Types of Quilt Batting

Questions about quilt batting?

Polyester or Cotton?

Crinkly or poofy?

Drape?

Loft?

Here's a good rundown:

Batting Guide at Sew, Mama, Sew!

How to Bind a Quilt, Part 2

Binding a quilt is not as hard as it seems.

This tutorial is great- very easy to understand, and it will help you bind your quilt neatly.

These directions are for cross grain double fold binding. This seems to be the most common form of binding for quilters. This is my preferred method because it the least wasteful. In my opinion, it holds up just as well as binding cut on the bias and is a little easier to work with because it does not stretch as much.

Do you know how much fabric you need? See How to Bind a Quilt, part 1.

How to Bind a Quilt- Part 1

"How much fabric do I need to bind my quilt?"

Measure the perimeter of your quilt (the sum of all sides).

And then, use this chart:

Fabric Requirements (2 1/2" cross grain binding)

How to Bind a Quilt, Part 2 features a great video tutorial.

Quilting Basics: Standard Quilt Sizes

When planning a quilt- especially if you are designing your own- you want to keep in mind the finished size. Most pre-packaged batting comes in these standard sizes:

(some brands include an extra inch or so)

• King Size 124" x 120"
• Queen Size 90" x 108"
• Full Size 84" x 96"
• Twin Size 72" x 90"
• Baby Size 45" x 60"
• Craft Size 34" x 45"

Of course your quilt can be any size you like, but it's best to plan ahead so you have enough batting - ideally, a few inches larger than your quilt top.

OR

you can purchase batting on the bolt. Most brands include widths based on these standard measurements, but you should check with your local quilt shop to see what is available.

Quilting Basics: How to Baste a Quilt

After a quilt top is pieced, it's time to make a quilt sandwich: backing, batting, and quilt top.

These layers need to be basted together to hold them temporarily. A quilt needs to be well basted to prevent shifting of the layers while quilting, which could cause tucks and wrinkles.

It seems that the most common form of basting is pin basting. You can also baste by hand sewing large basting stitches, or by using basting spray.

Amanda Jean at Crazy Mom Quilts shares simple instructions for pin basting:

One Way to Baste A Quilt

The ribbon retreat also shows how to pin baste a quilt, including using a spoon to help close all those safety pins:

How to Baste a Quilt

And my favorite directions for finishing a quilt, including pin basting, are shared by Allison from Cluck Cluck Sew:

Finishing Your Quilt