Hi Bestie,
Big ideas don't always need a big roll of batting.
Buying batting by the yard lets you plan around the size of the project in front of you, so nothing sits in the closet and nothing runs short halfway through. Let's find the right layer for your next project.
Why buy batting by the yard?
Packaged batting comes in bed sizes. Rolls come in 15 to 40 yards. A lot of what we actually make falls in between: a lap throw, a runner, a stack of pillows for the guest room. By-the-yard batting is cut from the same wide rolls, so you get the fiber and loft you trust in exactly the length you need. Here are five projects where that flexibility really pays off.
1. Everyday quilts and cozy throws
Why it works: batting adds warmth, softness and definition to your quilting. It is the layer that makes your stitches show.
How to use it: choose a fiber and loft that suit the finished quilt. Layer backing, batting and quilt top, then baste and quilt.
By-the-yard benefit: order for the size you're making. Check the batting width and allow the extra your longarm quilter needs. If you're deciding between cotton, a blend or poly, start with The Batting Question We Don't Ask Enough.
2. Table runners and placemats
Why it works: a suitable low-loft batting adds gentle body while keeping table projects flat and easy to quilt.
How to use it: sandwich batting between the top and backing, quilt, then finish the edges following your pattern.
By-the-yard benefit: plan several small pieces across the width to make good use of your cut. One yard of 96-inch batting covers a runner and a full set of placemats with room to spare.
3. Wall hangings and mini quilts
Why it works: batting gives stitched designs dimension, even in a small space.
How to use it: choose the loft for the look you want. Baste carefully, then quilt evenly to help the piece hang smoothly. Dense quilting on a thin batting hangs flattest; a slightly higher loft makes the design pop if you want texture.
By-the-yard benefit: cut for a custom shape or size and save useful offcuts for another mini.
4. Quilted pillow covers
Why it works: a quilted batting layer adds soft texture and makes your stitch pattern stand out.
How to use it: quilt the pillow-front sandwich first, trim to your pattern, then assemble the cover.
By-the-yard benefit: plan matching fronts together, or use suitable leftover pieces. Remember, batting supports the quilted cover; a pillow insert supplies the filling.
5. Quilted totes and zipper pouches
Why it works: batting adds a softly padded feel to fabric panels.
How to use it: quilt the panels before assembly and follow your pattern for seam allowances and any additional interfacing.
By-the-yard benefit: lay out several panels before cutting to reduce waste. For a firm, stand-up bag, your pattern may also call for foam or another stabilizer. Our post Which Stabilizer Should You Use? sorts out the options.
Why the width matters more than you think
Here's the part that trips people up. Batting by the yard is sold by length, but the roll's width is fixed, usually 90, 96 or 120 inches. If your quilt is narrower than the roll, one measurement does all the work: order the length of your quilt plus the overage. If your quilt is wider than the roll, you'll need enough length to piece two sections side by side. Checking the width before you order is the single step that prevents the "I'm four inches short" surprise.
Before you add to cart
- Measure your project.
- Check the batting's width.
- Include your pattern's or longarmer's required extra.
- Confirm the listing's selling unit (per yard vs. per package) before choosing a quantity.
- Follow the exact batting label for care, shrinkage and maximum quilting distance. Shrinkage is the reason behind Here's Why Your Quilt Shrank Unevenly.
Choose what you need. Create at your pace.
Happy Quilting!
From Corey.
Ready to measure? Browse Batting Cut by the Yard, or read the guides to two of our most popular yardage options: Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom Batting by the Yard and Linda's Deluxe Cotton/Poly Batting by the Yard. If your quilting looks flat no matter what you do, Your Batting Is Flattening Your Quilting may be the missing piece.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is batting by the yard?
Batting by the yard is quilt batting cut from a wide roll to the length you order, so you pay for the size your project actually needs instead of a packaged size or a full roll. It comes in the same fibers and lofts as packaged batting. Browse the options in our Batting Cut by the Yard collection.
How much batting do I need for my quilt?
Measure your finished quilt top, then add the extra your pattern or longarm quilter asks for (longarmers usually want 4 to 8 inches beyond the top on every side). Check the batting width first: if the roll is wider than your quilt, you only need the length; if it is narrower, you will need to piece it. Our post Stop Guessing Your Quilt Yardage walks through the math.
What loft should I use for table runners and placemats?
A low-loft batting, such as a thin cotton or cotton/poly blend, keeps table projects flat so dishes sit level and the runner is easy to quilt. Save the puffier lofts for bed quilts and throws. Selecting Batting for Quilting compares the common fibers and lofts.
Can I use leftover batting pieces for small projects?
Yes. Offcuts from a yardage cut are perfect for mini quilts, pillow fronts, zipper pouches and bag panels. Keep them flat or loosely rolled so they do not crease, and plan several small pieces across the width before you cut. If you need a larger piece, join two strips with a wide zigzag or batting tape rather than overlapping them.
Does batting replace a pillow insert or bag stabilizer?
No. In a quilted pillow cover, batting gives the front its quilted texture while a pillow insert supplies the filling. In a bag, batting adds a softly padded feel, but a firm, stand-up bag usually also needs foam or another stabilizer called for by the pattern. Our guide to Pellon products explains the difference between batting, fleece and interfacing.
