BATTING

1. We stock batting. See Services and Pricing. These battings create excellent results in appearance, weight, drape and feel of the finished quilt. You may provide your own.

2. All batting is not equal. Batting is used in many industries. Thus, when you buy sale batting without a brand label, you're at risk that it may not be suitable for your quilt. It may even tear on a longarm machine. If the word "craft" comes before quilting on the label, pass it up; it's not worth the pennies you'll save. You have put a lot of time, thought, money and love into your quilt top, don't skimp on this very important ingredient. For the "The Ultimate Batting Chart" go to: www.villagequiltworks.com/image_info/UltimateBattingChart.pdf.
   As the developers continue their studies, they will be updating this chart.

3. When choosing a batting consider the quilt's intended use: Is it to be an heirloom? A wall hanging? A child's quilt to be loved and laundered often? Do you prefer natural fibers? Is it for warmth? The choice you make will greatly affect the final appearance of your quilt.

   • Cotton lends a wonderful heirloom quality to a quilt. It's breathable. However, it is much denser than other battings, should be given added care when being washed and will take longer to dry and if the batting hasn't been pre-washed, even the bleached varieties will shrink some.
   • Polyester will give more definition to the quilting. It's warm. It does not shrink, can be washed repeatedly and holds its shape. Polyester does not breathe and some tend to beard. It is not environmentally friendly: it is a petroleum product, is flammable, is derived from non-renewable resources, its production involves hazardous chemicals, it releases pollutants and CO2, and is a major landfill pollutant therefore we recommend limiting its usage and suggest blends or other fibers.
   • Wool, like 100% cotton, is a natural fiber, which means the fiber breathes allowing excess heat to dissipate from the body. It's warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has a nice soft drape and is lightweight and washable. Some are of superwash wool, which eliminates most of the shrinkage. Wool does not compress or crease and a tumble in the dryer set on air only will bring back its fluff. However, like polyester, it is prone toward bearding.
   • Silk is luxurious and lightweight. However, it must be hand washed and laid flat to dry.
   • Corn and soy are new and yet to be tested by time. They appear to be more environmentally friendly and because they are natural fibers should breathe. They require special attention when being washed.

4. As with the backing, the quilt batting needs to measure 8-inches longer and 8-inches wider (4-inches larger on all sides) than your top.

5. Poor quality batting varies in thickness from thick to thin. As it may tear and because the finished results will be disappointing, We reserve the right to refuse any inferior batting. Our first priority is that you will be pleased with your quilt.

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