Question : Do I need to presoak my quilt batting?

Answer : We recommend that you use the quilt batting directly from the package. If your quilt batting contains natural fibers (such as cotton or wool) the batting will shrink 2-3% during the first washing and your quilt will have a slightly rumpled or popcorn-like surface found on many antique quilts.

Question : How do I presoak (preshrink) my quilt batting?

Answer : We recommend that you use the quilt batting directly from the package. Batting that is un-quilted is more fragile than batting inside of a finished quilt. If you decide to presoak your quilt batting, we recommend placing the batting in a laundry basket and immersing it in a bath tub of water. Press the batting to remove water (do not wring). Lie flat to dry. Agitating un-quilted batting in a washing machine could distort or damage the product.

Question : How do I wash my finished quilt?

Answer : We recommend washing your quilt in lukewarm water on a delicate cycle using a mild, phosphate-free soap. Fairfield’s Quilt Wash is an ideal soap for washing your quilt batting.

Question : What is the best quilt batting to use when making a potato bag or other projects that may be exposed to heat?

Answer : Fairfield does not recommend using any of our quilt battings in projects that come in direct contact with heat as it is possible for the batting to melt or burn.

Question : Why does batting bunch up inside the quilt?

Answer : Normally bunching, called fiber migration, occurs if the quilt has not been quilted closely enough to hold the quilt batting securely in place. Quilting distance recommendations are printed on each of our quilt batting packages. The recommendations vary depending on the batting selected. If your batting is no longer in the original bag, you can assume that 2 - 4 inches apart is a safe distance for any batting. For best results, baste your quilt sandwich securely and quilt working from the center outward in concentric circles.

Question : What can I do to prevent the quilt batting from bunching (called: fiber migration)?

Answer : Fiber migration will typically occur when the quilt stitching is too far apart, allowing the batting to move around between the layers. To prevent fiber migration, always follow the recommended quilting distances for the batting you selected. These distance recommendations are typically the minimum distance stitches should be from each other. You may wish to place your stitches closer than recommended to be certain your batting is secure.

Question : Why does my quilt batting beard?

Answer : Several factors contribute to bearding. Fabric quality is a key factor. Fabrics with a low thread count have gaps between the threads that allow fibers to escape. Batting construction may also be a factor. Some needle-punched battings will beard because the fibers are loosely intertwined and may catch on a dull needle (or a burr) and pull through the fabric when quilting.

Question : How can I fix a quilt that is bearding?

Answer : If bearding occurs, it is best to leave the quilt as it is; over time the fibers will break off. Lint rollers and sweater shavers will pull out even more fibers.

Question : How can I prevent the batting from bearding?

Answer : Prevention of bearding begins by using quality fabrics with a high thread count. Selecting the appropriate batting for your project will also help to avoid bearding. Bonded battings do not beard as the bonding locks the fibers together. We also recommend using a new needle for each project so that your needle is sharp and doesn’t snag in your batting.

Question : How do I decide what type of quilt batting I should use?

Answer : In order to make the proper batting selection, there are several points that must be considered: 1. End use of the quilt 2. Frequency of washing 3. Method of quilting (hand or machine) 4. Size of the quilt 5. Fabric selection 6. Desired look of the finished quilt Once you have considered these points, you can determine the qualities to look for in a batting (loft, warmth, ease of needling, drape-ability, softness, wash-ability and resistance to fiber migration and bearding) to further narrow down your selection.

Question : What are the classifications of quilt batting?

Answer : 1. Natural Fibers: For centuries quilts were made from start to finish with all-natural fibers. Wool and cotton were readily available and became the staple for quilt makers to use as a filling. These fibers are still used in quilt battings today, along with other natural fibers like bamboo. 2. Synthetic Fibers: The invention of polyester batting revolutionized the quilting market. The ease of handling, along with the warmth and strength of polyester batting account for the widespread increase in the popularity of quilting.

Question : What is the best quilt batting to use in a tied quilt?

Answer : Fairfield offers several options you can consider for your tied quilt. Keep in mind the recommended quilting distances apply to tied quilts too. Bonded polyester battings are popular choices, particularly Poly-fil Hi-Loft® 100% polyester batting – our “thickest” quilt batting that will create a puffy quilt. If you prefer cotton or cotton blend battings, you may want to consider a batting with a scrim, such as Machine 60/40® Blend or Nature-Fil™ batting made with rayon fiber from bamboo and certified organic cotton.

Question : What is the best quilt batting for machine quilting?

Answer : Fairfield offers many battings that deliver beautiful machine quilting results. Battings with a scrim, such as Machine 60/40® Blend and Nature-fil™ batting made with rayon fiber from bamboo and certified organic cotton, are ideally suited to machine quilting. Bonded battings like Cotton Classic® and Poly-fil® brand polyester battings machine quilt beautifully. Fusi-boo™ fubsible batting is another option if you would like to eliminate basting. Consult the recommendations on the batting bag to help you select the right loft and fiber content for your quilt.

Question : What is the best quilt batting for hand quilting?

Answer : Needlepunched battings and bonded polyester battings are preferred by many hand quilters because the needle easily glides through the batting. Fairfield offers a variety of natural fiber battings, polyesters and blends that include these hand-quilting favorites: Poly-fil Low-Loft® polyester batting, Soft Touch® 100% bleached cotton batting and Natural Cotton® batting. Consult the recommendations on the batting bag to help you select the right loft and fiber content for your quilt.

Question : What is the best quilt batting to use in clothing?

Answer : We recommend breathable battings made from natural fibers such as Cotton Classic®, which is made from 100% organic cotton, or cotton blends because it is washable and lies flat.

Question : What is the difference between needlepunched and bonded quilt batting?

Answer : “Needlepunched” and “ bonded” refer to the manufacturing method used to hold the fibers in a blanket form. With needlepunched batting, the fiber blanket passes through barbed needles that tangle the fibers together. Bonding can be done by either spraying a resin on both sides of the fiber blanket to hold it in a sheet form or by melting fibers with a low melting point to fibers with a higher melting point.

Question : How can I fluff up my batting and remove creases?

Answer : Because the batting is folded in the package, the layers of the batting may compress and creases may form over time.  The best way to rejuvenate its loft and remove creases is to use a steamer if you have access to one.  If not, then you can unfold the batting and let it rest overnight or fluff it in a dryer with a damp towel for 10 minutes on a low setting.

Question : Why does my quilt batting have stripes?

Answer : To make batting loose strands of fiber are laid out into sheets in a mechanical process.  Occasionally the fibers will overlap to form a stripe of denser fiber.  This is not considered a product flaw and it will not affect the performance of the batting or the look of the finished quilt in most cases. 

Question : Why is my machine skipping stitches with your batting?

Answer :

Stitch skipping is not a commonly reported problem and the likely culprit is the machine itself, not the batting. Try doing the following and see if it solves the problem:

Change the needle

Rethread the machine

Rewind and reinsert the bobbin

Oil your machine

Adjust thread tension

If these don't work, it may be time to book an appointment to take your machine to the spa for a day of beauty to bring it back to top performance.