Wadding

Wadding is a soft fibrous material used to fill, pad, insulate, or cushion objects. It can be made from natural fibers such as cotton, wool, or kapok, or from synthetic fibers like polyester or polypropylene. Wadding is produced in varying thicknesses and lofts to suit different applications.

In upholstery, bedding, and clothing, wadding provides padding and structure. It is commonly used between outer fabrics and inner linings in cushions, quilts, jackets, and upholstery to improve comfort, warmth, and shape retention. The term batting is often used interchangeably with wadding in some regions, though exact definitions can vary.

In firearms, wadding has a different meaning. It refers to a layer of material placed in front of the powder or shot in muzzle-loading firearms or in shotgun shells. The purpose is to create a gas seal, cushion the projectile, and sometimes separate powder from shot. Traditional wads were made from paper, fiber, or felt; modern ammunition often uses plastic wads designed to control shot performance and protect the barrel.

Other uses include crafts, paper production, and bookbinding, where wadding describes soft fiber pads used as padding or bulk in mixed-media projects or as a filler in padded bindings. Wadding materials are selected for properties such as softness, compressibility, thermal insulation, and moisture resistance, depending on the intended function. Some wadding materials are flammable or may shed fibers, so handling and disposal considerations vary by type.