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 definitely 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. So here’s a simple guide to help you choose the right one for your next make.

Why Wadding Matters for Quilted Garments

Wadding, or batting, is the squishy middle layer that gives your quilted garment its warmth, shape and texture. But unlike a bed quilt, your jacket or vest needs to move with your body and feel comfortable when worn. That means 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

Cotton Wadding - Cotton is soft and breathable with a lovely natural feel. It’s great for everyday garments and works well if you’re after a flatter quilted finish. It can shrink a little in the wash, which adds a nice crinkled texture, but keep that in mind if you’re after a smoother look.

Polyester Wadding - Poly wadding tends to be lighter and puffier. It holds its shape well and doesn’t shrink, which is ideal if you want a more pronounced quilted effect. It’s less breathable than cotton, though, so it can feel a bit warm depending on how thick it is.

Cotton/Poly Blend - This is a brilliant all-rounder. You get the softness and breathability of cotton with a bit more strength and bounce from the polyester. It’s one of my go-to choices when I want something that’s easy to work with and still comfortable to wear.

Wool Wadding - Wool is beautifully warm and breathable, perfect for cosier quilted jackets. It’s a little more luxurious and can be harder to find depending on where you shop, but it gives such a lovely finish and feels light without losing warmth.

Bamboo or Soy-Based Wadding - These are lovely sustainable options that are soft and drapey, though a bit more delicate. They’re ideal for lighter layers and garments where you want something that feels extra gentle on the skin.

What I Use Most Often

Personally, I reach for low-loft cotton (such as the heritage cotton wadding) or cotton/poly blends when I’m making quilted garments. They give just enough puff to show off the quilting without making the garment feel bulky. An 80/20 cotton-poly blend is especially good if you’re looking for something that’s durable and holds its shape well over time.

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

Things to Think About

Loft - This just means how thick and puffy the wadding is. Low-loft gives a flatter, more wearable result. High-loft creates more volume and drama.

Pre-washing - Cotton wadding can shrink, so it’s worth checking if it’s pre-shrunk or if you want that soft crinkle effect after washing.

Quilting Distance - Some waddings need to be quilted closer together so they don’t shift inside the garment. Always check the label or product info before you start.

Care - If you plan to wash your garment regularly, go for something that’s easy to care for and won’t lose its shape or structure.

My Top Tip

Before you cut into your main fabric, make a little quilt sandwich using your outer fabric, wadding and lining. Quilt it just like you plan to for your project, then give it a squeeze and drape it over your shoulder. It’s a quick way to see if you like how it feels and behaves, and it can help avoid any surprises later on.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one perfect answer when it comes to choosing wadding. It all depends on the look you’re going for and how you want the finished piece to feel when you wear it. Whether you’re making a cosy vest or a full quilted jacket, the right wadding will bring your project to life.

My go-to and what I would recommend if you are still unsure is 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 thinking of using. Pop over to Instagram and tag me so I can see what you’re working on.

Happy sewing

Kimberley x