Need Advice...

[ipquilter]

Hi y'all! I have finally finished the top of a huge bargello quilt. It is well over six feet long and five feet wide. Yes-really. The strips (a gozillion of them) finish out at 1/2 inch. It's taken me two years! Anyway, now I need to pick a backing fabric and decide what to use for batting. Here's where I need the advice...batting. This thing already weighs a ton and has an amazing number of seams. I will be quilting it with a Pfaff 360. Can I get by without batting? What about using just another layer of fabric-like a sheet? Any and all advice would be appreciated!!
Thanx, Sherry

[Tiggersmom]

Sherry try Thermore batting, it's very thin, as it is used in quilted clothing and regular quilts.

Is this going to be a bed quilt that is used a lot?

[qltsbme]

You could try Hobbs 100% wool. It's great stuff. Keeps you warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has a bit of loft but is very lightweight. Drapes beautifully.

[Oasis]

I would also recommend a thin cotton batting.

Please post a picture when you can. That pattern amazes me. Afraid to start it and get lost somewhere in the middle.

[gardenquilter]

my favorite choice is warm and natural it is 100% cotton and is quit thin. had a girlfriend once that used a summer blanket to do the one for her dh - she still has it and that was close to 30 years ago

my choice is warm and natural

[notaquiltsnob]

ipquilter, I would use a 80/20 polyester/cotton batting. It is very thin, but not nearly as heavy as a cotton batting like Warm & Natural. Just for your info, it is Eleanor's favorite batting.

[quilterbee]

You have worked your A*&% off on a beautiful top that has taken you TWO years. DO NOT use a sheet to back it!!! Sheets are great for a weekend quilt, you have a freaking masterpiece! Order a batik backing or another top quality backing, the top deserves it and so do you. Use Superior threads or something close. Buy a TOL batt, like Hobbs Heirloom, because it is an heirloom. I swear I don't mean to sound crass, I swear. I just admire that you have produced a beauty that took you 2 years, way to go girl!!! Can't wait to see pics! Amie )

[ipquilter]

Thanx so much y'all! notaquiltsnob: I've used the 80/20 alot and like it. That may just be the way to go. Oasis: I agree. The patterns are fascinating. About getting lost in the middle-I started in the middle and worked my way to the outside. I'm going to try to get one of my resident computer geeks-aka teenagers-to help take a pic and post it soon.
Sherry

[ipquilter]

Aime-Thank you so much! I am probly gonna use the 80/20. As for backing fabric it'll probly be a batik or hand-dye from my LQS. You're absolutely right-it is an heirloom for my DS#1. He's as tickled about piecing being finished as I am!

[ipquilter]

Oh yeah--I was thinking of using a sheet instead of batting. There was never any question about using TOL fabric for the back!