Batting Selection

The Heart of the Quilt

While the quilt top is the art and the backing is the comfort, the batting is what defines the “soul” of your quilt. It determines how heavy the quilt feels, how much warmth it provides, and how the texture of our longarm quilting will appear once finished.

At Mane Line Quilting, we offer several high-quality options to help you achieve the exact look and feel you desire.

Our Studio Options

We stock premium rolls of batting to ensure your quilt is free of the creases and wrinkles often found in pre-packaged retail bags. By using batting from the roll, we can ensure a smoother, more professional finish.

80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend ($.25/linear inch)

• The Classic Choice: This is our most popular “everyday” batting. It offers the breathability of cotton with the durability and slight “loft” of polyester.

• The Look: It provides a traditional, slightly crinkled look after the first wash.

• Best For: Bed quilts and family throws that will be loved and laundered frequently.

Bamboo ($.35/linear inch)

• The Sustainable Luxury: Bamboo is incredibly soft, eco-friendly, and naturally antimicrobial. It has a beautiful, fluid “drape” that feels silky to the touch.

• The Look: Very low loft. It lays flatter than traditional cotton and highlights the detail of the quilting stitches beautifully.

• Best For: Baby quilts, summer throws, or anyone with sensitive skin.

Wool ($.40/linear inch)

• The Artisan’s Favorite: Don’t let the name fool you—wool is breathable and cool in the summer yet warm in the winter. It is naturally resistant to creases.

• The Look: Wool can be used alone or can be layered on top of cotton to give it a higher loft. This combination of cotton and wool “pops” the quilting design, creating deep shadows and incredible definition in the texture.

• Best For: Wall hangings, show quilts, or those who want a lightweight but very warm and textured quilt.

Providing Your Own Batting

You are always welcome to provide your own batting. If you choose this option, please ensure:

1. The 5-Inch Rule: Your batting must be at least 5 inches larger than your quilt top on all four sides.

2. Type: We recommend low-loft varieties for the best results on our machines.

3. Condition: Please do NOT send “spray-basted” batting or batting that has been previously used, as these can interfere with the precision of our longarm sensors.

Note: “Franken-batting” (scraps sewn together) is accepted as long as the seams are secure and flat.

Do I Even Need Batting?

In some cases, the answer is no! If you are using a thick, plush backing like Minky or Cuddle fabric, or if you are making a lightweight summer “coverlet,” you might choose to skip the batting entirely. Skipping batting results in a very thin, flexible quilt that highlights the fabric’s movement.

Not sure which one to choose? During our consultation, we can discuss the “drape” and “weight” you’re aiming for. We’ll help you pick the layer that best supports the hard work you’ve put into your quilt top.

Ready to Begin?