A Batting Comparison of Quilter’s Dream and The Warm Company

These are the two types of batting that we use here at Village Stitchery. Quilter’s Dream and The Warm Company both make high-quality quilt battings, but they differ in feel, fiber options, and how they behave during quilting and washing.  Quilter’s Dream Request and Select are generally softer with more drape and a wider specialty line, while The Warm Company battings tend to feel denser with a slightly flatter look that many quilters like for utility quilts. My personal favorite uses are table runners and pot holders (I use 4 layers for potholders because I choose not to use Insul-Bright in case I should accidentally put it in the microwave).

Brand Overview:

• Quilter's Dream focuses on very soft, drapey battings with multiple lofts (thin, to very thick), and many fiber blends (cotton, 80/20, wool, bamboo, silk blends, flame-retardant, black, fusible, recycled plastic, etc.)

• The Warm Company is best known for Warm & Natural/Warm & White needle-punched cotton battings with scrim, plus other utilitarian products like fusible and polyester battings.

Feel, Loft, and Drape:

• Quilter's Dream cotton in lower lofts, Request and Select, is very soft with excellent drape, often described as "huggable" while higher lofts, Deluxe and Supreme, add more thickness and warmth.

• Warm & Natural and similar Warm battings are needle-punched with scrim, giving a slightly denser, flatter feel; many quilters find them a bit stiffer than Quilter's Dream, especially before washing, the result of their high stability.

Quilting and Handling:

• Quilter's Dream cotton and blends generally have no scrim, so needles pass through easily and they work well for both hand and machine quilting, with stitching allowed up to about 8" apart depending on type.

• Warm & Natural battings use scrim for stability; this is great for preventing stretch and bearding, but can feel a bit tougher for hand quilting, even though they are very popular for machine quilting and utility projects.

Fiber Options and Special Uses:

• Quilter's Dream offers many specialized battings: wool (lofty, warm, light), bamboo/silk/tencel blend (very soft, drapey, low loft), 80/20 and poly blends, black batting, fusible versions, and flame-retardant options for things like baby quilts.

• The Warm Company line is more focused on cotton (Warm & Natural, Warm & White) plus some polyester and fusible battings, making them a go-to for everyday quilts, craft projects, and when a stable, slightly flatter finish is desired.

Shrinkage, Warmth, and Look After Washing

• Quilter's Dream cotton and blends typically show modest shrinkage (around 1-2%), giving a soft, slightly puckered look and good warmth; wool and bamboo/silk blends have little or no shrinkage add extra warmth or drape while staying relatively lightweight

• Warm & Natural style battings also shrink some and give that classic crinkled texture, but because of the denser needle-punch and scrim they can feel a bit more "solid" and less fluid than an equivalent loft Quilters Dream.

Below is a chart that may help you choose the fiber that best fits your quilt depending upon it's intended use, climate, color and desired loft. This chart is based on Quilter's Dream Batting only.

Batting Type	Fiber Content	Best Usage	Loft	Stitch Distance	Color Options	Shrinkage
Cotton	100% USA cotton	Traditional quilts, heirloom projects, garments	4 lofts. Request to Supreme	Up to 8"	Natural & White	1-3% (gives that classic "crinkle")
80/20 Blend	80% Cotton 20% Poly	All purpose, daily use bed quilts	Select (Mid-Loft)	Up to 8"	Natural & White	1-3% (moderate crinkle)
Poly	100% Micro-poly	Durability, kids' quilts, modern flat look	4 Lofts: Request to Supreme	Up to 12"	White & Black	Little to none (stays crisp/flat)
Wool	100% Super-washed wool, merino wool mix	Show quilts, maximum warmth without weight	Airy High Loft (1/3" - 1/2")	Up to 8"	Natural	0-1% (if air-dried)
Puff	100% Micro-Poly	Faux-trapunto, "HD" Stitch definition, light warmth	High Loft (1/3" - 1/2")	Up to 10"	White	Little to none
Bamboo Orient	Bamboo, Silk, Cotton, Tencel	Luxury throws, baby quilts, clothing	Select (Mid-Loft)	Up to 8"	Natural	1-3% (silky drape)
Green	100% Recycled Plastic	Modern quilts, eco-conscious gifts	Select (Mid-Loft)	Up to 10"	Pale Green	0%