Everything You Need to Know About Batting With Scrim

Jun 19, 2025 - 07:40

When you begin a quilting project, your choice of batting can make or break the result. The batting gives your quilt warmth, structure, and loft. But beyond the basic materials, there’s a lesser-known feature that can elevate your quilt’s durability and performance: scrim. At Conover Quilt Company, we often get questions about batting with scrim—what it is, how it works, and why it matters. Let’s dive in.

What is Batting With Scrim?

Batting with scrim is a type of quilt batting that includes a thin layer of stabilizing material—usually polyester—needle-punched into the batting itself. This scrim acts like a web or mesh, holding the fibers together more securely than traditional batting.

Think of scrim as a supportive backbone within your batting. It’s lightweight and invisible once quilted, but it significantly enhances the strength and manageability of the batting. This makes it especially popular among machine quilters and those working on larger projects.

Key Benefits of Using Batting With Scrim

Improved Stability

The scrim keeps the fibers from stretching or bunching as you quilt, especially with high-speed machines or long-arm quilting systems. This means fewer puckers and more consistent stitching.

Wider Quilting Distances

With regular batting, stitching must be fairly close to prevent shifting. Scrimmed batting allows stitch spacing up to 8–10 inches apart—saving time and giving you creative freedom in design.

Reduced Bearding

Bearding happens when batting fibers poke through the quilt top. Scrim minimizes this by anchoring the fibers more securely, keeping your quilt top smooth and clean.

Better for Machine Quilting

Scrimmed batting glides more easily through sewing machines, improving tension control and reducing fabric drag.

Is Batting With Scrim Right for You?

This type of batting is a great fit for:

Machine Quilters: It provides better control and cleaner results.
Large Quilts: The added stability helps maintain shape and alignment.
Beginner Quilters: It’s easier to handle and less prone to shifting.
Functional Quilts: If the quilt will be used often or washed frequently, scrim adds extra durability.

That said, hand quilters might find scrimmed batting a bit dense to needle through. If you're hand quilting, you may prefer a low-loft, scrim-free option.

How to Use Batting With Scrim Effectively?

When preparing your quilt sandwich, place the scrim side facing up—toward the quilt top. This smoother side supports your quilting lines better. Also, because scrim is typically made of polyester, avoid using a hot iron directly on the batting to prevent melting.

Pre-washing is not necessary for most scrimmed battings, as they are generally pre-shrunk. This saves you prep time and reduces distortion during quilting.

Conover Quilt Company’s Recommendation

At Conover Quilt Company, we offer a curated range of batting with scrim options—from 100% cotton to cotton-poly blends. Our selection is designed for high performance and ease of use, so you can focus on creativity without worrying about material quality. Whether you're crafting a baby quilt, bedspread, or art piece, our batting with scrim delivers strength without sacrificing softness.

Summing It Up

Batting with scrim is a game-changer for quilters who want strength, stability, and smoother stitching. It supports wider quilting designs, reduces wear-and-tear over time, and keeps everything where it should be. If you're looking to improve the quality of your quilts with minimal effort, scrimmed batting is a smart, professional choice.

And remember, batting is only part of the equation. For a quilt that truly stands the test of time, pair it with high-quality fabric. So, explore our collection of best cotton sewing fabric to find the perfect complement for your next project.