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| Quilting is a traditional craft, one of many that has grown and expanded greatly in recent years. Along with the upsurge of quilting, basic questions are still being asked, "Exactly how do I quilt with different batting products? Which type of batting do I choose?" The following information will assist you in choosing the right batting for your quilting project. Today quilters are distinguishing the advantages and disadvantages of different types of batting. Hopefully by understanding the unique characteristics of each fiber, quilters can choose the most appropriate batting for their project. |
Mountain Mist Bleached Natural Cotton Batting Cotton batting was our first product in 1846. Mountain Mist is the only manufacturer of 100% bleached cotton batting, made of all natural fibers and our exclusive Glazene® Finish. Cotton batting is the only product that gives an antique appearance characterized by a flat loft with puckering. Cotton batting does not beard or pill and is different to quilt due to the inherent nubby nature of the natural fiber. Cotton endures the test of time, even with heavy use cotton ages gracefully, the hand becoming softer. Cotton batting is recommended by quilt teachers for machine as well as hand quilting. Cotton launders beautifully after proper quilting. We recommend quilting at 1/4" to 1/2" intervals. Do not presoak or prewash. Available in 81" x 96" and 81" x 108". Cotton is not recommend for use in tied comforters. |
Blue Ribbon cotton has the same properties listed above, along with an increased durability and may be quilted at intervals of 1" to 2". Again do not prewash the batting. This batting will not beard and is great to use for machine or hand stitched quilts. Available in 45" x 60" and 90" x 108". Blue Ribbon cotton is not recommended for tied comforters. |
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Quilt Light is a lightweight quilt batting with reduced loft for an old fashioned flat appearance; a quality usually limited to cotton battings. Quilt Light is all polyester with our exclusive Glazene Finish, a combination which makes it easy to quilt fine, even stitches and is perfect for summer quilts, clothing, miniatures, etc. Stitch or tie up to 3" intervals. Available in full and queen sizes. |
This extra lofty batting is very soft which enhances its draping qualities. Fatt Batt is twice as thick as our regular quilt batting and manufactured with our exclusive Glazene® Finish. Fatt Batt wears well, is durable and utilitarian and is fantastic for nap throws and baby comforters which require repeated laundering. Fatt Batt may be quilted or tied at distances up to 4" apart. Available in crib, full and queen sizes. |
Designers' Choice is our newest polyester batting, developed in 1995. This batting is made with a new state-of-the-art process and has many characteristics that set it apart from the typical spray-bonded batting found on the market. Designers' Choice is specially processed to obtain a thin, low loft batting, with the characteristic of adhering to itself as layers of Designers' Choice are stacked. This attribute gives the quilter or crafter the ability to design their own preferred loft or weight of batting by stacking as many layers as desired. The quilter may also make some areas of the quilt thicker than other areas. An example would be if the design was a landscape. The land/mountains, etc. could have more layers of batting than the sky/water etc. This thin batting is easy to hand needle, machine quilt or tie. The number of layers the quilter adds determines the method of attaching the layers of the quilt. Three or more layers make the project more appropriate for machine quilting or to be tied.
Each fiber is encapsulated in the bonding process, making this batting very durable, with little or no bearding or fiber migration. As a result, Designers' Choice is a great choice when making a quilt with dark colors. It may be quilted or tied up to intervals of five (5) inches or less. Pre-washing is unnecessary and is not recommended. The batting is ready to use right out of the bag. Designers' Choice is available in crib, full and queen sizes. |
Comfortloft has many of the same characteristics as Designers' Choice, but is available in roll batting form. It is great for craft projects where a little padding is desired. Comfortloft was designed so that the batting adheres to itself, allowing it to be stacked or layered, yet preventing it from shifting or sliding. This batting is very versatile in the types of projects for which it is appropriate because of this layering benefit. A quilter could use one or two layers for wall hangings and place mats, while for comforters and fluffy baby quilts, many layers could be used. Pre-washing is unnecessary and is not recommended. Comfortloft may be quilted or tied up to five (5) inch intervals or less. It is available in roll form in both 45" and 90" widths. |
| © Copyright 1996, Stearns Technical Textiles Company, Inc. |
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