Cotton (100%) vs Polyester

Polyester batting has significantly higher loft than cotton, giving quilts a puffy, pillowy appearance. Cotton batting lies flat and produces a thinner profile that shows off quilting stitches. If you want a quilt that looks like a cloud, choose polyester. If you want a quilt that drapes like a blanket, choose cotton.

Both materials provide moderate warmth, but they feel very different. Cotton breathes well and stays cool in warm weather while providing enough insulation for mild cold. Polyester traps air in its lofty fibers for warmth but can feel clammy because it does not breathe as well. For year-round bed quilts, cotton is more comfortable.

This is the biggest practical difference. Cotton shrinks 3-5% on the first wash, creating the distinctive crinkled texture many quilters love. Polyester does not shrink at all — what you quilt is what you get. If precise finished dimensions matter (as in a garment or fitted piece), polyester is safer. If you love the crinkled look, cotton is the way to go.

Polyester is the clear budget winner, typically costing 30-50% less than comparable cotton batting. For charity quilts, practice projects, or large-scale production, polyester batting keeps costs manageable. Cotton is a moderate investment that most quilters consider worthwhile for personal and gift quilts.