I use warm & natural's poly(thin). I don't use cotton because when washed it will shrink and give mats and tablerunners a wrinkly look(nice for quilts, but not these things). Actually this is the only time I will rinse my fabric before using so it does not shrink after washing either...or if I have any on hand I will use thermolan (I think that is what it is called)-used for quilted clothing...very thin and very flexible. I don't worry about "hot dishes"--these are only for show, not go......