A:The basic answer to this question is that they are soft, thin, easy to needle battings made from sustainably grown plant-based fibers blended with 50% cotton fibers.  Because they are both made using plant fibers, as is cotton, they will exhibit similar qualities to this well-known fiber.

Bamboo Blend Batting has a soft, silky hand and some naturally anti-microbial properties.  It is durable, breathable, and comfortable.  This regenerated cellulosic fiber has microscopic pores that allow for excellent wicking which draws moisture away from the body to the fiber making it a good warm weather option.  Bamboo’s inherent properties also make it a good option for allergy sufferers as many people who are allergic to other natural fibers are usually not to bamboo.

Soy Blend Batting is also a regenerated cellulosic fiber meaning that the raw plant pulp is processed to produce the resulting fiber.  This batting has a soft hand and wonderful drape.  Soy also possesses the advantageous properties of durability, excellent absorbency, good comfort and thermal retention. 

Both batting types are excellent for quilts that are used for sleeping. Washing softens them and provides comfort.

Q:What are the advantages of Rayon and Polyester battings

A: Rayon produces a very comfortable warm weather batting that is soft, smooth, absorbent and non-irritating to the skin.  Our Flame Retardant Rayon Batting also has the added property of being flame retardant which makes it resistant to combustion. This batting is ideal for children’s bedding and clothing because it is flame retardant but in the event of ignition will not burn, stick, drip or cause further damage. This is a regenerated manufactured fiber made from cellulose.  
         Polyester batting is resilient and lightweight.  It cannot be harmed by moths or mildew and can be easily and safely machine washed.  This can be a very warm batting as it lacks breathability.  This batting is suitable for a variety of applications, but should be avoided in children’s clothing or bedding. Quilters value Polyester batting for the loft that it provides. Polyester is a manufactured synthetic fiber which enables production to mimic natural fibers in look and texture.  
        Even though Polyester is manufactured to mimic natural fibers, its properties differ from a plant based fiber such as Rayon even though both are manufactured fibers.  Rayon has properties similar to natural cellulosics such as absorbency and being biodegradable.  Polyester is composed of manmade materials and will not decompose or attract insects.

Q:What is the warmest batting?

A: Knowing the characteristics of fibers may help you come to your own conclusion. Polyester does not allow air to pass through which traps body heat inside, making for a very warm quilt. 100% Wool is a natural fiber and a natural insulator making it very warm and ideal for cold temperatures but is much more costly than polyester. A quilt made with 80/20 blend has 80% cotton and 20% polyester which offers good warmth retention and is substantial in weight without being stiff and heavy. If you live in an extremely cold climate, the answer may be to use more than one quilt as needed.

Q: What is the coolest batting?

A: Many prefer 100% cotton for a ‘summer weight’ quilt as the natural fiber breathes. Legacy™ by Pellon offers soy and bamboo blended with cotton in a very thin, smooth, lightweight batting . Soy and bamboo blends are very soft and comfortable. Bamboo batting can be as drapeable as silk and as soft as a fine wool.

Q: What batting is best for machine quilters?

A: Legacy™ By Pellon Natural Blend 80% Cotton 20% Polyester with scrim binder promises to be a favorite with all machine quilters whether using a home sewing machine or a long arm machine The scrim binder holds together the soft fibers with a gentle strength preventing distortion. 100% Wool batting is extremely soft and has good drape.

Q: What is scrim binder?

A: Scrim binder is a thin sheet of polypropylene which is very much like a dryer sheet that is needle punched onto one or more sides of batting as it is processed. Not all scrim binders used today are alike. Legacy™ By Pellon batting uses only a very lightweight scrim. This adds strength and durability that is sought by machine workers yet allows softness and ease of stitch that everyone appreciates. Our scrim does not create heavy, dense and stiff results.

Q: What is needle punching?

A: Cotton quilt batting in today’s marketplace is the most commonly known needle punched product. This process bonds together fibers of any type by ‘carding’ or repeatedly punching the fibers with barbed needles. The more a fiber is needled, the denser & stronger it becomes. No chemicals are needed when using this method of bonding fibers. Legacy™ By Pellon cotton battings are offered in White and Natural, needle punched as well as needled onto scrim binder.

Q: What is thermal bonding?

A: Thermal bonding is a process where fibers are tossed in a large container and mixed with a very small percentage of ‘low-melt’ polyester. Once this is tumbled together, it is laid out onto a conveyor belt and passed through an oven. The poly fibers melt, surrounding the wool or polyester fibers. This is then passed through heated rollers that seal and compress the fibers to the desired height. The majority of ‘low-melt’ polyester is dissipated in the process leaving a minute amount remaining. Thermal bonding provides a very soft and airy result.

A: The basic answer to this question is that they are soft, thin, easy to needle battings made from sustainably grown plant-based fibers blended with 50% cotton fibers.  Because they are both made using plant fibers, as is cotton, they will exhibit similar qualities to this well-known fiber.
        Bamboo Blend Batting has a soft, silky hand and some naturally anti-microbial properties.  It is durable, breathable, and comfortable.  This regenerated cellulosic fiber has microscopic pores that allow for excellent wicking which draws moisture away from the body to the fiber making it a good warm weather option.  Bamboo’s inherent properties also make it a good option for allergy sufferers as many people who are allergic to other natural fibers are usually not to bamboo.
        Soy Blend Batting is also a regenerated cellulosic fiber meaning that the raw plant pulp is processed to produce the resulting fiber.  This batting has a soft hand and wonderful drape.  Soy also possesses the advantageous properties of durability, excellent absorbency, good comfort and thermal retention. 
        Both batting types are excellent for quilts that are used for sleeping. Washing softens them and provides comfort.