Hobbs 80/20 vs Hobbs 100% Natural Cotton Batting — Which Is Right for You?

Hobbs 80/20 vs Hobbs 100% Natural Cotton Batting — Which Is Right for You?

Both are Hobbs Heirloom rolls and both are longarm favorites — but they quilt very differently. The 80/20 blend gives you a familiar soft hand with light loft, while the 100% natural cotton delivers a firmer hand and pronounced antique crinkle after washing. Here’s the complete comparison.

Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison
Hobbs 80/20 Heirloom Batting 96 inch Roll

Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 96" Roll

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

Shop 80/20
Hobbs Heirloom 100% Natural Cotton 96 inch Roll

Hobbs Heirloom 100% Natural Cotton 96" Roll

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

Shop Natural Cotton

Head-to-Head Comparison

Feature Hobbs 80/20 Hobbs Natural Cotton
Fiber blend 80% cotton / 20% poly 80/20 100% natural cotton Natural Cotton
Scrim type Resin-bonded 80/20 Cotton scrim
Loft Light, slight body 80/20 Very flat — pooling drape
Color Bright white 80/20 Natural white / cream
Shrinkage on first wash Under 2% — minimal 80/20 3–5% — classic antique crinkle Natural Cotton
Breathability Good Excellent Natural Cotton
Beard resistance Better — resin bond holds fibers 80/20 Good
Show quilts Excellent Preferred for all-natural hand Natural Cotton
Price / 30 yd roll $149.99 80/20 $239.84
▶ Our VerdictThe 80/20 is the better everyday value — easier to load, more beard-resistant, and significantly cheaper per yard. Choose the 100% natural cotton when a customer wants pure natural fiber, the full antique crinkle after washing, or maximum breathability in a bed quilt. For show quilts, many judges prefer the 100% cotton hand.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose 80/20 if you…

  • Quilt high-volume on a longarm
  • Want bright white batting under light fabrics
  • Make everyday bed quilts and lap quilts
  • Prefer lower cost per yard
  • Do charity quilts or guild projects

Choose Natural Cotton if you…

  • Want 100% natural, no synthetic fiber
  • Love the pronounced antique crinkle after washing
  • Make heirloom or show quilts
  • Customers specifically request 100% cotton
  • Quilt with natural-dye or organic fabrics

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hobbs 80/20 shrink?

Minimally — the polyester component stabilizes the batting. Expect under 2% shrinkage cold-washed. The 100% natural cotton shrinks 3–5%, creating the beloved antique crinkle effect.

Does 100% cotton batting need to be pre-washed?

Not required. The shrinkage is by design — it creates the antique crinkle. If you want to minimize any initial shrinkage, a brief cold soak before quilting is an option.

Which is better for a longarm?

Both work well. The 80/20’s resin-bonded scrim is slightly more forgiving to load. The natural cotton with its cotton scrim also loads cleanly but can feel stiffer initially.

Which is better for hand quilting?

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

Which is more resistant to bearding?

The 80/20 — the resin-bonded construction keeps fibers locked in better than the cotton scrim. Both are excellent, but for very dark or loosely woven fabrics, the 80/20 has the edge.

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Expert longarm advice • Trusted since 1999

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