Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is the traditional choice for quilters who want a flat, soft, breathable quilt with that classic crinkle after the first wash. We stock 100% cotton battings from Hobbs, Quilters Dream, The Warm Company, Pellon, Air Lite, and Bosal in packaged sizes, bolts, and full longarm rolls.
Does cotton batting shrink?
Yes — most cotton battings shrink around 3-5% on first wash. Many quilters use this on purpose: quilting first and washing after gives the soft, gently puckered antique look. If you want a flatter finish, pre-wash the batting or choose a cotton with scrim.
What does a scrim do?
A scrim is a thin stabilizer needle-punched into the cotton. It adds strength, prevents stretching on a longarm frame, and lets you quilt lines further apart. Battings without scrim (like Warm & Plush) feel softer but need closer quilting.
How far apart can I quilt?
Check the specific product, but scrimmed cottons like Warm & Natural allow up to 10 inches between lines, while unscrimmed cottons typically need 2-4 inches.
