Quilt covers are made from a number of materials. Among them, cotton is the most popular choice for quilt covers, while materials such as linen and percale are also very popular. Other types of materials can also be used to make quilts, such as polyester, silk, flannel, sateen, wool, bamboo, etc.

Throughout this post, we will talk about 11 different types of quilt cover materials and their features. Be sure not to miss a thing, so you can decide what type of material is best for your quilt’s cover.

Cotton

There is no doubt that cotton is the most popular material for quilt covers. It is because cotton is soft, comfortable, and breathable, while also being easy to maintain. If you’re looking for a no-fuss, low-maintenance material, cotton is your best bet. The seamless airflow provided by cotton and its moisture-wicking properties makes it the perfect choice for a long night’s sleep.

In my opinion, organic cotton is a little bit better if you can spend a little more money on it. Cotton plants grown organically are less susceptible to pesticides, so they produce fibers with a longer staple, resulting in softer and more breathable fabrics.

However, if you are searching for superior quality, Supima, Egyptian cotton, and Pima will not disappoint you at all. Apart from that, these types of cotton come with a higher thread count, which is important because experts recommend that you use a quilt cover with a higher thread count to protect your quilt.

Organic Cotton

If you are searching for an eco-friendly material for your next quilt cover, you may want to consider organic cotton because it is more gentle on the environment. The qualities of organic cotton are similar to those of non-organic cotton. However, organic cotton is grown without the use of chemicals, which means that the water used throughout the farming process will not be harmful to the surrounding wildlife. Organic cotton is also more sustainable, as it does not rely on the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. It also requires less energy and water to produce, making it a more eco-friendly choice.

Supima Cotton

Supima cotton is one of the highest-quality fabrics in the world. It contains extra-long fibers, which make it incredibly strong. Despite years of use, it doesn’t degrade much. Compared to other fabrics, Suppima is softer and holds colors better, which is an important consideration if you intend to purchase a colorful quilt cover.

The price of Supima cotton is higher than that of regular cotton. In fact, Supima cotton makes up less than 1% of the world’s cotton production. Consequently, if you are considering purchasing something made of this material, you should be aware of the cost. It will be worth it, however.

Linen

If you’re looking for a cooler night’s sleep, linen is the perfect material. Besides being lightweight and breathable, it is durable as well. Furthermore, linen is capable of absorbing up to 20% of its weight in moisture before feeling wet, meaning you will remain dry and your sleep is less likely to be disrupted.  There is one advantage of linen: it dries much faster than cotton. However, linen has a tendency to wrinkle, regardless of how careful you are.

Polyester

Even though polyester is a synthetic material, it holds its shape and thickness well. As with any material, polyester has its advantages and disadvantages. Although it’s thicker and non-breathable, it’s lighter, keeps you warm, and is mold and mildew resistant. It’s also very durable and easy to wash and dry. With its high loft, polyester batting is ideal for those who wish to show off their quilting skills. Moreover, it lays flat, which makes it ideal for things like table runners, placemats, and wall hangings.

Wool

Wool is a lofty and natural material ideal for bed quilts and garments that are appropriate for all seasons and climates. The material is lightweight, warm, and moisture-wicking. Similarly to polyester, wool holds its shape well and resists creases. When used on a gentle, cool cycle, it can be machine washed and dried.

Cotton Percale

Percale cotton is a fine, lightweight, and soft material that is commonly used in quilt covers. In addition to being durable, it lasts a long time. This fabric is frequently used by hotels for their sheets and other bedding accessories.

The good thing about percale cotton is that it is easy to maintain. You can throw it in the washing machine as often as you wish, without damaging it. However, the thread count may be of concern since it is low in percale cotton. To put it another way, percale cotton is soft, but not quite as soft as long-staple cotton.

Silk

With its elegant and comfortable nature, silk is considered one of the most luxurious quilt cover materials. If you tend to sleep hot, you will appreciate silk as a quilt cover. Silk is particularly popular as a quilt cover material because it emits a luxurious vibe while being much smoother and more shiny.

Silk has health benefits as well. Due to its dust-repellent properties, it is an excellent material for people who suffer from allergies or asthma. However, silk is very delicate – which means it might be much harder to care for a quilt cover made of silk. Plus, silk tends to catch stains quickly so using a silk quilt cover may be a challenge at times.

Flannel

Flannel is generally a mix of cotton and wool. This means that flannel is durable, warm, and soft, which makes it the best material for colder climates. Unlike linen, flannel does not wrinkle, and it dries very quickly, making it very easy to care for. Flannel also has a distinct fuzzy texture made of brushed cotton.

However, you may not want to use it in hot summer weather or if you are a hot sleeper in general. That’s because you would likely feel too warm with a flannel quilt cover and experience discomfort while sleeping on summer nights. Getting sweaty is a bonus as well.

Sateen

Sateen is praised for being breathable and cooling, but it’s also necessary to note its elegant looks, too. Flannel is also a great option in hot climates because it is highly absorbent and can help keep you cool even on the hottest of nights.

Besides sateen being lightweight, it is also known for its smooth and glossy finish, making it ideal for those who want a luxurious look. Aside from this, sateen is soft and durable, making it a great choice for those concerned about durability.

Bamboo

Bamboo is a natural fabric made from bamboo grass pulp that is known for its softness, durability, and comfort. Due to its hypoallergenic properties, this natural material is likely to promote uninterrupted sleep.

Just like linen, it can absorb three times more water than its weight, making it an ideal choice for hot sleepers. As a result, it works extremely well at wicking moisture away from your body. Apart from that, bamboo has a higher thread count, about 300-500 threads per inch, which makes it more comfortable and softer than cotton.

Although bamboo is a natural material, some manufacturers use a viscose process with chemicals to extract cellulose from the bamboo and spin it into fibers. This process usually results in Lyocell, rayon, and modal types of bamboo fabrics.

How to Choose the Right Quilt Cover Material

Several factors play a role in selecting the right material for a quilt cover such as breathability, comfort, durability, and the cost of the fabric. Additionally, quilt covers should also be easy to care for, as well as hold their softness and color over time. In other words, you should always look for these qualities in a quilt cover whenever purchasing one. Make sure that the quilt cover you choose is made from fabric that offers these features.

You shouldn’t expect all these qualities in a single material or fabric, or else you might end up paying quite a bit for it. Just look for the features you need. For example, if you want a lightweight but breathable cover, go for cotton or linen. However, you may prefer wool or cotton if you live in a colder climate or you may want to consider synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, etc, if you are seeking a cheap yet durable quilt cover. Choose silk if you are looking for a luxurious material. This is how you do it. Consider your needs first, and avoid looking for features not important to you.

FAQ

What is the most breathable quilt cover material?

Cotton is known as the most breathable quilt cover material as it provides excellent airflow while being lightweight and comfortable as well. Other natural fibers like linen and bamboo are also breathable and ideal for quilt covers.

What is the most expensive quilt cover material?

Silk is usually considered the most expensive quilt cover material. It is incredibly soft and luxurious and drapes beautifully, making it a popular choice for quilt covers. Silk is made from the cocoons of silkworms, and the process of harvesting and making silk fabric is labor-intensive, which drives up the price. Satin and velvet are also quite expensive materials used to make quilt covers.

What is the most durable material for quilt covers?

Polyester is one of the most durable quilt cover materials. Aside from being strong and resistant to tearing and fraying, it is not susceptible to shrinkage and fading as well. Other materials such as cotton, linen, cotton percale, flannel, sateen, and bamboo are also durable.