Batting is the middle layer of quilts that delivers warmth, softness, and the great cuddle we all want. There are lots of choices when  it comes to the coziness level you are going for. Batting comes in various materials (cotton, polyester, wool, bamboo, silk, etc.) and thicknesses. And it can be purchased in packages or rolls. The package sizes usually correspond to bed sizes (Crib, Twin, Full, Queen, and King), with Craft (the smallest) and Throw thrown in for good measure. If your quilt happens to be the same as one of the package sizes, you are good to go. But, if your quilt is different from the package or if you use batting on the roll (my preference) you will be cutting the batting.

Why I’m Qualified

Hi, I’m Mary Beth Krapil, Handi Quilter National Educator. I’ve been making quilts for more than 40 years! I love to piece and applique. But, I’ve got to be honest, quilting on the longarm machine is my favorite part of the entire process of making a quilt. You can’t get to the most fun part til you have the right size batting to go into your quilt.  So today I’ll talk through everything you need to know about cutting batting for quilts and the best tools for the job.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Batting for Quilts

No matter what kind of batting you choose, learn the best techniques and the most efficient tools for cutting batting for your quilts with this step-by-step guide. Cutting batting for your quilt is a simple but important task. By following these steps, you’ll achieve clean, precise cuts that will ensure your quilt layers are properly aligned. So, take your time and use the right tools that make it an easy job.

Step 1 – Determine the size you need

Start by measuring the size of your quilt top and backing. The batting needs to be larger than your quilt top to allow for shifting during quilting and to provide enough for trimming afterward.

Add 2 to 4 inches to all four sides of your quilt top if you are a stationary machine quilter.  Ideally, make the batting the same size as your backing fabric if you are quilting on a frame-mounted movable machine. This provides batting that fills the roll of backing as you advance through your quilt and prevents the backing from sagging. If I have the width of the batting at least within an inch or two of the width of the backing, I can make it work.

Step 2 – Smooth out the wrinkles

Batting on the roll needs very little smoothing. It is folded in half and smoothly rolled on a cardboard tube, ready to use with little-to-no prep. Packaged batts are folded and rolled and jammed into plastic packaging where they live til you take them home and decide to use them. They are a creased and wrinkled mess. Depending on how much time I have, I use one of two methods to get those wrinkles out.

Method 1: The ironing fairies

Open the batting package and drape it over your longarm frame or your cutting table or dining room table. Mist lightly with plain water, paying close attention to the deepest folds and wrinkles. Smooth lightly with your hands being careful not to stretch the batting. Leave overnight. During the night, while you are sleeping, the ironing fairies will come and smooth the wrinkles away.

Method 2: Steam

If you are pressed for time, You can steam the creases out of your batting. Hover your steam iron over the batting and steam the wrinkles. Try not to touch the batting with the iron. A large ironing surface helps with this process. If you have a steamer like the Laura Star Lift, you can drape the batting over your longarm frame and steam it there.

Step 3 – Cut with Handi Batting Scissors

I’ve cut a lot of batting in my quilting journey. And I’m here to say, don’t cut batting with a rotary cutter and mat unless you like dull rotary cutting blades and cleaning batting fluff out of cuts in your mat. Cutting batting will destroy your blades and your mats.

Use scissors. And the best scissors I have ever used for batting are the Handi Batting Scissors. The Handi Batting Scissors are specifically designed to cut batting. They have a 5-inch straight-edge cutting blade, ergonomically designed off-set handle for ease in cutting, and are precision-made from fine quality steel.

Measure and Cut

I lay the batting out on the floor. That way I can get everything nice and flat. Use a metal carpenter’s tape measure. It is much more accurate than a cloth tape measure that can stretch and get distorted.  To get a nice straight accurate line, I use a laser level. Learn more about how to use this useful tool in quilting HERE. You can also use a ruler or yard stick or any straight edge to guide your cut.

Batting Scissors Care

To keep your batting scissors at their best, working longer and efficiently:

1. Keep your batting scissors for batting or fabric only. NO PAPER.

2. Keep scissors away from high moisture environments.

3. Oil your scissors according to usage. If you use them every day, oil your scissors once a week. If you use them once a week or less, oil them monthly. Use any 3-in-1 oil or sewing machine oil. Place a tiny drop at the hinge. Wipe excess away with a soft cloth and wipe the blades with that same cloth. Easy-peasy.

What to Read Next

Using a Laser Level for Quilting

Using Batting Scraps

Thoughts on Batting

Remember to Quilt Every Day!

by Mary Beth Krapil