I'm going to make some placements. I don't know what to place inside. I know I would need more than just the two layers of fabrics as my table is wood.

Linda

I used a really heavyweight Pelmet Vilene, (UK product). So I had backing fabric, Vilene, Batting, top fabric. It makes a firm placement, but I was still able to machine quilt through the whole sandwich without any problems. I have also used this same Vilen to make fabric bowls, so I guess it would be similar to Timtex (? I think that's what is recommended in the books) that is available in the USA.

I've made them with 1 layer of Warm and Natural in the middle. I love the crinkled old look so I washed it all after making them. If I have to set a hot pot on the table I just use 2 placemats to make sure the heat doesn't damage my table.

Just warm and natural batting.

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it a try.

I use Warm and Natural batting in my placemats - it washes and wears great (and we have some messy eaters here, so they get washed regularly!) While you're making the placemats, it's easy to make trivets for hot pans while you're at it - just add a layer of a product called Insul-Bright (http://www.warmcompany.com/ibpage.html) with the batting. I've been making coasters and trivets using the folded fabric strips for a long time, and layer my Insul-Bright to face the folded strips so I always know which side its on.

I generally use my left over batting scraps when I make small items like placemats, etc. If need be, you can actually zig-zag the pieces together and it doesn't show at all!

a towel - great way to use up those pink (or whatever) towels that you thought were so pretty once and now just grace the back shelf of the closet.

Saravincent - LOL!! A towel! I never would have thought of that! I have plenty of old faded Christmas towels.

I do think for my family, with little kids that have trouble with glasses, and teenagers that place hot plates of food on the placemats, I'll give the Insulbright a try.

On the next placemat project I'll try the batting. Gives me a reason to buy more fabric.

Thanks.