Your requirement for (or desire for) a traditional quilt to lie under can vary with seasonality and location. It's incredible how cosy a quilt could be, but when the weather becomes warmer, we might want to switch to a different cover for our bed.
This quilt, known as a summer quilt, is a thinner version of the common batting-filled quilt. Women have been sewing summer quilts since the 1800s, so this is nothing new. Making your own summer quilt means you can customise its weight to suit your environment. Various options for a summer quilt, from the thinnest to the thickest, will be discussed.
Obviously, a quilt without batting would be the most comfortable. As with any quilt, the top must be pieced and the back must be backed, and there's no "meat" in this particular quilt. Don't bother with any batting at all. It's up to you whether you want to add batting or just quilt the top and back together. Instead, you can add some visual interest by tying the two layers together. Sewing it with right sides and together turning it inside out is an alternative to binding (called "birthing a quilt"). If we were to do this, You would want the top to have at least one pieced border, and after flipping it wrong side out, We would add an additional 14" of stitching to the edges for stability and visual appeal. You can also opt not to quilt or tie it, but this would require more care while washing.
To reduce the bulkiness of your quilt's centre, you can make a "batting" out of 100% cotton fabric. It's just a plain old neutral piece of quilting fabric with 3 layers of cotton for a little more heft and warmth. A flat sheet made of high-quality cotton is a simple replacement. Be wary of this option, though, as the bedsheet is unlikely to be as high-quality as your cotton quilting materials. Avoid doing anything that can ruin your flawless quilt top before you finish it. Additionally, We suggest pre-washing the bedsheet before using it to avoid any complications.
You can now chose to quilt it, knot it, or do a combination of the two because there are three layers. You can bind the finished product if you like, but we think it's just as suitable for sewing those edges and flipping it right-side out.
Need a little extra heat for the colder northern or alpine nights? Insert a flannel layer in the middle. As with the other two, this one will provide a touch of loft that will improve your quilting pattern. If you want to avoid any shrinkage in the finished quilt, We recommend using 100% cotton flannel and prewashing it. We can quilt and/or tie it as you like, but we think it would look best sandwiched with flannel and then bound.
As a final resort, you may try using thin batting. You may have to do some digging to track down some lightweight batting, but it's worth the effort if it's the exact thickness for your summer quilt. In comparison to the other options shown, this one is the warmest for summer use, but it still won't compare to a quilt built with standard batting.
In light of these alternatives, you can begin thinking about the summer quilts you'll be working on this upcoming fall and winter. When spring arrives, you may add a touch of elegance to every bedroom with a gorgeous quilt that is just the right weight. Then, everyone may relax under their brand-new summer blankets.
What Is The Difference Between A Quilt And A Comforter?
If you, like eachother, are now experiencing 90°F+ nights throughout New York City without air conditioning, you may not think "warm weather" with "down bedding" go hand in hand. On the other hand, this is for you if you're the type that would sooner perspire to death under a blanket than risk sleeping atop it. We researched the relative merits of comforters and duvets for use on warm summer evenings.
Since the two terms are frequently interchanged, let's first define the distinction between them. "In most cases, a comforter will be a singular item. It's stuffed with things like down, feathers, wool, and synthetic fibres to make a duvet. Additionally, it features a non-removable cover that is meant to be shown on the head of the bed and is embroidered into the design "Jacob Xi, co-creator of Olive Wren Home, explains. "A duvet is typically an insert to the a bed sheet that slides over the duvet so protect it," much like a cushion and a pillowcase.
The cost of a duvet cover is typically less than that of a comforter, making this an attractive option if you like to switch around your bedroom's aesthetic with the seasons. In many cases, they may be disassembled for washing, however reassembling them afterwards isn't exactly a breeze.
However, Vicki Fulop, founder of Brooklinen, reveals that a third choice exists: a quilt. "A quilt is a lighter shade than like a comforter, with very little fluff to make the construction," she says. They can be used in place of a comforter in the hot months and as an additional layer in the colder months.
How can one prepare one's bed for the hotter months of summer? Changing the linens is the simplest and most effective approach to give your bed (and room) a new look and feel. Changing the look of your bed, the room's centre point, may have a dramatic effect. Changing your bedding to reflect the season is something we strongly recommend doing. Sheets with a polyester blend or twill pattern and a cosy wool throw are great options for the colder months. On the other hand, during the warm months of summer, you should wear something airy and ethereal that will not only keep you comfortable but also capture the essence of the season.
