how much batting do i need
Before you baste your next quilt, it pays to answer one simple question: how much batting do I need? Cutting too little leaves you piecing scraps at the edges, while buying far too much wastes money and storage space. The good news is that sizing your batting comes down to one measurement and a simple margin.
Measure Your Quilt Top First
Lay your finished quilt top flat and measure its length and width through the center, not along the edges, which can stretch. These two numbers are your starting point for choosing the right quilt batting size.
Add Extra for Quilting
Batting shifts and draws up slightly as you stitch, so cut it larger than the top. A common rule is to add about 4 inches on every side, or 8 inches to both the length and the width. If you send quilts to a longarm quilter, ask about their preferred overhang, since many ask for a bit more.
Packaged Size or Batting by the Yard?
- Packaged batting is precut for common bed sizes and is convenient when your project matches.
- Batting by the yard works well for custom sizes, large quilts, or several small projects. Check the listed width to work out your batting yardage.
Once you know your numbers, browse the batting options below to find the loft, fiber, and size that suit your quilt.
