Batting is the unsung hero of any quilt. It provides warmth, structure, and a finished look that transforms a collection of fabric pieces into a cohesive, functional piece of art. Among the many batting brands available today, Hobbs Batting stands out as one of the most trusted names in the quilting industry. Hobbs offers a wide variety of high-quality batting products, each designed to meet specific quilting needs. Whether you're creating a baby quilt, a bedspread, or a wall hanging, there's a Hobbs batting product that’s perfect for your project.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at Hobbs Batting, exploring the materials, benefits, and uses of each product in their extensive catalog. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of which Hobbs batting product is best suited for your next quilting masterpiece.
What is Quilt Batting?
Before we dive into the specifics of Hobbs products, let’s review the role of batting in quilting. Quilt batting (or wadding) is the middle layer between the quilt top and backing, providing insulation, loft, and structure. Batting comes in various materials, thicknesses, and textures, and the type you choose depends on the intended use of your quilt, the climate, and your personal preference.
Quilt batting is typically made from materials such as cotton, polyester, wool, or a blend of fibers. Hobbs Batting offers a wide range of these materials, each with unique qualities that contribute to the overall feel and longevity of your quilt.
Overview of Hobbs Batting Products
Hobbs Batting offers a wide variety of quilt batting types designed for every style of quilting. Their product line includes cotton, polyester, wool, silk, and blends, as well as specialty battings for longarm quilting, hand quilting, and machine quilting. Let's explore each of Hobbs’ product categories in detail.
1. Heirloom® Premium 100% Cotton Batting
Hobbs Heirloom® Premium 100% Cotton Batting is one of their most popular products. Made from 100% natural cotton fibers, this batting is known for its soft, smooth texture, making it ideal for hand quilting, machine quilting, and longarm quilting. The lightweight, natural feel of cotton batting provides a low loft, creating a flat and vintage look that is perfect for traditional quilts.
Key Features:
- Soft and natural cotton
- Low loft for a flat finish
- Needle-punched for added durability
- Minimal shrinkage (approximately 3-5%)
- Available in sizes from craft to king
- Ideal for hand and machine quilting
2. Heirloom® Premium Cotton with Scrim
Hobbs also offers Heirloom® Premium Cotton with Scrim, which is 100% cotton reinforced with a thin polyester scrim. The scrim helps to prevent stretching and shifting, making this product particularly useful for quilts that require stability, such as large bed quilts. The scrim adds strength without adding bulk, allowing for a lightweight but durable finish.
Key Features:
- 100% cotton with polyester scrim for stability
- High durability and strength
- Minimal shrinkage (3-5%)
- Lightweight, low loft
- Suitable for both machine and hand quilting
3. Heirloom® 80/20 Cotton Blend Batting
One of Hobbs' most versatile products, Heirloom® 80/20 Cotton Blend Batting, is made of 80% natural cotton and 20% polyester. This blend offers the best of both worlds: the softness of cotton and the added loft and durability of polyester. It’s a favorite among quilters who want the feel of a traditional cotton quilt but with a little extra warmth and resilience.
Key Features:
- 80% cotton and 20% polyester blend
- Low to medium loft for added warmth
- Needle-punched and resin bonded for added durability
- Less than 5% shrinkage
- Great for both hand and machine quilting
- Available in a variety of sizes from craft to king
4. Heirloom® 100% Wool Batting
For quilters seeking warmth and softness, Hobbs’ Heirloom® 100% Wool Batting is an excellent choice. Wool has natural insulating properties, making it perfect for winter quilts. It is lightweight yet provides a medium to high loft, giving your quilts a luxurious feel without being overly heavy. Additionally, wool is naturally breathable, moisture-wicking, and resistant to mold and mildew, making it a great choice for those with allergies.
Key Features:
- Made from 100% wool
- High loft for added dimension
- Lightweight yet warm
- Naturally breathable and moisture-wicking
- Resists mold, mildew, and allergens
- Ideal for hand quilting, machine quilting, and longarm quilting
5. Tuscany Collection™ Cotton Batting
The Tuscany Collection™ Cotton Batting is part of Hobbs’ premium line of batting designed for quilters who want the highest quality materials. Made from 100% unbleached cotton, this batting is super soft, breathable, and easy to work with. It has a low loft, making it a great choice for quilts that require a sleek, flat finish.
Key Features:
- 100% unbleached cotton
- Low loft for a traditional look
- Breathable and soft to the touch
- Available in multiple sizes, from crib to king
- Great for both hand and machine quilting
6. Tuscany Collection™ Wool Batting
The Tuscany Collection™ Wool Batting is an upgrade from the regular wool batting, providing an even higher quality of fibers for quilters who are looking for extra warmth and luxury. Like other wool battings, this product provides excellent insulation while remaining lightweight and breathable. It is especially popular for winter quilts and heirloom projects.
