Quilt batting is like the creamy filling in a sandwich cookie. If you aren’t satisfied with the thickness or feel of the batting then chances are you won’t like it once it is quilted.
There are more factors to consider than just the feel of the batting. You will need to look at that package to find out how densely the quilt needs to be quilted. Some companies will say every 2” – 4”.
You will have to check the package to find out. If you don’t quilt a project dense enough as the package specifies you may have issues with the batting bunching up inside the quilt. So look for this when you are choosing your batting.
Some batting is 100% cotton while others have an 80% cotton and 20% polyester mix. All of this will be specified on the package and just comes down to personal preference. Choose one that fits your needs and preference.
Some batting is made of different material than cotton. Some batting is made of wool or bamboo. Again this is personal preference but sometimes it comes down to who the quilt is being gifted to and what is its intended use.
Choices, choices
Depending on space and finances you may want to send your quilt project to be quilted by a longarm quilter. I highly recommend this as I have taken in my larger quilt projects and have been very happy with the results.
If you do have the space and want to quilt your own project. You will need to have a few products on hand.
You will need to either purchase basting spray or basting pins. Either of these options works it just depends on what is available to you.
Basting pins are great if you want to make one purchase and use them over and over again.
Basting spray is great if you have a time crunch and need a project completed quickly.
Basting Your Quilt Sandwhich
There are many tutorials on making your quilt sandwich with pins. I will be going over how to spray-baste a quilt.
Start with your batting and lay it down either on a large table or the floor.
You can start with either your top or backing. It’s up to you but I chose to work with my backing first.
Lay your backing on top of your batting with the wrong side touching the batting. Smooth this out with your hands and pull the backing back halfway.
Spray from the middle of your backing fabric about 8” up from the center. Lay the backing back onto the batting smoothing it out as best you can.
Pull the backing fabric back again and spray your back fabric again as you did previously. Do this until the entire half is temporarily glued to the batting.
Repeat the steps above with the other half of the backing fabric.
Now for the Top
Flip this over so you have your backing fabric isn’t showing. You will now add your quilt top the same way you added your backing to the batting.
Lay your quilt top onto your batting. Fold the top in half and spray it with basting spray. Lay it back onto your batting and smooth it out as you go, ensuring no wrinkles.
Repeat this step until the entire quilt top has adhered to your batting.
You now have your quilt sandwich! You are ready to start quilting your project on your domestic sewing machine.
In the next Beginner Quilting series post I will go over some of my tips for quilting your project. Easy ways to take the stress out of the process. To not miss this next post please subscribe to my newsletter below.
