Why Regular Batting Shouldn't Go in the Microwave
Not all batting is created equal — and that's especially true when your project is headed for the microwave. Most quilt battings contain polyester scrim, metallic fibers, or glues that can scorch, melt, or even spark when heated. That's why Pellon developed Wrap-N-Zap: a 100% natural cotton batting engineered to be microwave-safe, so you can make cozy, heat-loving kitchen projects with confidence.
What Is Wrap-N-Zap Batting?
Wrap-N-Zap is an all-natural cotton batting with a low loft of just 1/16 of an inch. Because it's 100% natural cotton — no polyester, no scrim, no metallic threads — it's safe for use in the microwave. It comes on a generous 22-inch-wide by 10-yard roll, giving you plenty of batting for a whole batch of gifts and kitchen helpers.
What It's Best For
Wrap-N-Zap shines in projects that need to go in the microwave:
- Casserole warmers and carriers — keep dishes warm from oven to table.
- Hot pads and pot holders — protect your hands and your counters.
- Oven mitts — add an extra heat-resistant layer.
- Potato and veggie bags — steam potatoes, corn, and vegetables right in the bag.
- Bun, tortilla, and roll warmers — keep bread soft and warm at serving time.
Beyond the microwave, its low loft and natural fiber make it a fine choice for any project where you want a thin, soft layer of padding.
How to Use It
Wrap-N-Zap isn't fusible — it's a sew-in batting, so you'll quilt or stitch it into your project like a traditional batting layer. Keep these specs in mind:
- Stitch distance: Quilt no more than 4 inches apart so the batting stays secure through washing and microwave use.
- Loft: 1/16 inch — thin and flexible, perfect for shaped projects like mitts and bags.
- Pre-shrinking: Expect 3–5% shrinkage. If your finished project needs to hold its size, preshrink the batting first with a wash and dry cycle, or cut pieces slightly oversized to allow for it.
Tips for Microwave-Safe Success
The batting is only part of the equation. For a truly microwave-safe project, pair it with 100% cotton fabrics and 100% cotton thread — polyester thread or fabric can melt or scorch. Avoid any embellishments with metallic content, including metallic threads and some printed foils.
Heat projects in short intervals and never leave the microwave unattended while heating. Let hot pads and warmers cool briefly before handling, and check seams periodically for wear — like any frequently used kitchen item, these projects benefit from a refresh now and then.
Care
Wrap-N-Zap is washable by hand or machine and can be dry cleaned, so your finished projects are easy to keep fresh. Just remember to treat them like the kitchen workhorses they are: launder as needed and inspect heat-facing layers for thinning over time.
Shop the Pellon® Wrap-N-Zap® Microwaveable Cotton Batting 22" x 10 yards at Linda's Electric Quilters.
