Hobbs 80/20 vs Tuscany Bleached Cotton Batting — When to Upgrade
Hobbs 80/20 vs Hobbs Tuscany Bleached Cotton Batting — When to Upgrade
Both are Hobbs 96" rolls made for longarm quilting — but they serve completely different purposes. The 80/20 is your everyday production batting. Tuscany Bleached Cotton is a pre-shrunk, scrim-free premium for show quilts and white-on-white work. Here’s how to choose.
Hobbs Heirloom 80/20 96" Roll
Shop 80/20
Hobbs Tuscany Bleached Cotton 96" Roll
Shop Tuscany Bleached
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Hobbs 80/20 | Tuscany Bleached |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber | 80% cotton / 20% poly | 100% bleached cotton Natural |
| Scrim | Resin-bonded 80/20 | Scrim-free — pure fiber drape |
| Pre-shrunk | No | Yes — pre-shrunk Tuscany |
| Color | Bright white (slight warmth) | Brilliant white — bleached Tuscany |
| Loft | Light, slight body | Ultra-flat — flattest drape Tuscany |
| Show quilts | Excellent | Premium choice for white-on-white Tuscany |
| Price / 30 yd roll | $149.99 80/20 | $284.79 |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose 80/20 if you…
- Run a high-volume longarm studio
- Make everyday or gift quilts
- Want the best cost per yard
- Quilt tops in any color — batting color doesn’t show
Choose Tuscany Bleached if you…
- Make white-on-white or wholecloth quilts
- Show in traditional or heirloom categories
- Want 100% natural pre-shrunk cotton
- Need scrim-free flatness for maximum drape
Frequently Asked Questions
Does scrim-free batting require special care on a longarm?
Yes — scrim-free battings like Tuscany Bleached lack the stabilizing layer that prevents tearing during loading. Load carefully, keep the batting taut but not strained, and avoid rough handling at the edges. Many longarm operators tape or pin the edges before loading scrim-free battings.
Is pre-shrunk batting better for longarm quilting?
Pre-shrunk batting behaves very predictably — what you load is essentially what the customer gets after washing. Non-pre-shrunk battings (like 80/20) will shrink slightly on first wash, creating the antique crinkle most customers love. Choose based on the finished quilt goal.
Why is Tuscany Bleached nearly twice the price of 80/20?
The premium reflects the extra processing (bleaching, pre-shrinking), the use of 100% cotton (no poly filler), and the scrim-free construction. It’s a specialty product for specific high-value applications — not an everyday batting replacement.
Shop Hobbs Batting at Linda’s Electric Quilters
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