Hi Bestie,
When you hear "100% cotton," it's easy to assume it's automatically the best choice for a quilt.
But here's the thing…
The best batting isn't about which fiber sounds best. It's about how you want your finished quilt to look, feel, and behave.
So… Why Add Polyester to Cotton?
Think of an 80/20 blend as getting qualities from both fibers.
80% Cotton gives you that soft, natural feel and traditional quilt character.
20% Polyester adds resilience and stability while helping the batting hold its shape.
Put them together and you get a batting that's soft like cotton, but with a little extra structure and durability built in.
Here's Where It Gets Interesting…
Batting doesn't just add warmth between your quilt top and backing.
It can influence the drape, loft, stitch definition, shrinkage, and overall feel of your finished quilt.
That means two quilts made with the exact same top can come out feeling surprisingly different, all because of what's sandwiched in the middle.
Remember
There's no single "best" batting for every quilt. The right choice comes down to how you want your finished quilt to look, feel, drape, and wear over time. So before automatically reaching for 100% cotton, think about the quilt you're making — a blend might be exactly what it needs.
If you want to go deeper, my Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom guide covers the blend in detail, the Ultimate Guide to Hobbs Batting compares every fiber in the lineup, and Selecting Batting for Quilting walks through matching batting to project. (And remember — there isn't always one "best" product, just the best one for your quilt.)
Happy Quilting!
From Corey.
Try the blend: the Hobbs 80/20 package deal, or grab the 96" roll / by-the-yard cut for longarm loading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 100% cotton batting better than an 80/20 blend?
Neither is universally better — they behave differently. 100% cotton gives a flat, traditional, breathable quilt with more shrinkage crinkle; an 80/20 cotton-poly blend keeps most of that natural feel while adding loft retention, stability, and durability. The right choice depends on the look, drape, and wear you want.
What does batting actually change in a finished quilt?
Far more than warmth: batting influences drape (how the quilt folds and hangs), loft (puffiness and stitch definition), shrinkage (the vintage crinkle after washing), weight, and how the quilt wears over years of use. Two identical quilt tops can feel completely different with different battings inside.
Why does 80/20 batting hold its shape better?
The 20% polyester content resists compression and bunching, so the batting keeps its loft through repeated washing and use. That's why 80/20 is a favorite for everyday quilts that get washed often — and why it's so forgiving on a longarm.
Does 80/20 batting shrink?
Yes, but less than 100% cotton. You'll still get a gentle crinkle after the first wash (about 3–5% shrinkage, varying by brand), while pure cotton typically crinkles more. If you want maximum vintage texture, choose cotton; for a smoother finish, choose the blend or pre-wash.
Which Hobbs batting should I choose?
Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 is the all-purpose favorite; 100% cotton with scrim suits traditionalists; wool adds loft and warmth; polyester maximizes puff. The Ultimate Guide to Hobbs Batting compares the full lineup side by side.
