What Wadding Should You Use in a Quilted Vest or Jacket?

What Wadding Should You Use in a Quilted Vest or Jacket?

by Kimberley, Made on Monday

If you’ve ever stood in front of a shelf full of wadding rolls, wondering which one to choose, you're not alone. It can be tricky to know where to start, especially if you’re making a quilted vest or jacket. The wadding you pick will affect how your garment looks, feels, and wears. Here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one for your next project.

Why Wadding Matters for Quilted Garments

Wadding, or batting, serves as the squishy middle layer that gives your quilted garment its warmth, shape, and texture. Unlike a bed quilt, your jacket or vest needs to move with your body and feel comfortable when worn. You’ll usually want something that adds softness and structure without being too bulky or stiff.

80/20 wadding used for this vest

A Quick Look at the Options

When it comes to wadding, your options include:

Cotton Wadding

Cotton is soft and breathable, providing a lovely natural feel. It’s great for everyday garments, especially if you prefer a flatter quilted finish. Keep in mind, however, that cotton can shrink a little in the wash, adding a nice crinkled texture if that's your desired look.

Polyester Wadding

Poly wadding tends to be lighter and puffier. It holds its shape well and doesn’t shrink, making it ideal if you’re after a more pronounced quilted effect. However, it’s less breathable than cotton, so it can feel a bit warm, depending on its thickness.

Cotton/Poly Blend

This is a fantastic all-rounder. You get the breathability of cotton with added strength and bounce from polyester. I often choose this blend when I want something that is easy to work with yet comfortable to wear.

Wool Wadding

Wool is beautifully warm and breathable. It’s perfect for cozier quilted jackets. While it can be a bit luxurious and harder to find, it gives a lovely finish and feels light without sacrificing warmth.

Bamboo or Soy-Based Wadding

These sustainable options are soft and drapey, though slightly more delicate. They are great for lighter layers and garments where you want something gentle on the skin.

What I Use Most Often

For my quilted garments, I typically reach for low-loft cotton (such as the heritage cotton wadding) or cotton/poly blends. They provide just enough puff to highlight the quilting without making the garment feel bulky. If you're looking for durability, an 80/20 cotton-poly blend is especially reliable, as it holds its shape well over time.

If I’m going for a statement or puffer-style piece, I might use a loftier polyester batting, like the Vlieseline 280 - 281. However, I always do a test first to see how it handles at the seams.

Considerations for Choosing Wadding

Choosing the right wadding involves several considerations:

Loft

Loft refers to how thick and puffy the wadding is. Low-loft results in a flatter and more wearable garment, while high-loft creates volume and drama.

Pre-Washing

Cotton wadding can shrink, so check if it is pre-shrunk. If not, you might want that soft crinkle effect after washing.

Quilting Distance

Some waddings need to be quilted closer together to prevent shifting inside the garment. Always consult the label or product information before you start.

Care

If you plan on washing your garment regularly, opt for something easy to care for and resistant to losing shape or structure.

My Top Tip

Before cutting into your main fabric, create a small quilt sandwich using your outer fabric, wadding, and lining. Quilt it just as you plan for your project, then give it a squeeze and drape it over your shoulder. This quick test can help you gauge how it feels and behaves, allowing you to avoid surprises later on.

Final Thoughts

Selecting the right wadding has a profound impact on your garment's final look and feel. Whether you opt for a cozy vest or a full quilted jacket, the right choice will elevate your project.

If you're unsure, I highly recommend trying an 80/20 wadding.

If you’re about to start a quilted make, I’d love to hear what you’re planning and what wadding you’re considering using. Pop over to Instagram and tag me so I can see what you’re working on.

Happy sewing!

Kimberley x