The Perfect Batting For T-Shirt Quilts

T-shirt quilts are a great way to preserve memories and keep warm. When it comes to choosing batting for a T-shirt quilt, there are several options to consider. Batting, also known as wadding, is the middle stuffing of a quilt that provides insulation. While polyester batting is inexpensive and widely used, it tends to wad up and form bearding over time. A blend of 80% cotton and 20% polyester is a popular choice as it combines the benefits of both materials, resulting in a strong and stable batting. 100% cotton batting is another option but can be unstable and challenging to work with. Wool batting is lightweight and breathable but more expensive and may cause allergies. Bamboo batting is an emerging option that is touted for its durability and warmth. When selecting batting for a T-shirt quilt, it's important to consider the desired thickness, warmth, and longevity of the quilt.

Batting type: Polyester, cotton, cotton/poly blends, wool, or bamboo

Batting, or wadding, is the middle "stuffing" of a quilt that provides insulation. There are many types of batting, including polyester, cotton, cotton/poly blends, wool, or bamboo. Each type of batting has its own unique characteristics and benefits.

Polyester batting is made from finely stranded plastic fibres that are wadded together. It is often used in commercial blankets, comforters, coats, and stuffed animals. Polyester batting is usually inexpensive and lightweight, but it may not be suitable for heirloom-quality quilts as it can bunch up over time and has a limited lifespan.

Cotton batting is made from cotton fibres and is available in unbleached or bleached varieties. It is a good option for high-quality T-shirt quilts, but some types of cotton batting can be unstable and difficult to work with. Needle-punched cotton/poly blends, on the other hand, are strong and stable, making them a preferred choice for T-shirt quilts.

Wool batting is made from wool fibres and is known for being extremely soft, warm, and lightweight. It is suitable for both hand quilting and machine stitching. Wool batting is usually more expensive than other types of batting and may not be suitable for those with wool allergies.

Bamboo batting is a newer option that is touted as long-lasting, breathable, and warm. It is made from bamboo fibres and is often blended with other materials like cotton to create sustainable and renewable batting with anti-bacterial properties.

When choosing the best type of batting for a T-shirt quilt, it is important to consider the desired thickness, warmth, durability, and cost. A thinner batting will give the quilt a flatter and smoother appearance, while a thicker batting will make the quilt puffier. Some battings, like cotton, are warm despite being thin due to advancements in batting technology. Additionally, the quilting distance, or how close the quilting needs to be, varies with different types of batting and can impact the longevity of the quilt.

Batting thickness: High loft or low loft

When it comes to batting thickness, you'll typically come across two options: high loft and low loft. But what does this mean, and how does it affect your T-shirt quilt?

Loft or Batting Thickness

The loft of a batting refers to its thickness, and it's important to know that this doesn't equate to warmth. Despite common misconceptions, a thin cotton batting can be as warm or warmer than a fluffy polyester batting.

High Loft vs Low Loft

High loft batting is usually around 1/2 inch thick, while low loft batting is approximately 1/8 inch thick. A thicker batting will make your quilt puffier, with more noticeable high and low spots where there is stitching and where there isn't. A low loft batting, on the other hand, will result in a flatter and smoother appearance.

Advantages and Disadvantages

A high loft batting will make your quilt puffier, but it will also be more challenging to fold and store. It may also bunch up after washing. Low loft batting, on the other hand, is ideal if you want a quilt that's easier to store and won't bunch up after washing. However, it may not provide as much definition from the quilting stitches.

Choosing the Right Loft for Your Quilt

The loft you choose depends on your personal preference and the intended use of your quilt. If you want a puffier quilt with more defined stitching, go for a high loft batting. If you prefer a flatter, smoother quilt that's easier to store, opt for a low loft option. Additionally, consider the weight of your T-shirts. If they're heavy, a thin batting can help keep the overall weight down.

Cost Considerations

It's worth noting that the cost of your quilt will be impacted by the type of batting used. High-quality battings like needle-punched 80% cotton/20% poly blends, 100% cotton, wool, or bamboo are more expensive but will result in a higher-quality, longer-lasting quilt. On the other hand, 100% polyester batting is inexpensive but may result in a lower-quality quilt that doesn't stand the test of time.

Longevity and durability: How long will the quilt last and how durable is it?

The type of batting used in a T-shirt quilt plays a significant role in its longevity and durability. Longevity refers to the quilt's life expectancy, which is influenced by the frequency of washing. Durability, on the other hand, is determined by how often the quilt is used and washed.

