Quilt Battings by Stitch Distances

Battings have a maximum recommended distance between stitches. This resource is a list sorted by the maximum distance the stitching needs to be apart for each batting. Plus, I have given you what the manufacturer is saying about their own batting, plus a photo of the batting so you know what you are looking for!

As a visual person, I gotta have that picture! LOL!

Most Popular Batting with 4 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

Poly-Fil Extra-Loft Batting

Construction: bonded polyester
Loft: medium
Shrinkage:
Care: washable once quilted/air dry or low heat
Quilting Distance: 2-4 inches

Fairfield Poly-Fil Extra-Loft Quilt batting is a bonded polyester quilt batting with a medium loft that creates a more pronounced relief when hand quilting, making it perfect for beginners. It has a give in both directions and is appropriate for hand or machine quilting, Trapunto and tied quilts. Great for all quilting and crafting projects. Recommended quilting distance: 2in – 4in. Washable and non-allergenic. Care: Machine washable once quilted. Air dry or dry on low-heat setting.

Fairfield Quilter’s 80/20 Needlepunch Batting

Construction: needle-punched
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: 2-3%
Care: no need to presoak, machine washable once quilted/air dry or low heat dry
Quilting Distance: 4 inches

Fairfield Natural Quilter’s 80/20 is a super-soft needle-punched quilt batting that is preferred by hand quilters for its easy needling and smooth drape. The 80% cotton and 20% polyester blend yields a beautiful antique look and is an ideal batting for clothing. Does not beard, shift, or gather. Estimated shrinkage: 2% Recommended quilting distance: 2″ – 4″. Care: Machine washable once quilted. Air dry or dry on low-heat setting.

Pellon Poly Batting

Construction: thermally bonded
Loft: low loft / 1/8 inch
Shrinkage:
Care: washable by machine or hand and is dry cleanable
Quilting Distance: 4 inches

Pellon 100% Polyester Batting is thermally bonded to create a soft yet durable batting. It provides an ideal loft that quilters and crafters trust and love. It is lightweight, extremely versatile, and easy to hand quilt. Once used in a project, this batting is washable by machine or hand and is dry cleanable. Color: White. Content: 100% Siliconized Polyester. Loft: 1/8 in. It offers a stitch distance of up to 4″ apart for best results.

Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 Fusible

Construction: lightly bonded and needle-punched
Loft: low loft / 1/8 inch
Shrinkage: 3-5%
Care: washable by machine once quilted
Quilting Distance: 4 inches

Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 Fusible Cotton Blend (learn more from the manufacturer here) is a double-sided iron on batting. This product eliminates the need for the time-consuming steps of pinning or spray basting. Produced to perform in the same way as our Heirloom Premium blend, this product allows the fusing of the quilt back, batt, and top at the same time. Approximate Loft: 1/8in +. Shrinkage: 3-5%. Max distance between stitches: 4in

Hobbs Tuscany Supreme Unbleached Cotton

Construction: lightly bonded and needle-punched
Loft: low loft / 1/8 inch
Shrinkage: 4-6%
Care: washable by machine once quilted
Quilting Distance: 3-4 inches

Tuscany SUPREME Unbleached 100% Cotton Batting. Quilts beautifully by domestic or long-arm machines. Thick, super soft and cuddly, breathes naturally. Ideal for medium or dark fabrics. Quilters may quilt up to 3-4in apart. Washable- shrinks 5-6% (The closer and more densely you stitch, the less shrinkage you’ll experience). Approximate loft: 1/8in. Max distance between stitches: 4in

Made with only the finest cotton fibers, this clean, unbleached, long-staple, virgin cotton batting proudly displays the Cotton Incorporated Seal. Containing no scrim or binders, this 100% cotton product resists bunching and shifting, and is only lightly need-punched, meaning it won’t stiffen terribly when heavily stitched as other cotton battings might.

Tuscany Silk 90/10

Construction: Carded & resin bonded to resist bearding
Loft: low loft / 1/8 inch
Shrinkage: 5%
Care: by hand, or by machine using a delicate cycle and cool water, with no heavy agitation or spinning / cool dryer for 5-10 minutes to start the drying process, but the quilt should then be air-dried
Quilting Distance: 4 inches

Silk fibers imported from China, 10% fine denier Polyester. Carded & resin bonded to resist bearding. Can be hand or machine quilted up to 4″ apart. Hand wash in tepid water and lay flat to dry. 5% shrinkage. Because of silk’s natural ability to breath, it is an excellent choice for airy, lightweight quilts and coverlets. It also makes a superb filling material for embroidery.

Most Popular Batting with 6 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

Warm & Plush Batting

Construction: needle-punched
Loft: luxury loft
Shrinkage:
Care: Once Quilted, Machine Wash & Dry
Quilting Distance: 6 inches

The Warm Company is pleased to introduce quilters to a new friend – Warm & Plush! Warm & Plush is the warmest natural batting ever manufactured – no scrim, just 50% more soft, warm cotton! The natural, ultra clean 100% cotton remains soft and pliable, whether quilting is close or up to 6″ apart. You’ll appreciate how the top and backing fabrics cling to Warm & Plush while the tension is perfect for floating in quilt frames.

