Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend Batting is wonderful to quilt by hand or machine. This batting is made with a blend of 80% natural cotton and 20% fine polyester, is needle punched, and has a light resin bonding to provide exceptional strength and durability. Close quilting yields a flat, low-loft appearance, while more space between stitching lines yields a slightly higher loft. Hobbs Heirloom Premium 80/20 Cotton/Poly Blend Batting should be used with medium or dark fabrics. If used with light colored fabrics, unbleached cotton can slightly darken white and light or pastel colors. Quilting/stitching should be every 4" inches, or closer, and quilters may experience shrinkage of 3-5%. Pre-washing is not recommended for this or any of Hobbs other quality batting products.