When my friend and I made ours we used 2 layers of 100% cotton batting. The batting seemed so thin and we knew it would pack down with the pressing we decided it would be better to use the 2 layers. She had some cotton fabric she knew she wasn't going to use so we used it, also a double layer. Her DH suggested we use little finishing boards over the fabric on the back to reduce the stress on the staples. This was several years ago and it still looks good. I have decided if I do need to replace the cover I am going to make a removable cover.