Quilters Dream Angel

Construction: crosslapped & needlepunched
Loft: mid loft
Shrinkage: Minimal Shrinkage
Care: No need to prewash, finished quilt may be machine washed & dried
Quilting Distance: 6 inches

Two types of inherently flame retardant fibers are used in our proprietary blend.
The Flame retardant fibers are blended, carded, crosslapped & needlepunched into a beautiful, soft, cozy batting, very resistant to creasing.
Heavenly for both hand and machine quilting.
Dream Angel drapes beautifully and is excellent for hand and machine quilting.

Most Popular Batting with 8 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

Brewer Premium Bamboo Batting

Construction: thin scrim
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: 5%
Care: pre-washing by hand if desired/wash once quilted
Quilting Distance: 8 inches

Premium Bamboo with scrim is 100% naturally green bamboo batting, made from high quality and soft bamboo fibers. Contains anti-bacterial properties. Very breathable with durable and thin scrim to prevent stretching and bunching. Eco-Friendly fiber. No chemicals or bleach added. Ideal for machine or hand quilt up to 8″ apart. We recommend pre-washing by hand prior to use. Shrinkage less that 5%. If prewashing is not desired, wash your quilt once it’s finished, this will give you the perfect look.

Brewer Premium 50/50 Bamboo Blend

Construction: thin scrim
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: 5%
Care: pre-washing by hand if desired/wash once quilted
Quilting Distance: 8 inches

Premium 50/50 Bamboo Cotton Blend with scrim is an eco-friendly batting with anti-bacterial properties. Made with long staple cotton and the softest bamboo fiber. No chemicals or bleach added. Ideal for machine or hand quilt up to 8″ apart. We recommend pre washing by hand prior to use. Shrinkage less that 5%. If prewashing is not desired, wash your quilt once it is finished, this will give you the perfect look.

Quilters Dream 80/20

Construction: carded, cross-lapped, and needle-punched
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: 3%
Care: no prewash / gentle machine wash and cool dry
Quilting Distance: 8 inches

Quilters Dream 80/20 the perfect blend of 80% high grade long staple USA cotton fiber paired with 20% fine denier poly microfiber for a soft, silky batting that drapes beautifully and breathes well. The long staple cotton fiber reduces shrinkage and adds stability so that the stitches can be up to 8” apart. The poly micro fibers add loft and resistance to creases/wrinkles. Our proprietary blended fibers are specially carded, cross-lapped, and needle-punched for strength, consistency, and a beautiful soft drape. There are no scrims, glues, or other binders to resist the needle, so this fine batting can be hand or machine quilted with ease. It is available in natural and white.

Most Popular Batting with 9 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

Hobbs Thermore

Construction: unique process
Loft: 1/16 inch low loft
Shrinkage: none
Care: machine, hand wash or dry clean your project
Quilting Distance: 9 inches

Hobbs Thermore^® was originally designed for clothing and miniatures. It is exceptionally versatile and can be used successfully wherever low loft and stability is needed or preferred.

Thermore^® is made with 100% polyester and is surface treated with our own unique process, creating a polyester batting that is guaranteed not to beard or migrate. The Thermore^® patented process is exclusively manufactured and distributed in the United States by Hobbs Bonded Fibers.

This batting is excellent for hand or machine quilting and works well with light and dark fabrics. You can confidently machine, hand wash or dry clean your project. It may be quilted up to 9” apart and will not shrink.

Most Popular Batting with 10 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

***THESE ARE MY PREFERENCES FOR MY PHOTO QUILTS***

By using a batting with a 10 inch max distance you are covered if you don’t want to stitch over your photo blocks!

Warm & Natural – Cotton – Click on this link to see it on Amazon

Construction: needle punched
Loft: 1/8 inch low loft
Shrinkage: 3-5%
Care: soak to prewash, machine or hand wash in cold water
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

Warm & Natural is the finest needle-punched cotton batting! Only 15% of all cotton grown in the USA is the proper length, thickness and color. Out of this 15%, only 5% is clean enough for Warm & Natural! This soft, natural cotton has never been washed or bleached with harsh chemicals. It’s kinder to the environment and kinder to your batting. The cotton undergoes a mechanical cleaning process, removing all of the seeds and seed coats, along with the majority of leaf and stem remnants. The remaining tiny plant particles lend a special look to crafts like no other and won’t harm your quilt. Quilt or tie up to 10″ apart! Quilt Warm & Natural right out of the package, as pre-washing is not necessary. Once quilted, machine wash and dry your finished quilt in cold water. 3% shrinkage can be expected in the first wash with cold water. To achieve an antique puckered look, use warm water for 5% shrinkage. Warm & Natural won’t distort when hanging, hooping, or when used in quilt frames. It can be used for both batting and as an exterior craft fabric to create stuffed snowmen and rabbits. FIBER CONTENT: 87.5% Natural Cotton & 12.5% Polypropylene (Scrim)

