I use flannel. However, I wash and dry it first. So far it's worked ok.
If one layer of flannel isn't enough to suit you, try two or more.

I use Warm and Natural for runners. I like the structure of this batting for runners. It also pre-shrinks well. It important if you want runners to lay as flat as the day you made them to preshrink all the fibers used. A poly bat does not shrink .. but if it was stretched during the sandwich process , it will likely return to its original state once washed and dried.

You really never want to wash a top that is already put together. It is risky because seams can fray and fabrics can shrink at different rates, creating a distorted mess that cannot be ironed perfectly flat again. As long as you use a moderate amount of quilting, the batting takes control of shrinkage when a quilted piece is washed. To keep your tablerunners flat, choose a batting that won't shrink or else totally pre-shrink the batting before layering and quilting. Plus, do a moderate amount of quilting. Minimal quilting may leave fabric pieces that are big enough to shrink independently of each other and the batting.

I've heard of others who have had great success with the following:

"For tablerunners I really like Hobbs Thermore. It's a very thin batting for clothing or other projects without much loft. It sews well. I use fusible spray to hold my batting in place. The loft on the runners is not too great and is unlikely to tip a vase or something else on it. I get it at Hobby Lobby or Joanns with a coupon."

Found at the following site:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...-t68267-2.html

Sometimes my mind can't remember every little name of everything wonderful item I can use in my quilting...so I have to google it! Hahaha

Nan

I think this is your answer. THere are many threads on the QB about pre-washing and this is the reason. Small pieces or precuts don't have to be machine washed, just a sink full of water and a touch of soap will do the trick. Toss in the dryer or on a line till damp dry and iron when needed. I put small stuff in a pillow case when drying in dryer. Washing insures NO-SHRINKING!
peace

Would it be okay to tell anyone I give a tablerunner to....to just wash in the sink and let dry without the washer / dryer because I think I might be expecting too much to think a tablerunner is going to go through the washer / dryer without wrinkles and come out perfect...LOL. I would post a picture but I can't out how to to do it. Thank you!

I have used the Hobbs 80/20 and not had a problem. A granddaughter uses hers all the time and washes them regularly and they still lay flat.

I use felt from Wal Mart to put in my toppers. It seems to work well.

I use flannel as well. Everything gets prewashed/shrunk before cutting at this house. (Except precuts, of course.)

I don't use anything except Thermore, works wonderfully, very flat but a nice light body. Get it at Connecting Threads when on sale and the package makes quite a few table runners.