Another dumb mistake!
 

I have recently been making some table protectors, which other people call table runners but which I line with Warm 'n Natural, one or two layers, to protect from hot dishes.

I let myself get convinced that I should be using Insulbrite, so I bought some and tried it with a lovely batik topper. I learned two things: 1) it is not really "quitable" - it has no give, plus it crackles - and 2), the mylar in it seems to be making tiny cuts in the fabric that wraps around the edges of it. At least that's the only reason I can see for something that has never happened to me before.

So, maybe it is fine for pot holders or mug rugs, but my experience says don't try using it for anything much larger than that.

Sorry about your discovery but THANK YOU for sharing, I had been considering using it for table runners for the same reason. Guess I've changed my mind.

Thanks for letting us know. I had assumed it would work as well but never actually tried it.

our quilt guild made a casserole carrier and the one part that wraps around can be used as a table runner. I guess it turned out okay.

Did you actually use the product Insulbrite? I have used it with no problems to the fabric. I machine quilted mine & had no problem with that either. [ATTACH=CONFIG]353886[/ATTACH] It's true it does make a noise when scrunched, but how often would you scrunch it up?

Haven't made a table topper with it, always wondered about it though. Binding, quilting, etc. I have done and do not care for the sound it makes either. Made a ton of potholders and I agree with thinblebug6000's post-after it is on your table, will it be scrunched up? Do your issues have anything to do with the size needle you used? Guess I don't understand cuts in the fabric from the Insulbrite. Will have to test this out.

When I have used it, I find I need to watch the type of needle and weight of it. I also make a point to have a layer of thin regular batting on top of it or even on both sides ---If my table needs the protection of the insulate then the extra warm 'n natural can't hurt and might sop up spills. LOL I use a microtex needle and usually go one size heavier than normal. Does that make sense?

I don't think you should call this "A DUMB MISTAKE"....it is a learning moment....you would not have know if you did not try it.....The Biggest Risk is the one not taken....

I think adding a layer of thin batting probably would have helped. As for the small cuts, I can't imagine what else would have made them, but. . .maybe fairies? Maybe this whole problem is operator error, and I should cut it down to the batik and start again. I hate to waste the gorgeous tomato fabric of the backing/wrap, but this just doesn't lay right (and there are 10,000 little stitches).

I also need to find a good 1/4" foot, as the two I have both allow me to wander. I bought an after-market walking foot, and need to try that out. BTW, I never mess with needles, and apparently this is a serious matter that I should learn about. I happen to have 3 sizes bought over the years, I am sure by accident, and don't even change one until it starts that popping sound. I'm probably lucky I don't have more problems than I do!

All the instructions I have seen for insulbright say to use it with other batting. I combine mine with Warm and Natural and have not had any problems. Sorry it's giving you fits.

I have made several table runners lined with Insulbrite, no problem. They are a tiny bit stiffer that those lioned with Warm and Natural but it is not necessary to use table protectors. I quilter them just fine on the machine.

Definitely use warm and natural layers with insulbrite in the middle. Makes such a nice difference and totally cuts down that crackling sound. Also makes it much more absorbent.

Thsi is good to know, thanks!

I didn't have any instructions...

There is a insulated batting type that I bought at either JoAnns or Walmarts last yr to do the same type thing except that I made my whole tablecloth out of it. I made the tablecloth one side is for Thanksgiving and the other side if for Christmas and it quilted really nice. I can't remember the name of it but if I can find it you should find it in Richmond.

I also use a layer of warm and natural with insulbright and have had no problems.

Here's their site info http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html

I have several placemats made with this and did not have these types of problems with it and I have washed them.

Uh.....isn't Insulbrite a relatively new product? All those potholders from years long past were made with what? And I, for one, never had any problem with them.

I admit it never occurred to me to check this out before using the product. I bought it off a roll and there were no instructions (unlike what you get with fusible interfacing, for instance).

I don't like Insulbrite. It's hard to cut and I don't like the feel of it. I use cotton batting layed with the silver heat resistant fabric when heat resistance is needed in something. I bought a bolt of the silver fabric a few years ago on clearance for $2 a yard and so glad I did. I see it on sale for $8.99 a yard in stores now. Never ever pass up a good clearance buy on specialty quilt items. LOL.

Interesting info. I just made a table runner and used a single layer of the Warm and Natural. I thought of using something else inside but this one is mainly decorative for the dining room table. Good info to know for when I make another one.

Live and learn! Thanks for sharing!

Not a dumb mistake but a learning experience.

If you don't want the thickness of 2 extra layers of batting, you can use flannel or old towels and they serve the same purpose. Thanks for sharing your learning moment!

I was thinking the same thing! Who would have thought? How would you have known?

Package says to use one layer of Insulbrite and one layer of cotton like warm and natural. Did you use two or one layer of Insulbrite?

I used one layer of Insul-Bright, and nothing else. Must have been missing my head at the moment. I think a layer of flannel would be good to add and I have to get some neutral to keep on hand for this (for using the rest of the yard of Insul-Bright). It didn't occur to me to log on and look for instructions before making this table protector. Live and learn, I hope.

I didn't like when stitching through the Insul-brite that tiny silver particles would get into my machine!! no more for me.

Thanks so much for the information.

I have been using insulbright in table runners for several years, wouldn't use anything else. I quilt it without a problem. It does dull your rotary cutting blade fast though and I also need to replace my needle more often as it gets dull faster too. I like that it has no stretch to it, the table runners keep their shape better than with batting. It washes well.