - fibres stay in place after fusing.
Fusible Fleece - Medium Loft (H640) Vlieseline / 90cm wide	70% polyester, 30% recycled polyester. 132gsm. One-sided fusible.	Bags, tote linings and projects where more noticeable volume is wanted alongside a secure iron-on bond.

🧸 Toy and cushion stuffing

Loose fibre filling for stuffed toys, cushions, puff quilts and craft projects - a different format from sheet wadding but an essential part of the same family.

Product	Key specs	Best for
Recycled Supersoft Toy and Cushion Filling Trimits / 250g pack	100% recycled polyester. Soft, clean and washable. Meets BS5852, BS1425 and EN71-3 safety standards.	Stuffed toys, cushions, puff quilts and craft projects. Lightweight and soft with a sustainable edge. Complies with British and European toy safety standards - safe for children's toys and baby items. Shop →

Not sure which to choose?

Start with your project and what matters most to you.

🛏️ A bed quilt that breathes well?

Something warm but breathable for regular use and washing.

→ 100% Cotton or 80/20 Blend

🧸 A light, puffy quilt or tied quilt?

A quilt with real volume, tied rather than stitched.

→ 100% Polyester

🏆 A traditional, heirloom-quality quilt?

A classic result that improves with each wash over the years.

→ 100% Cotton

🧶 A quilt that washes well and keeps its shape?

Regular washing without the quilt losing its form or feel.

→ 80/20 Cotton Blend

🌿 A sustainable, natural choice?

Naturally anti-bacterial, silky soft and environmentally responsible.

→ 100% Bamboo

🔥 Pot holders, oven mitts or a lunch bag?

A project that needs to insulate against heat or cold.

→ Insulating wadding

👜 A quilted bag or padded accessory?

Adding softness and body to a bag, pouch or home accessory.

→ Fusible fleece (H630, H640 or Pellon)

🧥 A patchwork jacket or quilted garment?

Warmth and body without too much bulk in a wearable quilted piece.

→ 80/20 Cotton Blend

🪆 Stuffed toys, puff quilts or cushions?

Loose filling for three-dimensional projects that need to be stuffed rather than layered.

→ Trimits Recycled Toy Stuffing

Common questions about wadding

Questions we are asked most often.

What is the difference between wadding and batting?

They are exactly the same thing - just different names for the same product. Wadding is the term used in the UK; batting is the term used in the US and Canada. If you follow American quilting tutorials or patterns, you will see batting used throughout - but any wadding we sell will work in exactly the same way.

Should I pre-wash my wadding before using it?

It depends on the wadding. Our 100% polyester wadding does not need pre-washing - it has less than 1% shrinkage. Cotton and cotton blend waddings have 3-5% shrinkage, so many quilters prefer to pre-wash them before cutting to allow for this. If you prefer not to pre-wash, machine wash the finished quilt on a delicate cycle and dry naturally - the slight shrinkage will give a lovely crinkled, vintage look that many quilters love. Always follow the specific instructions for whichever wadding you buy.

What does loft mean in wadding?

Loft refers to the thickness and puffiness of a wadding. Low loft means flat and thin - good for a traditional-looking quilt where the quilting stitches show clearly. Medium loft gives a slightly more rounded, cushioned result. You may see these terms in patterns and tutorials, particularly American ones. Our cotton and bamboo waddings give a flat, traditional finish similar to what patterns describe as low loft. Our polyester wadding gives a slightly more cushioned result, closer to a medium loft feel.

What is scrim and why does it matter?

Scrim is a lightweight woven layer needle-punched through the wadding to add stability and prevent it stretching or distorting during quilting. It also helps prevent bearding - where loose fibres work through to the quilt top surface. We recommend choosing a wadding with scrim where possible, particularly for machine quilting. Both our cotton and cotton blend waddings include scrim.

What is bearding and how do I prevent it?

Bearding is when loose fibres from the wadding migrate through the quilt top fabric and appear as small fluffy wisps on the surface. It is more common with loosely bonded waddings and with fine or open-weave quilt fabrics. Choosing a wadding with scrim, or a fully bonded wadding, significantly reduces the risk. Our cotton and cotton blend waddings use UltraClean carding to remove impurities that could also contribute to surface contamination.

How far apart should my quilting lines be?

Our standard quilting waddings - polyester, cotton and cotton blend - are all rated for quilting up to 10 inches apart. This gives you good flexibility in your quilting design. Waddings with scrim generally allow wider spacing than those without. Always check the specific recommendation for the wadding you are using, as going beyond the recommended spacing can cause the wadding to shift or bunch over time.

Can I use insulating wadding in a quilt?

Insulating wadding is designed specifically for projects that need to protect against heat or cold - pot holders, oven mitts, lunch bags and similar items. It is not designed for use in traditional quilts and would not give the right feel or result. For a bed quilt or lap quilt, use one of our standard quilting waddings instead.

What is the difference between fusible fleece and standard wadding?

Standard wadding is sewn into a quilt sandwich by stitching through all layers. Fusible fleece has a heat-activated adhesive on one side that bonds it to the fabric with an iron, removing the need for pinning and basting. Fusible fleece is ideal for smaller quilted projects like bags, pouches and accessories. For full-size quilts, standard sewn-in wadding gives a better and more reliable result.

Not sure which wadding is right for your project?

Give us a call or drop us a message and we will help you choose the right wadding for what you are making.

📞 01209 216 942 ✉ Message Us

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