Hobbs Thermore vs Hobbs Polydown Batting
Hobbs Thermore vs Hobbs Polydown Batting
Both are Hobbs polyester battings — but they’re designed for completely different purposes. Thermore is an ultra-thin garment insulation; Polydown is a traditional quilt batting with medium loft. Choosing the wrong one will show in the finished piece.
Hobbs Thermore Batting
Shop Thermore
Hobbs Polydown 120" Roll
Shop Polydown
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Thermore | Polydown |
|---|---|---|
| Thickness | Ultra-thin — almost paper-like Thermore | Medium loft — traditional quilt Polydown |
| Original purpose | Garment insulation Thermore | Quilt batting Polydown |
| Warmth for thickness | Excellent ratio Thermore | Good standard warmth |
| Stitch definition | Outstanding — every stitch shows Thermore | Good |
| Quilted jackets / vests | Ideal Thermore | Too bulky |
| Bed quilts | Too thin for most | Ideal Polydown |
| Format | Package only | Roll and package Polydown |
| Shrinkage | None Tie | None |
Who Should Choose Which?
Choose Thermore if you…
- Make quilted jackets, vests, or coats
- Want maximum stitch definition in art quilts
- Need an ultra-thin quilt for display or hanging
- Are making quilted accessories
- Want warmth without any bulk
Choose Polydown if you…
- Make traditional bed quilts or lap quilts
- Want a puffy, lofty finished quilt
- Buy batting by the roll for volume
- Make charity quilts requiring durable batting
- Want a no-shrink poly option for everyday use
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Thermore for a regular bed quilt?
You can, but it will be very thin — more like a summer coverlet than a traditional quilt. For warmth and body in a bed quilt, Polydown is the right choice.
Is Thermore good for machine quilting?
Yes — it is extremely stable under the needle and produces exceptional stitch definition because there’s no loft to obscure the stitches. It’s popular for wholecloth and art quilts for this reason.
Does either batting shrink?
No — both Thermore and Polydown are 100% polyester and will not shrink in washing or drying.
Can I use Polydown for a quilted jacket?
Not recommended — Polydown’s medium loft creates too much bulk at garment seams. Use Thermore instead for clean, non-bulky quilted apparel.
Shop Hobbs Polyester Batting at Linda’s Electric Quilters
Expert longarm advice • Trusted since 1999
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