Quilting Batting: Cotton vs Cotton-Poly Blend
By Mrs Quilty - Subscription box for quilters of all levels | Published: 2026-10-23
Category: Comparisons
Compare 100% cotton and 80/20 cotton-poly blend batting from Quilter's Dream. Learn which mid loft batting suits your quilting style and project needs.
Quick Answer
For a soft, drapey finish that showcases quilting stitches, choose Quilter's Dream 100% Cotton Batting. If you want faster basting and a bit more structure, the 80% Cotton & 20% Polyester blend with fusible webbing is your best bet.
Drape and Texture: Pure Cotton Wins for Softness
The 100% cotton batting from Quilter's Dream is crafted for ultimate softness and warmth. Its mid loft provides a soft, fluffy finish with excellent drape and texture, making it ideal for quilts that will be draped over a bed or worn as a garment.
Cotton's natural breathability also makes it a comfortable choice for year-round quilts, though it may require more careful handling during basting since it lacks the fusible feature of the blend.
Convenience and Speed: The Fusible Blend Advantage
The 80% cotton and 20% polyester batting with fusible webbing is designed to make quilting easier. The fusible webbing allows you to skip pinning or basting altogether, saving time on projects with tight deadlines or when you're working with slippery fabrics.
The polyester content adds a bit of resilience and structure, which can help the quilt maintain its shape, though it may not drape as softly as pure cotton.
Trade-Offs at a Glance
- Softness vs. Structure: 100% cotton offers superior softness and drape, while the cotton-poly blend provides a bit more body and resilience.
- Basting Effort: The fusible blend eliminates the need for pinning or basting, saving time; pure cotton requires traditional basting methods. If you want to skip basting, choose the blend; if you don't mind the extra step, pure cotton rewards you with drape.
- Warmth and Breathability: Both are mid loft, but 100% cotton is more breathable and naturally warm; the polyester blend may trap a bit more heat.
Product Facts
- 60" x 60" Mid Loft 80% Cotton & 20% Poly Batting Quilter’s Dream: 80% Cotton, 20% Polyester with fusible webbing; mid loft. The fusible webbing lets you skip pinning or basting, so you can finish quilts faster.
60" x 60" Mid Loft 80% Cotton & 20% Poly Batting Quilter’s Dream - 60" x 60" Mid Loft 100% Cotton Batting Quilter's Dream: 100% Pure Cotton; mid loft for a soft, fluffy finish with excellent drape. Pure cotton gives your quilt a soft, natural drape that highlights your quilting stitches and feels great against the skin.
60" x 60" Mid Loft 100% Cotton Batting Quilter's Dream
Which Batting Fits Your Project?
Best for
- Quilters who prioritize soft drape and natural fibers for heirloom or garment quilts
- Projects where you have time for traditional basting and want a classic cotton feel
Not for
- Quilters who need to finish quickly and want to skip pinning or basting
- Projects that require extra structure or stability, where the fusible blend is a better match
