If you're making them for craft shows, don't waste your time quilting them unless you like making $2/hour for your time. People in my area usually buy that stuff as hostess gifts or cheaply presents from little kids for moms and price is more important than quality. If you are making it for yourself or a loved one, I would definitely quilt it. I've done it both ways & also tried a heavy weight stabilizer for my mom since she wanted a sturdier, flatter runner to sit on table all the time (nightmare to see through). The quilted runner really has held up the best by far!