Hi tapper, I use batting in my table runners. I made one for my coffee table and I put heat resistant batting in it. Now, if I have visitors, I can put the hot coffeepot or tea pot on the runner and I don't have to be afraid of marks on the wood. It works well for me. I must add that the heat resistant batting is more stiff than the thinner batting, so my runner looks more "elegant" if that is the right word.