If you’re thinking about no-sew or eco-friendly alternatives to the standard cotton fillings of today’s home and commercial quilts, this is the article for you. There are many options other than cotton batting out there, but why not take a look at what you have around the house or find something new for your quilt’s lining?
What are the best quilt batting alternatives? The best quilt batting alternatives include fleece as a cheaper and wrinkle-reducing option that won’t shrink in the wash, flannel as a sturdy and warm material, and bamboo textile for a super durable and sustainable choice.
Best Quilt Batting Alternatives
Today, we have the three best quilt alternatives that just might be the perfect replacement for the regular batting for your next quilting project.
| Rank | Alternative | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Fleece Sheet | Thick and warm |
| 2. | Flannel Sheet | Super-fine texture |
| 3. | Bamboo Batting | Durable |
1. Fleece Sheet
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Using fleece rather than traditional batting is a lot cheaper. It comes in 60-inch widths or larger and is readily available in all seasons.
It not only adds body and loft to your finished quilted project, but it also helps minimize wrinkles as well. Many people love using fleece for their projects because fleece is very thick, soft, and warm, which makes it a great choice during the winter.
Unlike cotton, you don’t have to worry about shrinking or load shedding because this fabric is water-resistant, resulting in a more durable option.
Furthermore, this material can be hand washed at home and dried on low heat settings, so no worries about maintaining it. Also, the benefits of using fleece are endless. Not only does this fabric help save money, time, and energy, it is available in many colors and patterns, which makes it one of the most versatile fabrics out there today, making quilters fall in love with this material right away.
2. Flannel Sheet
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Flannel will not only provide warmth but also comfort in all seasons because it is not affected by cold or hot temperatures.
Flannel sheets can be considered the best quilt batting alternatives because of their smooth texture and comfortable properties.
They provide softness with their super-fine textured surface, which enables them to slide over the body quickly without causing any harm or irritation by rubbing against your skin.
On a similar note, cotton fabrics also fall in this category. However, only if you find 100% natural fiber material; otherwise, it may irritate the skin.
Another property of flannel sheets is that they are not affected by the weather. You can use them during any season without worrying about their quality and texture because the fabric will not lose its shape or texture.
3. Bamboo Batting
Bamboo also helps hold layers together and provides warmth. Bamboo is one of the best and most durable materials known to man.
This fiber can last around six years before it starts wearing out, so manufacturers have begun making quilt batting alternatives out of bamboo-based materials because of their durability and strength.
In addition, this type of material is cheaper than cotton or wool alternatives, which has created quite an industry for new products being manufactured every year.
The quilt batting made with bamboo is also not as prone to shrinking as the cotton ones do. This type of bamboo quilt batting alternative can be machine washed and tumble dried. This allows your bedding to stay clean longer without trying to find time and energy to launder it.
The only downside to using these materials in your quilts, though, is they can be stiff when you purchase them. However, they will soften up over time, so don’t throw them away until you have used them for a while.
Can I Use An Old Blanket As Quilt Batting?
Yes, reusing an old blanket by using it as the batting for a new quilt is another clever way to make use of available materials.
Be sure to wash it first. This will ensure the blanket doesn’t shrink later on in its life cycle. Your material may harbor pests or even damage itself from wear if it’s wool. We recommend washing it in hot water before working on your project to eliminate those dangers and allow any dirty little critters to hit the road.
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