Batting is the filling between a quilt top and backing. Its loft (thickness) and fiber affect warmth, drape, and how easy it is to quilt.
| Batting type | Loft | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Low | Flat, traditional quilts |
| Cotton / poly blend | Low to medium | Everyday quilts |
| Polyester | Medium to high | Puffy, lightweight warmth |
| Wool | Medium | Warm yet light |
| Bamboo | Low | Soft drape |
| Fusible | Low | Small projects, bags |
Loft drives quilting. Low-loft batting is easiest to machine quilt and gives a flat, traditional look. High loft is puffier but harder to feed through a machine.
See the Batting Loft Chart and the Backing and Batting Calculator.