For a T-shirt quilt that will be used and washed frequently, a durable batting option is recommended. 100% polyester battings, for example, tend to bunch up and form lumps over time. Therefore, a blend such as 80% cotton/20% polyester is a more suitable choice for T-shirt quilts as it is strong, stable, and less likely to tear. This blend offers the softness of cotton while benefiting from the strength and stability of polyester.

The loft, or thickness, of the batting also impacts the quilt's durability. A thinner batting results in a less bulky quilt that is easier to stitch and store. Additionally, thinner battings are less likely to bunch up after washing if quilted properly.

When it comes to the backing of a T-shirt quilt, the material used is crucial for maximum comfort and quality. Cotton, polyester, flannel, minky fabric, polar fleece, and denim are all viable options. However, the quality of the material should be considered to ensure it can withstand daily use and provide breathability. Higher-quality materials, such as premium cotton, tend to be more durable and comfortable.

In summary, the longevity and durability of a T-shirt quilt are influenced by the type of batting and backing used, as well as the frequency of washing and usage. By choosing the appropriate materials and caring for the quilt properly, you can extend its lifespan and maintain its quality.

Quilt vs blanket: Quilts have three layers, blankets have two

Quilts and blankets are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct from each other. Quilts are made up of three layers: the quilt top, the batting or wadding, and the backing fabric. The batting is the middle "stuffing" of a quilt, which acts as insulation. Common types of batting include polyester, cotton, cotton/poly blends, wool, and bamboo. The type of batting used affects the quilt's look, quality, feel, and longevity. Blankets, on the other hand, consist of two layers of fabric without any filling. They are typically made from a single continuous square of the same fabric.

While both quilts and blankets can provide warmth, quilts are more specific in their construction. They are crafted from multiple breathable cotton layers sewn together with stylish top-stitching, creating a consistent pattern. Quilts often feature diverse patterns and textures, ranging from traditional florals to modern designs. The top-stitching on quilts helps keep the layers close, tight, and warm, providing comfort during cold nights.

In contrast, blankets offer a simpler design, focusing on materials and textures that stand out without intricate patterns. They are easy to drape over oneself, making them convenient for quick warmth. Blankets typically come in solid colours and single materials, making them versatile layers that complement various bedding styles.

When deciding between a quilt or a blanket, consider your personal preferences, bedding style, and sleeping habits. If you prioritise warmth and convenience, a blanket might be a better choice. However, if you seek style and a balanced level of insulation, quilts could be the ideal option.

Stabilizer: Do you need to iron on a stabiliser to the back of the T-shirts?

The use of a stabiliser is one of the main controversies in the T-shirt quilt world. While some quilters swear by it, others claim it is unnecessary.

T-shirts are made from soft, stretchy knit fabric. When it comes to making T-shirt quilts, this stretchiness poses a problem. The same quality that makes T-shirts so comfortable also makes them get distorted and wonky if you sew them without preparing them in advance. That's why you might need to stabilise your shirts before you use them in a quilt or any other sewing project. You can do this by applying a fusible backing to the T-shirt fabric. The backing helps the shirt hold its shape while you cut and sew it. The softer and more worn a T-shirt is, the more it needs stabilising before you try to sew with it.

However, some quilters claim that stabilising T-shirts is unnecessary. One quilter, who has made six or seven T-shirt quilts, says she typically does not use stabiliser/interfacing when making T-shirt quilts, only if the T-shirt itself is very flimsy. She doesn't use sashing between the blocks but does usually put a regular quilting cotton border on the quilt and use quilting cotton for the backing.

If you decide to use a stabiliser, you will need to cut a square of stabiliser just a touch smaller than the cut T-shirt. Lay the image part of the T-shirt on your ironing surface, right side down. Then, lay the stabiliser square with its glue side (the rougher side) against the reverse side of the T-shirt image. Cover the whole thing with a damp press cloth to avoid melting the inks or any rubberised parts of the T-shirt image. Read the interfacing manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you have the right temperature and steam settings before you put the hot iron on the interfacing. Press the interfacing to the T-shirt. Use firm pressure and hold the iron steady for 10-15 seconds in each spot to make sure the interfacing and T-shirt are thoroughly fused together. Overlap the pressing areas to make sure you cover all parts of the image.

Types of stabiliser

• Lightweight, iron-on interfacing such as Pellon 911FF featherweight or Therm-o-Web Heat’n Bond. Either woven or non-woven interfacing will work fine.
• Lightweight knit stabiliser.
• Pellon #906F.
• French Fuse.
• Pellon iron-on interfacing.
• Pellon P44F.
• Lightweight tricot interfacing.
• Fusible tricot.
• Fusible knitted fabric.
• Fusible webbing.

Frequently asked questions