Originally Posted by
PaperPrincess
When I first got my long arm, someone suggested using mattress pads. Check thrift stores, immediately wash in hot water & cut them up. You can add a piece of fabric on the top, or just go to town. Also, you can reuse. After quilting practice, just put another piece of fabric on top and requilt. It's best if you use a different color thread the second time so you can easily check the tension on the back.
Loosen the tension a bit extra for mattress pads since they have more loft and body to them. Nice idea though, I use them for larger wall hangings because they don't 'slump' from washing. Old ones are my choice so no washing surprises.