Placemats
 

Hi everyone, I never made placemats but thought I would give it a whirl. What kind of batting do you use? I will wash the fabric first so it shrinks before using, but do you wash the batting too? This seems like a dumb question but because placemats are something that will be washed often, I want to try and get it right the first time. Thanks!!!

I use warm and natural mostly. I did make some place mats out of home dec fabric and used nothing inside...those turned out wonderful too. I don't think there is a right or wrong....just how you want them.

I would use a cotton batting and pre-shrink it. Do not think of it as "washing." You don't agitate batting or you'll have a giant cotton ball. Just get it wet, spin it out and toss in the dryer.

i've made tons of placemats over the years- when i use batting i generally use warm & natural ---because it's fairly flat-
i have never (pre-shrunk) my batting- as long as you quilt them i've never had any adverse effects from them coming out of the wash on a fairly regular basis
i've also made them with just a layer of flannel in the center as batting ---that i did prewash....those worked out great too.
my mother tends to prefer table runners & placemats with flannel for batting- instead of batting.

I would do warm and natural since its pretty thin, it is great for small projects like that

A lot of people also use Fusible Fleece.

I use Warm and Natural or Hobbs. I like fairly thin batting in most everything I make. I never pre-shrink my batting. I like my quilting to kinda crinkle up. It really is a matter of personal choice. Just go for it and have fun!

I have always used fusible fleece. It doesn't shrink when washed and the placements lay flat after many washings.

I use Pellon 971 fusible fleece.

My favorite for dinner use is two layers (reversible) of heavy weight home decorating fabric, no quilting. Damask is great for this. Usually use embroidery or applique. Be use to design with plate and silverware on fabric so that it looks right when in use.