You might want to try Thermore batting. It's a very thin batting used in quilted clothing.

I use either pre-quilted backing or crafter's fleece, which is very stable and gives a nice surface for casseroles to light vases.

I ONLY use Hobbs 80/20 or Warm & Natural in EVERYTHING I do, I have NEVER had a problem with them shrinking or going WONKY after washing!! I've made a ton of table runners and place mats because I have a round table and have suck a problem finding them for round tables!

So many informative tips. Thanks, all.

I would like to jump in and point out, I wash and dry everything before I give it to someone. I also wash in a cycle most commonly used, warm wash, cool rinse, dry hot. Unless you give specific direction to their care, the recipient won't know. I don't give anything delicate to someone I'm not sure will take care of it. I prefer to take the chance of me messing up, then the receiver. Just saying.

I recently went to a workshop our guild sponsored and we were told to NOT use batting. Just have 2 layers.

I have used Warm and Natural with good success, but I do wash the fabric before sewing. For placemats, flannel works really well too, 1 or 2 layers, prewashed of course.

Prewash/preshrink fabric, and Warm & Natural batting. Works for me...

I like the thin iron on batting. It makes them crisp, they lay nicely and...
This works good for me.

Haven't used the fusible fleece - plain white fleece seems to work fine for me! And with a Joann's coupon you can get a lot for not very much!