I use old panty hose. I cut off the panty part, then cut each leg about 2 inches wide in curricular cuts all the way down to the foot. Then I crochet it in a long single line, then sew it together in a circle or square. What I like to put them in are some of the very old, absolutely lovely cut crystal cigarette ash trays. Or some extra saucers that mix or match a fancy tea pot. I've been using some of these for many years, and they wash and dry in the machines. They also bleach well when coffee or tea or soda is spilled on them.