I want to try some tube quilting to make a table cloth for our oval picnic table. I was wondering what kind of batting to use as I would like the table cloth to hang nicely over the edge. Thanks so much for your advice!

I don't think I'd use any batting in a tablecloth. Just the pieced front and a backing.

I agree!

I would use flannel and no batting.

I'd use a piece of good cotton flannel as backing and nothing else.

I have made one where there is batting only on the table part and none on the sides that hang down. I like the batting to protect the table and also for hot items.

ditto

flannel shrinks through quite a few washings, not just the once like most cottons. most fabric stores sell a batting type of interfacing, usually is located with the interfacing, wonder under, etc. section. it is more stable than a felt type of fabric. i forget what it is called. i also use warm/natural, which i like alot. oh, i just assumed you were going to back the table cloth - these suggestions are for that type.

depends on the flannel. Like anything else, if you buy good flannel like I suggested, it will be fine after one good hot wash.

Thanks, everyone! I'm wondering why you suggested using flannel. Is it because it would give it some thickness or wouldn't be slippery on the table?

I recently made 2 table cloths one with flannel only on the back and the other with warm and white between. The one with the flannel which was washed 2 times in hot water still shrunk and for me it just doesn't look very nice . The one with the warm and white is holding up quite well. Also I think with the batting it gives more stability for glasses and things. With only the flannel back you can feel more of the piecing seams. Is that confusing? Just my opinion.

Good Luck

Suzy

washable felt works well for table covers. I washed mine first so it would not shrink.

Hi Tebil,

I've been in the fabric textile business for thirty years. You can look at two products that are available. One is a poly/cotton interlining which has minimal shrinkage. The other product is Table Felt. As the name denotes, it's usage is for tables. Basically it's two pieces of interlining that are bonded together.

Happy scissoring,
Michael

what is tube quilting?

I saw this great video and got started right away! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vOWSp0mTTqE

i always use flannel.

Because I worry about the flannel shrinking with repeated washes that a tablecloth requires, I decided to go with a cotton backing and a very thin cotton batting. I saw some tablecloths today at the quilting store and they hung very nicely over the edges and corners. Thank you all so much! I learn so much from all of you!