table runners...question
 

Hi.

A few weeks ago I asked for ideas for table runner patterns.
I was pleased with the replies.

I now have a few runner tops made. My question is should I use batting? If yes, then what type?
It would seem that batting would make the runner a bit 'bumpy' and I don't think I'd want that. But I'd like some body to them.
What do you do?

I use regular batting. When you quilt them even SID they will lay flat. It doesn't add bulk to the runner.

I have not used batting on some table runners and used a very thin batting on others. You might try making one of each and see what you like best....be sure to show us your results:)

I use a thin batting in the table runners I make. You could also use a layer of flannel if you want. I like having something for filling.

I always use batting in my table runners. I use Warm and Natural and when quilted, it lays nice and flat. I wouldn't use poly batting though.

I use warm and natural batting in my table runners. I don't have any troubles with it laying flat. Looking forward to pictures!

I use fusible med to heavy wt. interfacing to back the top and then a layer of batting. This gives the topper a more polished professional look.

I used regular batting on mine and what I did when I washed them was iron them wet out of the washer instead of drying them....thy are perfect!!!

I use Warm and Natural in my runners... but pre - shrink it ! I like the crinkle look for quilts.. not on table runners. Table runners I want flat!

I think it depends on what you intend to do with the finished product.

Do you plan on putting a small based vase of flowers on it - the small base combined with the flowers on the top would make it less stable so I would opt for no batting.

Do you plan on putting a large based bowl of fruit on it? If this is the case I would opt for batting because it will protect your table top from getting dented from the edge of the bowl when placing it down on the table.

If you want both protection and flatness ... you can use batting and just quilt it heavier.

I use insulbright when I want them to double as long hot pads for serving dishes. When I'm out of insulbright I use pre-shrunk warm and natural. Both quilt up flat. I always iron when complete and after each washing.

Pellon fleece interfacing - it's sold both fusible and non fusible. It gives the runner body without the concern of a candle being unstable. I've never used anything else and I don't think I will.

I do this too with my table runners, my sister loves it cause she doesnt have to remove it from the table to serve dinner, just put the pots right on. I will say she doesnt keep anything on the runner, so I actually added batting and insul-bright, SID, and viola!

I use preshrunk flannel in mine. I want them to be used when I set the table for a dinner as they match the placemats. However, I set the hot dishes on wooden trivets so the runners do not have to protect the table. They do have to lay absolutely flat on the table.

My guild sisters go with regular or light batting, sometimes with flannel. My preference is generally regular batting.

Wow, look at the varied answers!!! I use craft felt that I buy by the yard. It is available in different widths and I try to get the widest.

piney

I use fusible fleece, and they turn out beautiful..... no basting or pinning either!

I like Hobbs Theremore batting. It's very thin but a bit firm. Quilts easily. Tablerunners have some definition but lie flat. I use a coupon at Hobby Lobby to get mine. One package does a lot of tablerunners.

I use flannel,preshunk and it works ok.

A layer of osnaburg, muslin in bleached calico would make thin flat runners with a good stabiliser in centre, especially if you have a different colour runner each side,

Me too! I use the leftover batting from quilts, sew them together and then SID and no one is any the wiser and I am using up all the batting, which is not that cheap!!!!! Edie

I have used a medium weight white felt for my table runners. It seems to stabilize them but is not too thick. It may not be the right thing to use, but to me, batting made them to unstable when something was placed on them.

I acutally prefer to use a heavy batting in my tablerunners, generally Quilters Dream deluxe weight cotton.

When using insulbright which side is up? Also, if you use batting with insulbright do you put it on top or the bottom?

I use a pellon product called Armo? It was recomended by a quilt teacher. I get it when interfacing is on sale at Joannes. Use it for purses too.

I keep the less worn sections of old flannel sheets for just ths purpose. It adds just the right amount of body for quilting, without adding lumpiness. Plus, I get the smile factor knowing I recycled something.

I use felt. It seems to hold up well after many washings and gives the runner or placemats a little body.

Wow! I got lots of input.
Thank you all soooo much.
I will be shopping for something tomorrow. I will look at what is available and decide then.
Thanks again.

I use fusible fleece by pellon I like the way they lay on the table

I like to use fleece. Not too expensive if you can get it on half-price or so. And it's extra-wide so you can get several table runners from a yard.

I like to use flannel. It gives the runner a bit of body but its not too thick. Always pre-wash flannel because it shrinks a lot.

In the ones I have made, I use a very thin batting.... can't give a name...just whatever I have handy

I always make them reversible with the seasons & always have used lite batting but I am rethinking some of my ideas. Thanks everyone for the wonderful ideas. The computer has kept me sane since I fell & broke my arm and cannot do much.

I used thermalon ( believe thats how you spell it) or a batting you might use for crafts. I bought mine at Walmart. It worked out good. it says it's washable. It doesn't have much poof to it though. I got the idea of thermalon from Sewing with Nancy to make placemats. I thought it would be the same difference.

I use whatever scrap I have that fits the size of runner/topper I am making lol.
I have recently in the past couple of weeks completed six runners and toppers from as small as 8x12 to as long as 12X67 and used some cotton batting in some, warm and natural in some and fusible in fleece in some..all got washed and dried and all are laying nice and straight with candles, lamps, Christmas decorations or picture frames on them and they are all flat. I should mention that all were quilted fairly dense and I believe this helps in quilts laying flat.

I would think a fusible stabilizer would do the trick for added body. I think that is what I am going to try on my next ones. Will make it look more crisp.

I use felt. It is totally flat and really gives some "weight" to the runner. Sara

Hi tapper, I use batting in my table runners. I made one for my coffee table and I put heat resistant batting in it. Now, if I have visitors, I can put the hot coffeepot or tea pot on the runner and I don't have to be afraid of marks on the wood. It works well for me. I must add that the heat resistant batting is more stiff than the thinner batting, so my runner looks more "elegant" if that is the right word.

I almost always use batting especially if I know cups and drinks, etc., will be set on this mat. No, I never have found the runner to be "bumpy". Hope this helps!

I use Thermolane....it is a fleece like batt used for padding in clothing, but it works great for tablerunners, placemats. It does not shrink, so it always looks great...........I use JoAnn coupons when I need to buy.......I think Pellon makes this