I’ve been participating in the Canadian Virtual Trunk Show and while I was sharing my Blue Dresden quilt, I was asked about quilt batting.
It totally took me off on a tangent about my love for good quality batting.
If you get my newsletter then you know what my ride or die batting is 😉 but for this post, I’m not focusing on my favourite brand, but on the size of batting I buy.
It was about a year into my quilting journey when I stopped and pondered the pros and cons of quilt batting bolts.
Read on to see why I took the plunge and 5 things I think every quilter should know about batting rolls.
ARE YOU TIRED OF RUNNING OUT OF BATTING?
After spending a year running back and forth (by which I mean a solid hour round trip) to the fabric store to get my batting, I finally took the plunge in 2016 and purchased my first bolt.
I’ll be honest, I was a little worried. Could I make it through an entire bolt?
Or, had I just spent a whole whack of money only to have it sit there.
My rational side kept telling me this was the more cost effective way to go, but committing up front to SO much batting was a little intimidating.
CAN YOU MAKE IT THROUGH A WHOLE BOLT?
But it finally happened!
I finished off the last of that roll of batting. Whaaa?
It’s true, while basting my Double Windmill quilt back in August 2019 I hit the end of the bolt. That was just crazy to me!
That’s a lot of quilts represented in that bolt.
It’s like finishing your first big spool or cone of thread, it’s an accomplishment and represents a moment in your making journey.
Finishing off that bolt was super inspiring and encouraging.
Wow, I’d done it. I actually made enough quilts to hit the cardboard center!
I don’t say this to brag, I say this as a moment of awe.
LESSONS LEARNED
But here’s what I’ve learned:
- Yes, the upfront investment is a little tough to swallow, but it’s a better bang for your buck in the long run (I did the math 😉).
- I never worry whether I have batting on hand – I know I do. Which gives me quilty peace of mind. (don’t underestimate quilty peace of mind!)
- I end up with remnants that are usually large enough for baby quilts, wall hangings, table runners and other small projects. So, I’m making use of every inch of that bolt.
- Since it’s on a roll, there’s a little less ironing involved than the batting folded in a package.
- The only con I can think of is storing the sucker. My current solution is just to lean it against my fabric cabinet. I’m hoping that when I have an actual sewing room all to myself I’ll be able to incorporate a better storage solution, but I’m making it work.
I’m now well into my second roll, this time king size and white (the first was natural). White purely because I use so much white in my quilts, otherwise I love the natural. Truth be told, I’d love to have both natural and white on hand. That just seems excessive…right?
So, I’d love to know, have you taken the batting bolt plunge? Share in the comments below!
Happy quilting!
xo
Shannon
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Shannon, I love that you did all the calculations on the pricing. Like you, I believe it’s less expensive to buy on the bolt but also where to store it. I started buying on the bolt when I lived in a large home in NJ and kept it on a kitchenette counter where it was easy to measure and cut. I downsized 3 years ago and moved to FL where my studio, while I love having my own space, is sorely lacking storage so I’ve gone back to buying by the package. Also, I don’t seem to be making many larger quilts these days as I’m retired and can’t spend the long hours on my longarm. I have quite a few smaller packages (baby, throw) and order the larger ones when I start peicing a larger quilt so when I need it, it will be on hand. Wish I had the storage space to go back to buying on a bolt but those days are gone for me, I’m afraid.
Such great points, Susan! Living in the city, space is at a premium for me too and so mine unelegantly stands upright in the corner of a room 🤣 thank you so much for sharing about your sewing room transition 💛
Hi Shannon, firstly I would like to thank you for teaching me so much, especially improv quilting. I am a sewer since a young age, but in my 50’s a lovely neighbour encouraged me to start quilting. I started by making a Queen fat quarter quilt with thousands of pieces. It turned out amazing and still lives in my daughters bed, sadly she won’t let me have it back. I feel like my first was the best!!!!
Anyway, she too is starting to quilt and will probably do a better job than I and hopefully I will see the return of that quilt.
I am now retired and on a new journey in quilting, still trying to master a 1/4” seam but I have purchased a bolt of batting so I will have no choice but to get better, keep at it, and make lots of quilts🤨😂🤗. My roll is still in its box but I know it is there ❤️
What fun, Sue!! I love that you stayed open to trying quilting after sewing for so many years. And now I’m rooting for your daughter to love it as well so that you can get your quilt back! There’s something extra special about our first quilt 💛
I installed a long wide shelf about 18 inches or so from the ceiling and I keep my roll up there. Takes up way less space and I can get it down when I need it.
Oh, wow, I bet that comes in super handy, Bridget! And you must have developed some nice pipes after lifting those bolts up 🙂