I quilt one side of the potholder with a muslin back then I sandwich the quilted piece, insulbrite and the backing. So it feels "thick". This way I am not quilting the insulbrite. I just think (No basis what so ever other than what I think) that the more holes that are punched in it the less insulating it is. Since potholders aren't bigger than 12" squares, they hold up fine in the wash.