I always fold mine up out of the way if its just me and hubby sitting down to the table. If I have company, I remove it completely. I don't want anything spilled on it!!

A placemat pattern that I used recently suggested using muslin for the "batt". I adds a bit of substance to the piece but is easy to launder. Usually the price is right, too!

I made two tablerunners for Christmas gifts this week, and was out of batting. We're low on funds right now, so I started poking around in my stash to see what else might work. I had some flannel (pre-washed), so I used it. Very happy with how they turned out! It added some substance to them, but they're not overly poofy. Super-easy to quilt on my regular machine, too. I'll probably use flannel again next time, even if I have batting onhand. :mrgreen:

I always use Insulbrite so hot things can be put on them and then spray them with Scotch guard fabric spray to protect from spills They wash up wonderful.

Glad to hear so many of you use flannel, I do also. Was able to buy 10 yards of white at Joanne's on Black Friday. Hope that is enough for this year as I took the NO FABRIC pledge,

Jeannette in NJ, USA

I usually use a very thin cotton batting inside, or if I happen to be out of that, a layer of white flannel works.

Joann's has quilted solids that i love for table toppers & place mats.
Easy & durable.

I would use batting of some sort in case you need to sit something warm/hot on the table. I keeps the heat from damaging the surface of the table.

I love this Christmas table runner. The randomly placed squares remind me of everyone scurrying around at this holiday season.

Your no fabric pledge is exactly my New Year's Resolution as I was trying to rearrange too large a stash to find a particular color combo last evening. Hope we can stick to it.