Wadding is the filling for the Quilt. You may also find it being named 'batting' or 'padding'. There is a variety of
wadding to choose from both by thickness and types of fibre. You will sometimes see wadding described as 'low loft'.
This means the wadding is flatter and will reduce the puffy appearance of the quilt. Depending on the use you intend for
your quilt and the finished appearance you wish the quilt to have will determine which wadding you choose.
Polyester wadding
Polyester wadding is more economical and comes in various thicknesses, which are classed by weight. The thinnest is
60grammes or 2 ounces going up to 220 grammes or 8 ounces. The thicker wadding is generally said to be easier to quilt.
Cotton wadding
You can get 100% cotton wadding. Pure cotton is better used where your project is to be closely quilted. The reason for
this is that pure cotton has a tendency to move between the quilt top and backing and so where the quilting is looser in
design it could form lumps within the quilt. Cotton blends are readily available and easier to quilt.
Domette and silk wadding
Other types of wadding include 'Domette' which is a woven interlining. Domette gives a flatter look to the quilt and is
suitable for wall hangings. 'Needlepunch' is pre – flattened polyester, which again provides that flatter look for wall
hangings. If you want to give your quilt a luxurious feel you could push the boat out and use silk wadding, suitable for
silk quilts and small projects.
When purchasing your wadding allow at least 2 inches or 5 centimetres around the completed quilt top to allow for
shrinkage as the wadding is quilted. Before using the wadding it is recommended you open it out and hang it to allow
creases to fall out and let it breath.