4 Best Batting for Christmas Tree Skirts
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Batting is perfect for creating a thicker texture, quilted look and plushy feel in many different projects. Most commonly used as a cushioning within a patchwork quilt it is often overlooked for alternative projects such as table runners and Christmas tree skirts.
Christmas tree skirts are increasing in popularity and so many more of us are DIY’ing our own and looking to create a lush effect at the base of our trees for a fraction of the retail price.
The best way to make your Christmas tree skirts look both plush and beautiful is the correct mix of luxurious fabric and supportive batting.
I scoured to find the best battings to use under your tree to give you all the luxury you need without having to spend too long searching for the perfect one for the project.
1. Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is a natural fibre which makes it a great batting for Christmas tree skirts as it can withstand being washed over and over again. This is perfect for placing under the tree as you will experience mess, dropped needles and more so the batting needs to be durable.
Most cotton battings have a shrinkage of around 3 -5% so this is important to remember when using cotton batting for items that may be washed over and over again along with coming in contact with heat.
As cotton is a natural fibre it is prone to burning under open flames and extreme heats but is unlikely to arise when using in tree skirts due to the lack of heat and flames.
Cotton batting is perfect as it is readily available, easy to use and you can find a number of thicknesses though I would advise a low loft batting to keep the bulkiness down and make it easier to sew and use.
✅ Softer, cosier and more durable to work with. ❌ May shrink on first wash due to higher temperatures.
2. Wool Batting
Wool batting is made by bonding wool fibres together, by heating up and interlocking the fibres to great a length of wool. Once cooled the layers are stuck together making them strong and have very little shrinking properties.
Wool batting is predominately used for quilting as it is soft, easy to use and a natural material. Though it can easily be used on a number of other projects around the home, one of which is Christmas tree skirts.
We found that our cat did seem to be attracted to the wool batting due to the smell, this may not happen with your pet but it is something to keep in mind. If this is a concern look at using cotton batting instead as this has no reaction/smell.
The feel and loft of wool batting has a medium to high loft similar to cotton and polyester batting. The wool can be as soft as cotton but if you are looking for a cheaper batting with natural materials cotton is the better choice.
✅ A natural material with little shrinkage and durability. ❌ Not as soft and can cause dogs and cats to react to the tree skirt from the smell.
3. Bamboo Batting
Bamboo batting is gaining popularity especially with quilters due to the natural fibres and softness of the material. Due to the vast growth of bamboo compared to other materials such as cotton, it is more sustainable.
Though bamboo batting is hard to find in a pure format and often is found as a cotton blend. The batting is a great alternative to use for quilts and other homeware projects.
Take caution when using for things such as hot pads, oven mitts and other household items that come in contact with direct flames and heat.
✅ A natural material with little shrinkage and durability. ❌ It isn't a pure bamboo blend and is much more expensive than others on the market.
4. Polyester Batting
Polyester Batting is one of the most common and most used battings on the market, this is due to the availability and lower cost of the batting. As it is a man made fibre it is cheaper to produce.
This batting does usually come in a higher loft than cotton batting so if you are looking for a little more thickness in your batting this may be the option for you.
Another great thing about using polyester batting is that is retains shape much better than its cotton and wool competitors.
While polyester is a great option for most projects including blankets and table runners, do remember that the material can melt under high temperatures.
Though it is naturally made to be flame retardant this is something to keep in mind when looking to use polyester batting.
✅ Cheapest batting on the market, readily available and easy to use. ❌ Not a natural fibre and isn't as soft to touch and experience as the natural fibres.
