Batting Shrinkage Guide — How Much Will Your Batting Shrink?

Batting Shrinkage Guide — How Much Will Your Batting Shrink?

Batting shrinkage on first wash is one of the most misunderstood aspects of quilting — and getting it wrong can mean a finished quilt that’s several inches smaller than expected, or a customer who’s unhappy with unexpected crinkle. Here’s the complete guide.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Guide

Shrinkage by Batting Type

Batting Fiber Shrinkage on First Wash Notes
Hobbs Polydown / Poly battings 100% Polyester 0% — none No Shrink Dimensionally stable
Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom 80% cotton / 20% poly 1–3% Minimal Gentle crinkle effect
Hobbs 100% Natural Cotton 100% Cotton 3–5% Classic antique crinkle
Quilters Dream Select (4oz) 100% Cotton 2–4% Mechanical process — slightly less shrinkage
Hobbs Tuscany Bleached Cotton 100% Bleached Cotton 1–2% Pre-shrunk Pre-shrunk — most stable cotton
Hobbs Wool / QD Wool 100% Wool 2–5% (varies by wash) Super-washed types shrink less
Quilters Dream Bamboo Bamboo blend 1–3% Low shrinkage — consistent
▶ What to Expect The “antique crinkle” effect beloved by many quilters is caused by cotton and cotton-blend batting shrinking around the quilting stitches on first wash. This is by design — not a defect. If you want zero shrinkage and no crinkle, use polyester batting. If you want the crinkle, use cotton batting and don’t pre-wash.

Planning for Shrinkage

If customer wants antique crinkle

  • Use cotton or 80/20 batting — don’t pre-wash
  • Allow for 3–5% size reduction after first wash
  • Explain the crinkle effect at point of sale
  • Cut batting at least 4–6" larger than quilt top

If customer wants no crinkle / precise sizing

  • Use 100% polyester batting
  • Or use pre-shrunk Tuscany Bleached Cotton
  • Pre-wash cotton batting before loading if desired
  • Explain care requirements at point of sale

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I pre-wash my batting before quilting?

For most quilters, no. The shrinkage is the feature — it creates the antique crinkle. Pre-washing removes this effect. Only pre-wash if the customer specifically wants a pre-crinkled flat quilt, or if you’re doing precision work where exact finished size matters more than the antique effect.

Why does polyester batting not shrink?

Polyester fibers are synthetic and dimensionally stable when heated — they don’t swell or shrink with moisture the way natural fibers do. The absence of shrinkage means the quilt maintains its finished size through any number of washings.

How much does a queen quilt actually change size after washing?

A queen quilt using Hobbs 80/20 (approximately 3% shrinkage) will shrink about 2–3 inches in length and width. A quilt using 100% cotton batting (5% shrinkage) might shrink 4–5 inches in each dimension. Always communicate expected shrinkage to customers before returning a finished quilt.

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