BrendaK, I would not use fleece because it is polyester and will melt with high heat. You are best using 100% cotton with insulbrite in the middle, but if you have an old COTTON bedpad, wash it in hot water and chlorine bleach and it should work too. I do shrink the cotton batting (Warm and natural) before putting it into a potholder. I don't like the potholders to shrink when I wash them.