Warm & White – Cotton – Click on this link to see it on Amazon

Construction: needle punched
Loft: 1/8 inch low loft
Shrinkage: 1%
Care: soak to prewash, machine or hand wash in cold water
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

Warm & White is everything you love about Warm & Natural with beautiful white cotton fibers! It is made in the same state-of-the-art needle-punched tradition that made Warm & Natural the most highly regarded quilt batting in the world. Warm & White is the ideal batting for use with bright whites, pastels, and tone-on-tone fabrics because Warm & White won’t peek through! Both Warm & Natural and Warm & White are 4 oz. per square yard, but Warm & White feels a little less lofty due to the bleaching process, which strips the fibers of their natural oils while at the same time reducing shrinkage. There is little to no measurable shrinkage in a cold or warm water wash after quilting. Quilt or tie up to 10″ apart! When looking for a finished quilt that will remain pristine without puckering around your quilted lines, Warm & White is the perfect choice! Fiber Content: 87.5% Bleached Cotton & 12.5% Polypropylene (Scrim)

Warm Company – Warm 100

Construction: 100% cotton scrim
Loft: 1/8 ” low loft
Shrinkage: No Prewash Necessary < 3% Shrinkage
Care: Once Quilted, Machine Wash Cold & Dry
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

The Warm Company is dedicated to the manufacture of the most innovative quilt battings and fusible webs. Warm 100 is no exception. Warm 100 is the only batting in the world manufactured with 100% Natural Cotton needled into a 100% All Cotton Scrim! State-of-the-art mechanical cleaning removes all seeds and plant remnants for super clean natural cotton needle-punched into an all-new cotton scrim! The cotton scrim holds the fiber together for the softest, easiest to work with cotton batting you’ve ever experienced!

The Benefits of 100% Cotton Scrim

Easy to Quilt by Hand & Machine
Breathable Cotton Warmth with Low Loft
No Prewash Necessary < 3% Shrinkage
Zero Glues or Resins – No Chemical Smell
Top & Backing Fabrics Cling While Quilting
Will Not Separate or Bunch
Will Not Beard – Shift or Migrate
Quilt or Tie Leaving Up To 10” Open
Once Quilted, Machine Wash Cold & Dry

Brewer Premium 80/20 Blend Batting

Construction: with scrim
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: < 5% Shrinkage
Care: handwash before using, wash once quilted
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

Premium Blend 80/20 Cotton Polyester Batting with scrim. Soft blend ideal for machine or hand quilting up to 10″ apart. It is made with long staple cotton and the softest polyester. No chemicals or bleach added. This natural batting will shrink less than 5%; it is recommended to hand wash before using. If prewashing is not desired, wash your quilt once it is finished, this will give you the perfect look.

Brewer Premium Natural Cotton Batting

Construction: with scrim
Loft: low loft
Shrinkage: < 5% Shrinkage
Care: wash once quilted
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

Premium Natural Unbleached Cotton with scrim. Ideal for machine or hand quilting up to 10″ apart. Made with long staple cotton, no chemicals or bleach added. This natural batting will shrink less than 5%; it is recommended to hand wash before using. If prewashing is not desired, wash your quilt once it’s finished; this will give you the perfect look.

Nature’s Touch Natural Blend – 80/20 Cotton Blend w/Scrim

Construction: needle punched to a scrim binder
Loft: 1/16 inch low loft
Shrinkage: 2-3% Shrinkage
Care: washable by machine or hand and is dry cleanable
Quilting Distance: 10 inches

Nature’s Touch Natural Blend Batting is a soft, durable and substantial batting created for quilters who want cotton with the added benefit of wash-ability and good stitch definition. It is made of 80% Ultra Clean Cotton and 20% Polyester that is needle punched to a scrim binder. It has a soft loft, creating less resistance when hand quilted and produces a soft, quilted finished look. Hand, machine and longarm quilters all love this blend. Loft: 1/16″, Shrinkage: 2-3%, Stitch Distance: 8-10″. Once used in a project, this batting is washable by machine or hand and is dry cleanable. Color: Natural. Content:80% Ultra Clean Cotton / 20% Polyester

Most Popular Batting with 12 inch Maximum Stitch Distance

Quilters Dream Poly

Construction: No scrim, resin or glues
Loft: 3 different lofts
Shrinkage: none
Care: no prewash/machine wash and dry. May dry clean.
Quilting Distance: 12 inches

100% fine denier fibers. Available in both White and Deep Black.
Dream Poly resists bunching and shifting and is strong enough to stitch up to 12″ apart giving the quilter incredible freedom of design.
Warm and breathable.
No scrim, resin or glues so that your quilt remains soft and quilts beautifully.
Your finished quilt may be machine washed and dried. May dry clean.
Dream Poly resists holding a crease or wrinkling which makes Dream Poly a perfect choice for packing, storing and traveling.
Dream Poly in Ultra-bright White is an excellent quilt batting choice for quilts with an emphasis of white or light colored negative space.
Midnight Black Dream Poly is a true deep black that enhances the richness of dark colored fabrics such as black, brown, burgundy, forest green, etc
No shrinkage – which can help give a modern quilting look when used with prewashed/preshrunk fabrics.