I use fusible fleece. It is very nice to work with and my placemats always turn out nice. I, also, always try to do a little quilting on them.

I use warm and natural. The batting helps when you have a warm plate of food and you don't want to ruin your nice table top. Obviously if it were a really hot pan or dish you should put it on a trivet or potholder.

I use fleece, works great.

I swear I posted to this thread, but I don't see my response. I used Mountain Mist poly batting with a large curvy matrix design I found on a template. Was very happy with results & washes great.