Timely information! I plan to make some hot pads out of orphan squares for gifts this season....never even thought about the thinsulate not working! I will layer it between some W and N.....or the silver fabric if I can find it! Thanks to the OP for asking!!

I do like to use a layer of cotton batting with insulbrite, and flannel or denim backing for a little extra thickness.

Me too, with the shiny side out on both sides.

Jillmc, are you dotting the i at Ohio State?

thanks for this hint, my next purchase........

I've found that you can't use just the Insulbrite alone, you need at least one layer of warm & natural or other cotton batting, as this absorbs some of the moisture from the heat, so it works better. I made an extra long table runner, using the zig-zag pattern I found online for my son and DIL for them to use on their buffet because the top was starting to get some heat damage from their coffee pot. My DIL loves it and says it works like a charm and she just tosses it in the washer and dryer - works great.

I just finished making 36 of those cupcake hotpads. They work just fine with Pellon thermore, two layers. No insul-bright needed. Anyway it is more expensive.

If I were making hot pads, I'd use an old army blanket, preshrunk, two layers, between the top and the back. I've never had a problem with that.

I use an old cotton quilted mattress pad. The middle wore through so I saved the outside pieces. It is heavy enough to use for hot pads for pans.

I've never used the Insulbrite (just found out about it on QB) but I always liked old terry towels to make potholders. A couple of layers of the thicker ones maybe more if the towel is thinner.