Need some advice table toppers batting
 

If I am making table toppers to use as a hot pad also would it be enough to just use Insul brite or do I need a cotton batting also. Thank you dear quilters you are always ready and willing to help us not so smart sewers. Sharon

I like to sandwich the insul brite between 2 layers of batt if I want to use as a hot pad. I make my binding a little wider to accommodate the extra thickness. If however I am putting something extremely hot on my good wood table.....I sewed a pretty sleeve for.....wait for it.....a phone book.:D

Thank you Tartan for your quick reply. A friend has asked me to help her begin to learn how to piece and sew and she wants to start with pot holders and a pad for her table. I guess I have a second question. Do you quilt through all 6 layers? I always read your responses because I glean so much knowledge from them. Thank you.

I'm with Tartan. When I make table runners, I use regular batting and muslin and quilt. Then I use a single layer of insulbrite and a cut backing fabric. I finish off by binding the usual way. The back fabric isn't quilted at all but table runners are narrow so it has never been a problem.

also, putting binding on hot pads may be a challenge--the edges are so small that getting the ends to join on a 8-10" space is sometimes a challenge! (or maybe it's me--LOL)

With hot pads, I use just insul-brite and no batting. Makes them more flexible. I cut the backs a few inches bigger than the tops, quilt, iron a seam allowance, fold the backing over to the front, and stitch by machine. No need to bind.

I only use Insulbright in hot pads and casserole pads. Insulbright keeps it’s shape well when laundered. I don’t use binding I just cut the fabric a little larger, layer it as follows - Insulbright, first fabric facing up, second fabric facing down. Next I stitch around the outside leaving an opening, then turn the hot pad or casserole pad. Then press making sure the fabric at opening folds inside. Stitch it closed, then stitch around the outside about a 1/2 inch fron the edge. I sell hot pads etc at craft shows, have wholesale customers and have sold 100’s of items made this way with dozens of repeat customers.

Neat idea for the phone book! It would be a lot quicker to dry the "cover" for that and easier in the creation, too. Make it pretty much like a pillow sham or open on one end to slide the book in. A nice size, too. Thanks for the idea!

Thank you Brandonsnana, I was wondering about this and have had no one just use the insulbright. Will make some. I don't particularly like working with so much batting in the middle. Thank you for your input. Grammasharon