The Sewing Place
The Emporia => Patchwork & Quilting ... Welcome to the Darkside => Current Projects => Topic started by: PollyWally on January 11, 2020, 04:53:08 AM
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I am planning to make a simple baby play mat for a new baby in the family but I need some advice about what sort of wadding to use. I am not very familiar with the different types of wadding available but it would probably need to be something that stands up to frequent washing. For anyone in Australia I will most likely be shopping at Spotlight but can go to a specialty quilting shop if Spotlight has nothing suitable. All suggestions appreciated as it is the first time I have attempted to make something like this !
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I am no pro, but I would be looking at cotton batting. It breathes well, and endures washing well. Good luck with your project... will look forward to seeing pictures :D
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Play mat? Play mat/changing mat?? or play mat/quilt cover???
Poly wading ... foam ... cotton wadding.
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Thank you @Iminei and @Lisalou1965 . I was thinking of something like this Round Quilted Play Mat (https://abeautifulmess.com/2017/08/round-quilted-play-mat-diy.html) but I wasn't sure whether cotton batting would cope with frequent washing. Unlike a quilt which may be washed less often.
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I would think a thick Polyester wadding (which I loathe for the feel) with a decent amount of quilting would probably be best for that.
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As Iminei says, poly is probably better for a play mat - as I said, no pro here. I was thinking more along the lines of quilt to sleep under when I posted.
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I make lots of baby play quilts. I use both cotton and polyester wadding and both wash well, so long as the mat has a reasonable amount of quilting. I most often now back them with fleece or cuddle fleece as this adds to the padding.
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[ You are not allowed to view attachments ] This is my most recent play quilt, made with cotton wadding and turquoise cuddle fleece backing. As you’ll see , it’s a 3 bears quilt : so quick and easy. .....Or it would have been had I taken the time to pin, pin, pin, before quilting. When I looked at the back I had never seen so many puckers! :o After lots of unpicking, it’s now finished and awaiting some as yet unknown baby’s arrival.
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If you use cotton wadding it may shrink a tad and become a little crinkled. Polyester wadding won't shrink.
I usually use 80 / 20 but for a baby mat I'm going to make for a friend's grandchild I will use polyester.
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I like to pre-wash cotton waddinh - it's perfectly OK in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
If you go for polyester there are different thicknesses; 2oz, 4oz and 6oz (weight per square yard). The heavier the wadding the thicker it is.
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love, love, love that quilt @Sheilago !!!
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I'm no quilter but I've made 3 playmats and used a polyester mattress protector for the wadding. Thin, washable & stable, I left the polycotton outsides on it which made it easy to handle. I know that the mats gave been well used & frequently washed and they're fine.
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Thank you for the advice everyone, lots of food for thought. Your play mat is absolutely beautiful @Sheilago, anything I make will be a lot simpler I'm afraid.
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@PollyWally ....hmmmm, yep I'd trot down to Spotlight and have a look at their mattress protectors and also their batting. The poly will be cheaper than the cotton or bamboos. I wonder that the cotton and the bamboo, especially the Spotlight stuff may be a bit too thin for your purpose and liking. I've also heard that some bamboo shrinks.
You know what I would do, living in Australia too...I would contact Nu-Wool, or Matilda's Own...both Australian companies and ask them which of their battings would be suitable for your play mat. Also/or contact Australian online suppliers like OzQuilts...they're terrific people to deal with.
Don't disregard the local quilt shops...often their batting is on a par cost wise to Spotlight.
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I'm currently making a play mat for a gt-grandchild due end of this month. I'm using 2 layers of cotton wadding (pre-washed). Everyone has different ideas, so it's probably down to personal preference in the end. :)
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@rubywishes My confusing look in Spotlight was one of the reasons I thought I would consult the forum for some advice ! I couldn't seem to find any care instructions on the Spotlight stuff so thank you for the alternative suggestions.
@Kenora Cotton wadding was what I had in mind at first but I will look at the mattress protector idea as well. Better get on with it instead of my usual procrastination !