Hobbs 80/20 vs Quilters Dream Select Cotton Batting — Head-to-Head
Hobbs 80/20 vs Quilters Dream Select — Cotton Batting Head-to-Head
These are two of the most popular cotton battings in quilting — one resin-bonded, one mechanical-only. Here’s a direct head-to-head so you can choose between them for your next project.
Linda’s Electric Quilters Expert Comparison
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hobbs 80/20 | QD Select 4oz |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 80% cotton / 20% poly | 100% natural cotton QD Select |
| Processing | Needle-punched, resin-bonded 80/20 | Mechanical only, chemical-free QD Select |
| Loft | Light with slight poly body | Ultra-flat — flattest available QD Select |
| Max quilting spacing | 4 inches 80/20 | 8 inches QD Select |
| Beard resistance | Excellent — resin bond 80/20 | Very good — crosslap construction |
| Shrinkage | 1–3% | 2–4% 80/20 |
| Roll availability | Yes — 96" roll 80/20 | Limited roll format |
| Show quilts | Excellent | Preferred for flattest cotton drape QD Select |
| Cost | Lower per yard 80/20 | Slightly higher |
▶ Our VerdictHobbs 80/20 wins for longarm production — roll format, lower cost, excellent beard resistance. Quilters Dream Select wins for show quilts and hand quilting — the flattest cotton drape available, chemical-free, and with an 8" maximum quilting spacing that allows very open designs. Both are excellent; the choice depends on project type.
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Hobbs 80/20 if you…
- Run a longarm studio buying by the roll
- Want the best cost per yard
- Make everyday, gift, and charity quilts
- Want resin-bonded beard resistance
Choose QD Select if you…
- Make show or heirloom quilts
- Want 100% natural chemical-free cotton
- Want the absolute flattest cotton drape available
- Do hand quilting where needle feel matters
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I quilt further apart on QD Select than on Hobbs 80/20?
Yes — QD Select’s maximum quilting distance is 8 inches vs 4 inches for Hobbs 80/20. This means QD Select supports more open, widely spaced designs without batting migration after washing.
Which batting produces more antique crinkle?
QD Select (100% cotton) produces slightly more crinkle than Hobbs 80/20 (80% cotton + 20% poly) because pure cotton shrinks more than a cotton/poly blend. Both produce beautiful crinkle — QD Select is just a little more pronounced.
Shop Cotton Batting at Linda’s Electric Quilters
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