To what extent, then, does linen outperform other materials whenever it comes to maintaining cool during the night? In warm climates, cool and breathable materials like linen and cotton provide for the best bedding. Natural fibres (cotton is cotton and linen is made from the flax plant) allow for remarkable airflow, making these options ideal for hot climates. A percale weave could be a good option for the warmer months. It is well-known that percale has a crisp, cold feel that makes it ideal for warm weather.
The inherent fibres of linen make it a naturally cool fabric. In addition to being naturally antibacterial, it is also more breathable, humidity, and absorbent that cotton. A natural insulator and temperature regulator, it helps keep you cool in the summer & warm in the winter. If you share a bed with someone and you find that one of you gets too hot or too cold, linen is the best material to choose because it can easily adapt to your temperature preferences. Additionally, it is exceptionally resilient after being washed several times, as it is one of the strongest fibres found in nature. Time only smooths things out. To the eye, it has a lovely drape and a really fashionable rumpled appearance that perfectly captures the spirit of summer.
What About The Materials — And Types — Of Pillows, Duvets, Blankets, And Quilts?
Because it is soft and lofty without being cumbersome, down is my go-to material for pillows. Because it allows for more airflow, it is slightly more comfortable in warmer weather.
If you tend to overheat when sleeping, a cotton or linen blanket can be a good choice for the summertime (with or without a top sheet). Or, if you want to use a comforter all year round even when the temperature outside is mild, choose one made of lightweight down to keep you toasty without making you too hot to sleep.
Isn't there a quicker and cheaper solution than buying a whole new set of bedding? There are a lot of easy solutions that won't cost as much as a new sheet set. You may completely change the feel and look of your bed by purchasing a new duvet cover, pillowcases, or even a blanket. Adding a splash of colour with a throw blanket, for instance, can inject vitality and vigour into the room, while going with an all-white duvet and pillowcase combination would act as a sort of "palette cleanser" and radiate peace and calm. However, by including linen or even a knit throw, you can give your bed a little more visual interest. In the grand scheme of things, minor adjustments can have major consequences.
The summer weather may inspire some individuals to alter up the bed dynamic. Some folks perceive their down comforter & duvet cover combo to be a little too hot for the summer. Air conditioning ensures that those whose homes are climate controlled can keep using their down comforters year round. Those houses rarely see significant seasonal temperature changes.
What Are Some Good Summer Bedding Ideas?
- Because few people are willing to go with their down comforters, it makes sense to have two and swap them out every few months. This is pretty typical, as most people switch to a lighter comforter in the summer and a heavier one in the winter.
- If you prefer not to use a duvet & down comforter set in the summer, a light down blanket is a good alternative. As an alternative to a thin cotton blanket, they could choose a matelassé or coverlet.
- Indulge in the softness of our extra-large, high-quality coverlets, available in king and queen sizes.
- Matelassé is a hefty fabric that gives the impression of being padded or quilted. Truth be told, the fabric contains zero cushioning. Also, the look and feel of Matelassé is quite polished and attractive. Because of the possible stiffness of the matelassé material, a cover sheet and a light cotton and down blanket are recommended. Some companies are now making pre-washed linen Matelassé, which is more comfortable to wear because it is less rigid.
- Quilted coverlets are not only extremely cosy to sleep under, but they also add a stylish, finishing touch to the head of the bed. You can find either poly or cotton batting sandwiched between two layers or cotton in a quilted coverlet. Quilting creates a beautiful pattern in the fabric. The majority of quilted coverlets can be machine washed and dried. This link will take you to a store where you may purchase one of our quilted coverlets.
- In general, people tend to wash their linens more frequently throughout the summer. The main reason for this is that our bodies are naturally prone to producing more oil and perspiration. Since then, we have noticed that at the close of the week, our bed sheets no longer have that fresh, clean feeling they did when we first got them.
In the event that you are unable to wash your linens once every week, it is recommended that you have an extra set of pillowcases at hand and switch them out midweek. One's bed can be revitalised in a jiffy in this manner. - If you're looking for a more restful night's sleep, using bedding made from natural fibres is a great place to start. All of your bedding, including comforters and sheets, must adhere to this rule. The wicking characteristics of natural fibres like cotton and linen help keep you cooler by removing perspiration from the skin.
