|
|
|
Lofty Decisions
Choosing The Right Batting
Part 1, Natural Fibers
Natural Fiber Battings
We divided the battings into two
categories, those made from natural fibers and those which contain synthetic materials.
This month we begin with the natural fiber batts: cotton, wool, and silk, and blends in
which a natural fiber dominates.
Cotton and wool battings were once the mainstay of quilters, but many switched their
allegiance to man-made fibers when less expensive battings made from synthetics became
readily available and easier to handle. Natural fibers have made a strong come-back,
though. Manufacturing processes have improved, producing cleaner, more stable, more
washable blankets of fiber, and some consumers prefer the natural-fiber batts for the
old-fashioned appearance they give to quilts. Many quilters also prefer to complement the
fabric they have used in their quilt tops by using a batting made of the same material.
|
