Wadding Explained

What is wadding? How do I use it? What are all the different types? If you find yourself asking all these questions, read on for some answers....

 

Wadding is a type of padding material that can be used to bulk out your projects, and make them cosy. It can also be referred to as 'batting'. It's most often used in quilts, but can be used for a variety of projects from oven gloves to bags. It can also be made from a variety of different fibres, including cotton, bamboo and polyester.

 

Normally you sew it in between two layers of fabric - usually your outer fabric and lining. For larger projects like quilts, you may need to stitch it in place at periodic intervals by quilting it, or use a fusible wadding.

What are the different types of wadding?

Polyester Wadding

Vlieseline 280 High Loft Wadding

The most common type of wadding, it is very bouncy and fluffy. It's usually the cheapest option, but it doesn't always wash that well over time, so it's best for projects you won't wash much or want to spend much money on.

80/20 Wadding

The Quilter's Choice Super-soft 80/20 Wadding 

The other most commonly used type of wadding - the '80/20' stands for the fibre content: 80% cotton, 20% polyester. This is soft and warm, easy to sew and washes well too. The small polyester content makes it a bit more durable without being too 'plasticky'.

Cotton Wadding

The Quilter's Choice 100% Cotton Wadding

If you prefer all-natural fibres, you can get 100% cotton wadding, which is a little warmer than polyester blends, and has a lovely natural feel. It's fantastic for quilts and can also hold up to heat without melting!

Ecoblend Recycled Wadding

The Quilter's Choice Ecoblend Recycled 70/30 Wadding 

A newer addition to the wadding scene, this '70/30' blend is made from recycled cotton and recycled polyester. It's very similar to the 80/20 and can be used interchangeably for the same type of projects.

Bamboo Wadding

The Quilter's Choice 100% Bamboo Wadding

This stuff is like stroking a cloud, it's so soft! Made from bamboo, it's another all-natural wadding and also has natural anti-bacterial properties, so it's a popular choice for baby and children's projects.

Heat Resistant Wadding

The Quilter's Choice Heat Resistant Wadding

You may have seen this foil-like, crunchy wadding before - and it is for a specific purpose! It looks like foil covered in wadding fibres, but it is actually heat resistant, which makes it great for oven gloves, pot holders and table runners.

Fusible Fleece

Vlieseline H640 Iron-on Volume Fusible Fleece

Now you might argue that this one is somewhere in between an interfacing and a wadding, but it can be used for both purposes! This low-loft fleece allows you to add a little padding while also giving structure, as it fuses to the wrong side of your fabric. Use it on bags and accessories for a bit of shaping and bounce!