Silk batting is the specialty choice for quilters who want the thinnest, flattest, most refined appearance possible. Made from silk fibers, this batting produces quilts with a remarkably smooth surface and almost no loft — ideal for art quilts, garments, and projects where the focus is on the fabric rather than the batting.
Silk batting is feather-light and drapes like liquid. It highlights the quilting stitches beautifully because there is so little loft to compete with the surface texture. While silk batting is expensive and requires careful handling, the results are unmistakable — quilts made with silk batting have a sophistication and elegance that heavier battings simply cannot achieve.
Art quilts, garments, wall hangings, show quilts, and projects where a thin, flat profile and luxurious drape are desired
The most accessible silk batting. Blended with a small amount of polyester for stability.
Premium silk batting with needle-punched construction for easier handling.
Silk batting requires relatively close quilting — generally 4 inches or less between lines. The thin fibers can shift without adequate quilting to hold them in place. Dense quilting designs (stippling, echo quilting, grid work) look stunning on silk batting because the flat surface shows every stitch clearly.
Hand wash or machine wash on the most gentle cycle with cold water and a delicate detergent. Some silk battings recommend dry cleaning. Air dry flat — never wring or twist. Avoid direct sunlight during drying, which can yellow the silk fibers. Handle with care to preserve the integrity of the delicate fibers.
Silk batting is a must for art quilts entering shows — the flat surface makes your quilting the star.
If you are making a quilted jacket or vest, silk batting is the only choice that will not add bulk.
Pin-baste thoroughly when using silk batting. It is slippery and will shift on you.
Combine silk batting with fine cotton fabrics for a garment-weight quilt that drapes like cloth.
Preview fabric colors, experiment with block layouts, and choose the perfect batting — all in one free online tool.