I have made a couple of the cheater panels that are race track and construction zone. They were approx. 36 x 44. by keeping them small they don't actually sit on them to play and they stay flat just quilted. I did use this polyester batting from walmart that is about 3.77 per yard and feels alittle stiffer felt. you might use oil cloth as the backing. It is super sturdy and would add to the stiffness without making it hard. Just a thought.