Key Features:
- 100% fine wool
- High loft for added dimension and warmth
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Available in crib, queen, and king sizes
- Suitable for hand, machine, and longarm quilting
7. Tuscany Collection™ Silk Batting
For the ultimate in luxury, Hobbs offers Tuscany Collection™ Silk Batting. Made from a blend of silk and fine polyester fibers, this batting is incredibly lightweight yet provides a soft drape, perfect for high-end quilts and garments. Silk batting is often used in heirloom projects because it creates a sleek, shiny finish while adding a touch of elegance to your quilt.
Key Features:
- Blend of silk and polyester fibers
- Ultra-lightweight and soft
- Medium loft with a luxurious drape
- Breathable and moisture-resistant
- Ideal for heirloom quilts and garments
- Suitable for machine and hand quilting
8. Tuscany Collection™ Polyester Batting
The Tuscany Collection™ Polyester Batting is a non-woven, resin-bonded batting made from high-quality polyester fibers. This batting provides a higher loft than natural fiber battings, giving your quilts extra thickness and warmth without added weight. It’s easy to care for and holds up well to washing, making it perfect for quilts that will see regular use.
Key Features:
- Made from high-quality polyester fibers
- High loft for extra thickness and warmth
- Lightweight and durable
- Holds up well to washing and regular use
- Available in crib, queen, and king sizes
- Ideal for machine quilting and longarm quilting
9. Poly-Down® Batting
Hobbs’ Poly-Down® Batting is made from siliconized polyester fibers, giving your quilts extra loft and a soft, down-like feel. This batting is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t shrink, making it perfect for machine quilting and longarm quilting. Poly-Down is often used in quilts where extra loft is desired, such as in bed quilts or comforters.
Key Features:
- Made from siliconized polyester fibers
- High loft for extra fluffiness
- Lightweight and breathable
- Doesn’t shrink or distort
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Ideal for machine quilting and longarm quilting
10. Polydown® Pillow Inserts
In addition to quilt batting, Hobbs offers Polydown® Pillow Inserts, which are made from the same siliconized polyester fibers as their Poly-Down batting. These inserts provide a plush, down-like feel, making them ideal for decorative pillows. They are hypoallergenic, machine washable, and dryer safe, ensuring that your pillows maintain their shape and fluffiness over time.
Key Features:
- Siliconized polyester fibers for a down-like feel
- Hypoallergenic and washable
- Maintains shape and loft over time
- Available in a variety of pillow sizes
- Great for decorative pillows
11. Thermore® Ultra Thin Batting
For projects that require a sleek and low-profile look, Hobbs’ Thermore® Ultra Thin Batting is a great choice. Made from 100% polyester, this batting is extremely thin and lightweight, making it perfect for use in garments, wall hangings, and lightweight quilts. Despite its thinness, Thermore provides excellent insulation and durability.
Key Features:
- Ultra-thin, 100% polyester batting
- Ideal for lightweight quilts and garments
- Retains its shape after washing
- Provides warmth without bulk
- Perfect for machine quilting and longarm quilting
12. Hobbs Bonded Fibers
Hobbs also offers various Bonded Fibers designed for specific uses such as upholstery, crafts, and non-quilting applications. These fibers are made from polyester and provide extra loft, cushioning, and support, making them ideal for projects that require durability and resilience.
How to Choose the Right Hobbs Batting
With so many different batting options available, it’s important to choose the right product for your specific quilting project. Consider the following factors:
- Material: Cotton batting is soft and breathable, while polyester batting offers more loft and durability. Wool is perfect for warmth, while silk batting provides a luxurious, lightweight feel.
- Loft: The loft of your batting will affect the overall thickness of your quilt. Low-loft batting creates a flat finish, while high-loft batting adds dimension and thickness.
- Shrinkage: Some batting products, like cotton, may shrink slightly after the first wash. Consider this when selecting your batting material.
- Quilting Style: Some battings are better suited for hand quilting, while others are ideal for machine or longarm quilting. Make sure the batting you choose matches your preferred quilting method.
Conclusion
Hobbs Batting offers a diverse range of batting products to suit any quilting style or need. From their classic Heirloom® Cotton batting to their luxurious Tuscany Collection™ Silk and Wool battings, Hobbs provides quilters with high-quality materials that produce stunning results. Whether you’re creating a cozy bed quilt, a lightweight summer quilt, or an intricate heirloom piece, Hobbs has a batting that’s just right for your project. Happy quilting!
