I always like to use Insulbright in the table runner because that protects the table from hot dishes.

I use warm and natural all cotton for the batting. Sometimes my placemats double as a hot pad. We use the placemats I make every day so they get a lot of wear and tear and washing. I have some that go back to 2003 and they are still usable - just a little faded.

I also use insulbrite for placemats and table runners. you never know when a hot dish needs a resting place.

If you use Poly/Cotton for your top fabric, you need to watch how much Poly to Cotton you are using. Poly can melt with heat. You never know what someone will do with the items when your not looking. I have used double knit a lot for batting, KenmoreGal2 is correct in the fact that your runner will lay flat and wash like a dream. If you think this person will be placing HOT items, you do want to use something like Insulbrite or you can even use old ironing board covers (I always save my ironing board covers, you can cut out and bad spots and they are free). Good luck

I think if you use the Insulbrite for batting, you should be ok, I would use that on the table runner, but warm plates should be ok on whatever batting you choose. I usually use a thin fuseable fleece for placemats.

Insulbrite if it's meant to hold hot dishes, othewise, I use the Bosal preformed place mats. They work great!

There is a new batting out that is used for placemats, runners and totes. Annie's sell it. The name escapes me but it has a layer of foam(?) in the center and makes them very stiff. It is washable and does not shrink. I have used it and really like it.

Do you know if it will protect the table from hot items?

The sample placements/table runners presented are gorgeous. May I order a 3 or 4 of those beauties?:D I also use a double layer of flannel in my place mats/table runners just to give them a bit of body and loft. I've only used insulbrite in hot pads, never placemats or table runners. It has never been mentioned in any of the kits I've purchased for these items either.

Great runner...