Why We Created Our Own Batting
After years of working with longarm quilters and listening to what they actually wanted from a batting -- not what the catalog offered, but what they reached for on their best work -- we developed our own specification. The result is Linda's Deluxe Cotton/Poly Blend Batting, a 96 inch wide batting roll made by Hobbs Bonded Fibers to our exclusive blend and processing requirements.
This is not a rebrand. The fiber ratio, loft profile, and needle-punching density were developed in collaboration with Hobbs to deliver a batting that performs the way longarm quilters at the production and competition level need it to perform. If you have been looking for something just a step above the standard, this is it.
What Makes It Different From Standard Hobbs Heirloom
Linda's Deluxe uses a 60% cotton and 40% polyester blend, shifting the ratio toward polyester compared to the standard 80/20 Heirloom. This shift produces several specific performance characteristics:
- Higher loft retention -- The higher polyester content means the batting springs back more consistently after dense quilting, producing a slightly fuller, more dimensional finished quilt.
- Reduced shrinkage -- With more polyester, the first-wash shrinkage is lower (approximately 1 to 2 percent versus 3 to 5 percent for the 80/20), which is ideal for quilts where precision sizing matters.
- Superior bearding resistance -- Higher poly content means significantly less fiber migration through tightly woven fabrics, making it an excellent choice for dark and tightly woven quilt tops.
- Excellent drape with more body -- Where the 80/20 Heirloom drapes softly and flat, the Deluxe blend holds its shape slightly better, giving bed quilts a full, lofted appearance on the bed.
Like the standard Heirloom line, it is scrim-free, needle-punched, and made with Hobbs's quality fiber processing. The 96 inch width covers the same queen and large queen applications.
Top 10 Uses for Linda's Deluxe Batting 96 Inch
- Bed Quilts That Need to Look Full and Lofted -- The higher poly content gives bed quilts that plump, inviting appearance on display.
- Quilts for Dark or Tightly Woven Fabrics -- Superior bearding resistance makes this the right batting when you are working with batiks, dark solids, and densely woven modern fabrics.
- Longarm Studio Production Work -- The consistent, predictable performance and reduced shrinkage make this easier to work with in a production studio environment.
- Gift Quilts and Custom Orders -- When a customer specifies a full, plush appearance, the Deluxe blend delivers that look reliably.
- Quilts Destined for Humid Climates -- Higher polyester content resists moisture retention, making this a better choice for humid environments where all-cotton batting may feel dense or take longer to dry.
- Modern and Graphic Quilts -- Clean, flat batting with body works well under bold modern designs where the quilting texture should be visible but not dominant.
- Quilts Requiring Minimal Post-Wash Distortion -- Lower shrinkage rate preserves the geometry of precision piecing better than high-cotton alternatives.
- Allergy-Sensitive Applications -- The fully processed polyester component is hypoallergenic, making this a considerate choice for quilts given to sensitive recipients.
- Dense Ruler Work and Structured Quilting Designs -- The batting holds its position under ruler work and structured designs without bunching or shifting.
- Quilts for Children and Teens -- Durable, easy-care, and resistant to the hard washing that children's quilts require.
What It Pairs Well With
Fabric
The Deluxe blend excels under batiks, solids, and any fabric with a tight weave. For quilts featuring Moda, Robert Kaufman Kona, and similar premium solids, the bearding resistance is a real advantage. It also works well under printed cotton collections -- the slightly higher body keeps the quilt top flat and smooth under the machine head.
Thread
Polyester and cotton-wrapped polyester threads are excellent partners for this batting. Superior Threads Glide and Bottom Line, Fil-Tec Magna Glide, and YLI Select are all excellent choices. The higher poly content of the batting means slightly less friction on the needle and thread, which translates to smoother thread flow at speed. Cotton threads work beautifully as well -- Aurifil 50wt and Superior MasterPiece are proven pairings.
Backing
Standard wide-back cottons, wide-back blends, and flannel backings all work well with the Deluxe blend. Because the batting has more body, it creates a slightly thicker quilt sandwich -- account for this when choosing needle size and tension settings.
How It Compares: Linda's Deluxe vs. Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom
Both are excellent battings. The 80/20 Heirloom is cotton-forward, drapes softly, and produces the classic antique crinkle after first wash. The Deluxe blend has more body, is more resistant to bearding, shrinks less, and holds its loft better over time. Choose the 80/20 when you want that soft, heirloom character. Choose the Deluxe when you want a full-looking, durable, low-maintenance batting that performs consistently across a wide range of fabrics and quilting styles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this batting made in the USA?
Yes. Linda's Deluxe is made by Hobbs Bonded Fibers at their US manufacturing facility using the same quality control standards applied to all Hobbs products.
Will this batting feel stiff compared to the 80/20 Heirloom?
No. The Deluxe blend has more body and loft, but it is not stiff. It drapes naturally and feels soft in hand. The difference is subtle -- a slightly fuller, more dimensional feel rather than a flat, drapey feel. Most quilters describe it as the difference between a quilt that hangs softly and one that looks full on the bed.
Does this batting require pre-washing?
No pre-washing is required or recommended. Load it directly from the roll. The lower shrinkage rate means any first-wash movement is minimal and generally not visible in the finished quilt.
Can I use this for hand quilting?
Yes, though the higher polyester content creates slightly more needle resistance than a pure cotton or 80/20 batting. Most hand quilters find it very manageable. Use a sharp hand-quilting needle in size 10 or 12 betweens for best results.
How does the pricing compare to standard Hobbs Heirloom?
The Deluxe blend is priced at a slight premium over the standard Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom, reflecting the custom fiber specification and our exclusive production run. Given the performance advantages for production and high-use applications, most quilters who try it find the value compelling.
Shop Linda's Deluxe Cotton/Poly Blend Batting 96 Inch
This is our signature batting -- the one we developed because we wanted better for our customers. Try it once and we are confident you will understand why it has become one of our top sellers.
Shop Now: Linda's Deluxe Cotton/Poly Blend Batting 96 Inch Roll
