What is the best batting to put on a table runner so after it is washed it still lays nice?
Pickle

Will be watching the anwser to this question

We use Therm More. Not sure of the spelling, but it is a thin polyester batting.

I use old flannel sheets instead of batting--
Unless you want to say bad words, starch it well and iron!
Most batting is just too fluffy and besides, the flannel sheets are about $1-2 at garage sales or thrift stores!

I like a flat table runner, so there are no wobbles when you set stuff on it, so I use Warm and Natural. No wobbles.

I usually use Warm and Natural for table runners, placemats etc. unless I want them flatter. I have done placemats with just muslim inside.

This sounds good to me I also thought about iron on interfacing just for a little body.I like the muslin idea.
Pickle

What a great idea....Haven't made a runner yet...I'll try this.

Most of the time I use flannelette ... just enough body, but not too much. Easy to quilt.

Warm and Natural is nice for more body/thickness. I hesitate using it if I'm going to be setting something finer (eg. water glasses or stemware) on it as it may not provide for stability.

Or if you have some ugly fabric or some you will never use, what about hiding a layer or two of it inside?

Those are really good ideas, I never thought about whether you are going to be putting something on them that might tip over.

I usually just use Quilter's Dream or something like that.

There's also that silver stuff that is an insulated fabric to protect your tabletop should someone set something on top of the quilted piece ..... not sure the name? Thermalore? or?

I use warm & natural or warm and white but pre-shrink it. You should also pre- shrink your fabrics.

My mom started just adding some shirt interfacing stuff. I like the look of the puffier things so I still use a thin batting... just whatever scrap pieces I have left over from other projects.

Are you thinking about Teflon fabric? We use it for potholders. Just be sure to put the silver side facing the wrong side of your top.

If you want a little more body and like the insulation idea, try InsulBrite.

I've used fusible interfacing as well as Warm & White.

Pellon makes a craft batting sold by the yard that's perfect. It's sold both fusible and non, but I prefer the non fusible. I know JoAnn's carries it and I think WalMart does. Thermore would be just right, too.

Thermore. It is thin and poly. Table runners get washed a lot and the poly holds up the best. It has a nice drape. The thinness of it allows you to put things on the runner like candles and glasses, without the worry of tipping.

insulbrite. This is what I use so I can place hot objects on it without ruining the table.

I use Hobbs 60/40 or Quilters Dream, something very low loft. I have made them to order for someone who prefers the 100% polyester batting.

If it's just for decorative purposes, then batting like Warm & Natural will do. If you plan to put hot things on it, use Thermore or something like it - the heat doesn't go through to whatever it's on. I used to use 2 layers of batting for potholders but now I use Thermore (Pellon makes a similar product) so that I can quilt it more easily. Most of the time, the table runners I give as gifts don't seem to be used for hot things. :-)

I don't use anything inside a table runner. I make them for looks and easy care then I don't have to worry about something tipping over on the padded surface. I don't leave one on the table while serving a meal. To me they are a decoration.


Carol J.

I always use Insulbrite in my table runners. With the insulbrite they are always ready for hot/warm items and they wash up nicely and lay nice too.

I use crafter's felt, bought by the yard. Buy it at Wally. It is white, thicker than the craft squares you buy individually. It makes a stable surface, not fluffy.

Use Insulbrite for potholders, hot pads, table runners if you are going to set hot dishes on it. One layer of insulbrite with a layer of thin cotton batting on each side. Works well for me.

I only use warm and natural, I recently needed a twin size batting and bought Mountain Mist. Never again! I have a baby lock crown jewel on a majestic frame from grace pro and had all kinds of problems. Not sure it had anything to do with the batting. The queen/king quilt I had done before this one was done with Not One problem using warm and natural.

I like Warm and Natural. If it's going to stay on the table during meals (or is a large table square) I'll use Insul-Brite to protect the table.

BTW - I use a combination of one layer of each for pot holders and hot mats.

Flannel or just some fusible interfacing.

Thanks for all the hints for batting for table runners. It is mostly for decoration so I think I am just going to try another layer of fabric like muslin.
Pickle

Wow, thanks for the great topic! Never thought about this.

I used a prewashed piece of flannel in a Easter tablerunner I just make. I do not use mine to put anything on, just for show.

I often use flannel as my batting for tablerunners (not for hot pads). If I want thicker I use Warm & Natural

I don't know if this is the right stuff to use but I buy poly felt for table runners and wall hangings. It is very wide, comes in lots of colors and is cheap. It is great to sew with.

I use a thin poly, old flannel, or anything flatish that won't shrink. I press the table runner after washing.

I never thought of using flannel as batting, but it seems to be a popular choice. I've always used warm and natural. I have lots of leftover flannel so I'm going to try using it as batting with my next table runner project.

Make sure it is "old" flannel that has been washed a number of times.

I use dream green from Quilter's Dream. Cheap, nice feel, and it doesn't shrink.

I had been toying with the idea of doing a table runner but this was a question I had too. Some solutions I hadn't even considered. Thanks!

Thanks for the suggestion! I might not have washed the flannel.

I use Thermore for my runners.

I"ve used fusible. Since that is all gone now use flannel sheets. Wash them first to get rid lint and to make sure no more shrinkage. I don't want my table runners to be puffy. Besideds...once something is ON the runner...cant really see the quilting any more.