Batting vs. no batting: This pattern does not call for batting. If you want a fast project then no batting is faster. You must quilt it to hold the batting in place. It's also a matter of storage to me. These can be folded in a drawer more easily than ones with batting.
This pattern makes a beautiful table if you make it really long - maybe even 60 inches. Place a candle or flower arrangement in the center then finger pleat the fabric on each side of the center. Those "finger pleats" really turn into fabric ...loops?... soft pleats?... whatever you call them - very pretty.
Having said that - I have included batting with these patterns when I wanted 'heftier' runner.