What Should You Think About When Choosing A Quilt?
Casing And Size
An entire bed quilt or doona is what you need to purchase (single, double, queen or king). If both you and their partner constantly fight over the covers, some experts recommend purchasing a quilt and doona that really is one size larger than your bed.
Both channelled and boxed (also known as baffle boxed) methods can be used to encapsulate quilts. The channels in a channelled quilt are sewed in a straight line from top to bottom, allowing you to distribute the filling simply pressing and pushing it through the channels without your hands to adjust the level of warmth. Because the filling in a boxed quilt is sewed into smaller squares, it is already uniformly distributed for you.
Loft
The loft of a quilt or doona refers to its density or "fluffiness." The loft of a thin quilt is low, whereas that of a thick quilt is high. You should look for just a higher loft in your doona if you prefer one that is light and lofty.
Filling
When it comes making doonas and quilts, the filling is far more important than the exterior. The filling of such a quilt has a significant effect on how well it keeps you warm while you sleep. Be cautious when selecting a filling, as some can trigger allergic reactions.
What you need should know about the most popular fillings is as follows:
Wool
A traditional high-loft quilt filler, wool is a warm and cosy choice. Wool, a naturally insulating fibre, is great at maintaining a comfortable internal climate by moderating both heat and moisture loss. Due to this, it's an excellent option for couples whose body temperatures fluctuate during the night.
Because wool is not hypoallergenic by nature, those with allergies or asthma should verify that the fill has indeed been treated to prevent reactions. Similarly, wool quilts often require a dry cleaning only care regimen. Learn the product's maintenance requirements before you buy it.
Feathers And Down
Down, which is made of soft, fluffy duck feathers, is a common, all-natural option for those seeking a high, warm, and comfortable sleeping surface.
Down is an excellent insulator and wicks moisture away from the body. Down is used to make quilts and doonas warmer and softer than they would be if made entirely of feathers. Boxed quilts are the norm for maintaining uniform down distribution.
Quilts and doonas filled with feathers are similar like down but are noticeably bulkier to sleep under. Warm and welcoming, they won't bother allergy sufferers.
Bamboo
Bamboo quilts are growing in popularity since they are hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and cosy. Bamboo fibres are hypoallergenic, soft, and durable, and they are produced in a sustainable manner. The loft of bamboo is greater than that of any other common stuffing. Antibacterial and resistant against dust mites, mould, germs, fungi, and odour make it ideal for people with allergies. In addition to providing a dry sleeping environment, bamboo's increased absorbency and moisture-wicking properties make it an excellent choice.
Cotton
Cotton, like other lightweight fillings, absorbs moisture efficiently, allowing you to sleep more comfortably in warmer regions or throughout the summer. It's a natural fibre, so it holds up nicely in the washing machine and is hypoallergenic for most people.
Synthetic
There are several varieties of synthetic fibres that have been developed by humans. Microfibre is finer that polyester and may have a similar feel to down, making it an attractive alternative to the more common polyester.
If you anticipate doing a lot of laundry, synthetic quilts are convenient because they can be washed and dried quickly. For those who have trouble sleeping because of allergies, they are a great option because they are hypoallergenic and odourless on top of being soft and fluffy. Synthetic fibres are very inexpensive and long-lasting, although they don't endure as long as those made from natural materials.
Weight
The weight if your blanket or doona depends depend on its size and filling, both of which can have an effect on how well you sleep.
A lightweight quilt won't keep you warm if it falls to the floor every time you get up during the night. For the varying temperatures experienced throughout the year, some opt to switch between a quilt designed for the winter and one designed for the summer. The filling you choose for your quilt should reflect your personal preference for the weight of the finished product.
Temperature
Having a quilt and doona that heats or cools adequately is essential because temperature is widely considered the most significant sleep disruptor. Consider your local weather as well as the function you need the quilt to serve. Are you located in the tropics? Do you experience cold on winter evenings?
The average human body temperature fluctuates by a few degrees overnight, and some people may have naturally higher or lower basal temperatures due to their unique biological thermostats. People will also experience temperature swings dependent on age, stage of life or medical conditions.
