Another vote for cotton duck for the cover. I think what's best underneath is personal preference, I put 2 layers of that batting that has the metal stuff in it, someone help me out with what it's called? But I will say that for quilting and sewing, I much prefer a cotton duck cover over the silver cover. The silver stuff is a bit slippery and better for ironing clothes, while the cotton duck has a bit of a non-stick factor and holds onto blocks and fabrics a bit better, which makes it easier to press them.