Cotton vs 80/20 vs Bamboo Batting – Which Quilt Batting Is Best?

Cotton vs 80/20 vs Bamboo Batting – Which Quilt Batting Is Best?

Choosing the right quilt batting is one of the most important decisions in quilting. The type of batting you use directly affects how your quilt feels, how it drapes, how it holds stitches, and how it looks after washing.

The three most popular options—cotton, 80/20 cotton-poly blend, and bamboo batting—each offer unique benefits. Understanding the differences will help you choose the best batting for your project.

What Is Cotton Batting?

Cotton batting is made from 100% natural cotton fibers. It’s one of the most traditional and widely used options in quilting.

Pros of Cotton Batting:

• Natural fiber with a soft, breathable feel
• Classic, slightly flatter quilt appearance
• Great for heirloom and traditional quilts
• Stable and easy to work with

Cons of Cotton Batting:

• Higher shrinkage than blends
• Less loft compared to other options
• Can feel heavier in large quilts

Cotton batting is ideal if you want a traditional quilt look with a natural feel.

Shop the full batting collection at ThreadWorks.

What Is 80/20 Batting?

80/20 batting is made from 80% cotton and 20% polyester. This blend is one of the most popular choices for both beginners and professional quilters.

Pros of 80/20 Batting:

• Lower shrinkage than 100% cotton
• Slight loft for a more defined quilt look
• Durable and holds up well over time
• Easier to work with than pure cotton

Cons of 80/20 Batting:

• Not fully natural due to polyester content
• Slightly less breathable than cotton

80/20 batting is often considered the best all-around choice because it balances softness, durability, and ease of use.

What Is Bamboo Batting?

Bamboo batting is made from natural bamboo fibers and is considered a premium quilting option.

Pros of Bamboo Batting:

• Extremely soft with a smooth, luxurious feel
• Excellent drape for high-end quilts
• Breathable and moisture-wicking
• Naturally antibacterial

Cons of Bamboo Batting:

• Slightly higher cost
• Can require tighter quilting depending on loft

Bamboo batting is perfect for quilters who want a high-end finish and superior comfort.

Low Loft vs High Loft Batting

Another important factor to consider is loft, or thickness.

• Low loft batting creates a flatter, more traditional look
• High loft batting (like 6oz bamboo) creates a thicker quilt with more defined stitching

If you want your quilting patterns to stand out, high loft batting is the better choice.

Which Batting Should You Choose?

Here’s a simple way to decide:

• Choose cotton batting for a traditional, natural quilt
• Choose 80/20 batting for everyday quilting and the best balance of performance
• Choose bamboo batting for premium quilts with superior softness and drape
• Choose high loft batting if you want your stitching to stand out

Best Batting for Longarm Quilting

For longarm quilting, most professionals prefer:

• 80/20 batting for everyday use
• Bamboo batting for premium quilts
• Extra-wide batting (120") for king-size projects

Using the right batting can improve efficiency and produce better results, especially on large quilts.

Our Top pick for Batting is the Winline 80/20 cotton-poly batting roll (96" x 30 yards).

Final Thoughts

There is no single “best” batting—only the best batting for your specific project.

Understanding how cotton, 80/20, and bamboo batting perform will help you choose the right material, improve your quilting results, and create quilts that look and feel exactly how you want.

Browse the full batting collection to compare every option.