80/20 vs 100% Cotton Batting — The Quilter's Complete Guide

80/20 vs 100% Cotton Batting — The Quilter’s Complete Guide

The 80/20 vs 100% cotton question is the single most-asked batting question at Linda’s. Both are popular, both are excellent — but they behave differently on the longarm and in the finished quilt. Here’s the definitive comparison.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison
Hobbs 80/20 Batting Roll

80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend (Hobbs Heirloom)

SKU: HLBY-96
$149.99 / 30 yd roll
80% cotton / 20% polyester • Resin-bonded scrim • 96" wide • Bright white • Light loft

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Hobbs 100% Natural Cotton Batting Roll

100% Cotton Batting (Hobbs Natural Cotton)

SKU: HNSBY-96
$239.84 / 30 yd roll
100% natural cotton • Cotton scrim • 96" wide • Natural/unbleached • Flat drape

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Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature 80/20 Blend 100% Cotton
Polyester content 20% poly 80/20 None — pure cotton 100% Cotton
Loft Light, slight body 80/20 Very flat, pooling drape
Shrinkage Minimal (<2%) 80/20 3–5% first wash 100% Cotton
Antique crinkle Very slight Pronounced — classic look 100% Cotton
Breathability Good Excellent 100% Cotton
Longarm handling Excellent — forgiving 80/20 Good — slightly stiffer loading
Show quilts Excellent Preferred by many judges 100% Cotton
Price / 30 yd roll $149.99 80/20 $239.84
▶ Our VerdictThe 80/20 blend is the better everyday choice for longarm studios — it’s more forgiving to load, slightly more durable, and significantly cheaper per yard. The 100% cotton is worth the premium for show quilts, heirloom pieces, and customers who want pure natural fiber with the full antique crinkle effect.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose 80/20 if you…

  • Run a high-volume longarm studio
  • Want the most economical per-yard cost
  • Make everyday bed quilts and gifts
  • Do charity or donation quilts
  • Want easier longarm loading

Choose 100% Cotton if you…

  • Make show quilts or heirloom pieces
  • Want zero polyester content
  • Love the pronounced antique crinkle
  • Hand quilt and want a purer fiber feel
  • Customers specifically request 100% cotton

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 80/20 mean in batting?

It refers to the fiber blend ratio: 80% cotton and 20% polyester. The polyester adds slight loft, resists shrinkage, and helps the batting hold together during longarm quilting.

Does 80/20 batting shrink?

Minimally — less than 2% on the first wash. The polyester content stabilizes the batting. Pure cotton batting shrinks 3–5%, which creates the beloved antique crinkle.

Is 100% cotton batting harder to quilt on a longarm?

Slightly — it tends to be a bit stiffer when loading and can drag more. But it quilts beautifully once it’s loaded and tensioned properly.

Which batting is better for hand quilting?

100% cotton — the purer fiber hand and flat drape are what traditional hand quilters prefer. The 80/20 is also fine for hand quilting but has slightly more resistance.

Which is a better value for a longarm business?

The 80/20 — $149.99 vs $239.84 per 30-yard roll is a significant difference when you’re buying 6–12 rolls at a time.

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Expert longarm advice • Trusted since 1999

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