New quilter question

[kdaisy]

Ok, I have never quilted, but I am trying to figure it out on my own. And I have a dumb question. : Do all quilts need batting?

[cristeen]

They need *something*... but that can be a piece of flannel, an old blanket or batting, depending on what you're trying to accomplish. It helps to stabilize it, as well as providing additional warmth and minimizing pulling on seams over time.

[Porcelain Interior]

Well what makes a quilt a quilt by definition is that it has multiple layers, and gets "quilted".

Most quilts have batting, there is such a thing as a "summer quilt" they use to make way back when, and they'd only use the quilt top and a light backing, sort of like a decorative bedspread, but these are pretty rare.

[kdaisy]

Well that does make sense! Thanks!

How about if I just intended to make a sort of wall-hanging to start? Could I get by with just the muslin foundation or would you recommend something more substantial?

[AlwaysByMySide]

I'd at least do a flannel in the middle. It will also help make the actual quilting part a bit easier, because it will be stable. If you're just starting out, the more you can do to not get frustrated with it, the better. (I hated quilting when I first started out, because I made it way too hard for myself. Now I love it, and I learned as I went on.)

[Mihelinka]

subbing, as I'm a quilter wanna be

[kdaisy]

I have wanted to quilt for years now, and just decided to jump in. No one in my family quilts (we are all a bunch of knitters). But I have found some good resources online, http://www.quilterscache.com/ , etc. But am also recording this show off of PBS.