I've recently made a few table runners/toppers as gifts and I used a nice flannel as the batting. It gives just enough stability, yet it lays nicely on the table. So far, they have washed up good, too. I made my MIL a set of table runner, placemats and napkins for Christmas. I used the flannel for the placemats, too.
I do wash the flannel beforehand as it does shrink.
Just this week I tried the tube quilting - I love it!
Like the others mentioned, starching and going slowly and staying mindful of the bias edges helped me.