Natural fibres are a fantastic alternative for individuals concerned about temperature because these tend to be more permeable and adaptive. When using a quilt or doona, it is recommended to combine it with linens and other clothing that also helps keep you cool and dry.
One for the cooler evenings and one to use when the heat is turned up is a good idea if you live in a place where temperatures fluctuate widely. Otherwise, seek for blankets and doonas that can accept temperature variation and react well to your body and environment.
Many people believe wool is a 'hot' cloth, but it is actually a fantastic adaptable natural fibre with many applications. In the warmer months, intelligent consumers everywhere are turning to wool because of the fiber's myriad advantages. The combination of wool's breathability and temperature management with cotton makes for the perfect cool summer night's sleep. Are you too hot to sleep, or does your mattress feel like a sauna? Make yourself a favour and get a new quilt for the summer.
Conclusion
Summer quilts are more lightweight versions of traditional quilts packed with batting. Summer quilts have been sewn by women since the 1800s. We'll go over everything from the lightest to the heaviest summer quilts available. Making a "batting" out of cotton fabric is one way to lessen the thickness of the middle of your quilt. This is a basic white quilting fabric that has been triple-layered with cotton to make it thicker and warmer. If you prefer to update your bedroom's style with the seasons but don't want to break the bank doing so, investing in a few duvet covers is a great compromise. Changing the bed's linens is the quickest and most cost-efficient way to update the look and feel of your bedroom.
Content Summary
- Depending on the time of year and where you live, you may or may not need a conventional quilt to sleep under.
- Summer quilts are lighter versions of traditional quilts packed with batting.
- If you sew your own summer quilt, you can adjust the thickness to suit your needs.
- We'll go over everything from the lightest to the heaviest summer quilts available.
- It stands to reason that a quilt without batting would be the most pleasant to sleep under.
- Skip the batting practise entirely.
- Whether you decide to sew the top and back together with batting or not is entirely up to you.
- Quilt "batting" can be made from 100% cotton fabric to help keep the quilt's centre from getting too thick.
- Plain and simple, it's a quilting fabric made from three layers of cotton for added thickness and warmth.
- A premium cotton flat sheet can be used instead.
- The bedsheet is probably not going to be as high quality as your cotton quilting materials, so proceed with caution if you choose this alternative.
- Put a layer of flannel in the centre.
- We suggest buying 100% cotton flannel and cleaning it beforehand to prevent any shrinkage in the finished quilt.
- Finding a lightweight batting that is the perfect thickness for your summer quilt may take some time and work, but the results will be well worth it.
- With these options in mind, it's time to start planning your autumn and winter sewing projects: quilts for the summer.
- To determine which is better to use on warm summer nights, we looked into the pros and cons of comforters and duvets.
- An individual comforter is the norm.
- A duvet can be made from a variety of materials, including down, feathers, wool, and synthetic fibres.
- If you prefer to update your bedroom's style with the seasons but don't want to break the bank doing so, investing in a few duvet covers is a great compromise.
- "A quilt is thinner and lighter than a comforter because it uses less filling," she explains.
- You can use them instead of a comforter when it's warm out, or on top of it when it's cold.
- Changing the linens on your bed is the quickest and easiest way to make the entire room seem and feel new.
- If your bed is the focal focus of your bedroom, you might want to give it a makeover that really stands out.
- We advise you to change your bedding according to the season.
- In the winter, a wool blanket and sheets made of a polyester blend or twill pattern are perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quilt
But most quilts will have dyed patterns, embroidery or pictures created that tell a story. These are best for winters in cold regions. Comforters: Thick and sometimes quilted, a comforter is filled with layers of different materials, such as feathers, polyester batting, silk and wool.
Quilts are a better match for hot sleepers, those who like to sleep under numerous layers of bedding, and those who want to give their bedroom a different look.
Temperature. If it's the warmth you need, comforters are almost always warmer than quilts. If you like to sleep cooler, a lighter-weight quilt should be your bed cover of choice.
Quilts are versatile pieces that both provide warmth and serve decorative purposes. They can be used in many ways, including Bed coverings. Throw blankets.
Because each layer is thin and made from breathable fabric, a quilt is a great lightweight option for those who think a weighted blanket sounds like an extra layer of hell or who always wakes up sweaty. It's also perfect if you prefer your bed to look sleek and tidy rather than fluffy and messy.