I made some years ago with warm & natural batting, gifted them to my mom & aunt, they liked the runners, ( looks) but wouldn't use them because items fell over easily. They requested Flat ones. I started using pelted, or just a layer of prewashed flannel. They like them much better flat. So, guess it depends on intended use. If you plan to use them just to lay on a table with nothing on it puffy is ok-- but if you want them on a table glasses, vases, other items will be placed on them flat is a better choice.