AboutConnie Hester Expertise Quilting and applique expert.Can advise on the following topics:quilting, art quilts, quilt design and construction, machine and hand quilting, paper foundation piecing, machine piecing, hand piecing, raw edge applique, turned-edge applique and fiber art.
Experience Winning awards in international fiber and art competitions since 1983; http://www.conniehester.com/
BS,MS
See my work and books at http://www.conniehester.com/
Question My mother years ago pieced a quilt top of entirely polyester material. I have recently taken up the art of quilting and would like to complete this quilt. What type of material should I use for back and what type of batting is recommended? Is one type of thread more suited for this polyester quilt top than another? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Answer Hi, Patti,
Even though your mother used polyester for the quilt top, I would choose 100% cotton for the backing.
I prefer an 80%cotton-20%polyester batting. The cotton gives a better drape than polyester, and it doesn't "beard" (come back up through the pierced holes while quilting) like polyester.
A thinner batting is preferred for ease of quilting. Thick battings are better suited for tied quilts where lots of puffiness is desired.
Fabric stores have entire sections of quilting thread for hand-quilting. If you are machine quilting, cotton, silk, or .004mm invisible nylon threads would all be appropriate. If you choose the invisible thread, experiment on some samples and make any necessary adjustments to your sewing machine before starting on your quilt.
