What to use....
 

I'm making a chevron table runner. The pattern calls for a stiffener. I didn't really like it after it was done. I stitched in the ditch but it was so flat. There was no puff. Hardly tell it s quilted. Is this what everyone does? Or do you use baton or maybe both. Any suggestions are welcome.

I just used Warm and Natural batting. I did SITD as well, and liked the result. I wanted it flat so that things wouldn't fall over (candlesticks, vases, anything lightweight).

I used a stiffener the first table runner I made. Hated it. I'm much happier with a regular batting for my runners & placemats. I agree with Zozee that W&N is a good choice. If you decide you want it flatter, you can always add more quilting -- but I used to just SID and it's fine.

I cheat. Lol! I use fleece as combination backing/batting. The heavier fleece makes enough poof for my taste while still being nicely level for whatever you put on it. Did not care for the stiff interfacing or for the thin fleece.

I made some years ago with warm & natural batting, gifted them to my mom & aunt, they liked the runners, ( looks) but wouldn't use them because items fell over easily. They requested Flat ones. I started using pelted, or just a layer of prewashed flannel. They like them much better flat. So, guess it depends on intended use. If you plan to use them just to lay on a table with nothing on it puffy is ok-- but if you want them on a table glasses, vases, other items will be placed on them flat is a better choice.

I use fusible fleece. I don'talways fuse it though. My favorite is Lazy Girls Dreamy Fleece...and it IS dreamy! Love how snow white it is. I have a bolt of it!
sandy

I like to use Hobbs 80/20 and STID to secure it. Then I usually do some FMQ to complement the patchwork. I like that combination quite well.

I use Hobbs 80/20 with all my quilting so I usually have scraps that I save for items like table runners.

I don't use w&n as when it is washed it will pucker...I don't want that look on table runners, so I use thermalon, it's a thin, poly used in quilted garments. Enough loft to show quilting, but stable enough so nothing tips over......

I make a lot of table runners. I want them flat like a table cloth. I use fusible deco bond for the lining. They look crisp and professional even after washing. When I make tablerunners for my guild sale tables my runners always sell first. I think it's because of the way they lay flat. Honestly many of the guild members try to use left over whatever for batting and backings and the results aren't always the best looking.

Pellon fleece interfacing. It comes both fusible and non. I prefer the non. It is perfect for what I want. Some body and a very small amount of loft, no shrinkage at all, kind of grabby so it doesn't need much pinning, 45" wide so the Spicy Spiral fits with no piecing, etc. It's in the interfacing section of the fabric stores.

I used W & N in all my table toppers until someone on this board suggested Thermolam. I love it! It doesn't pucker like W & N does. I buy it by the bolt when Joann's has it on sale or I have a 50% off coupon.

I use Hobbs 80/20 scraps--but then I tend to do heavy quilting so it's not too poufy!

What is thermalon? I never heard of it.

Good question. I have never made a table runner, but I have thought a lot about doing one. I had decided that I wanted it to be flat and stiff so you could put small nick-nacks or even drinking glasses with a small footed stem on it and they wouldn't fall over as they might with puffier batting. Does this make sense to anyone?

Well I'm a little different than everyone else, lol. I buy and recycle quilted mattress covers from the thrift store. After washing them in bleach and hot water, I know they are safe and clean. I prefer the cotton ones as they lay flatter, but will use the others when they are the only available; I just quilt them closer.

I have found, after years of making table runners, placemats, table centerpieces, etc., etc., that W&N has given me the best results, it is flat, but gives some body to the items as well. However, when making wall hangings, I like to use fusible fleece as it gives more body to the wall hanging so that it hangs better. I also use SID for quilting, as I have a fear of FMQ, I don't want it to not look good. I know I should practice, but just call me chicken.

Although I often use warm and natural as ckcowl does, I have also used 80/20 as Tartan does (all leftover from larger projects) with good results, I have also bought Hobbs Thermore specifically for runners and place mats - it is a thin 100% polyester, very affordable, won't shrink and quilts wonderfully. Connecting Threads is one source, it is occasionally on sale and a queen size makes A LOT of smaller projects.

Great idea! I like upcycling 100% cotton tablecloths by making kitchen towels from the good parts, the adding my own applique. Waste not - want not; it's what I learned growing up.

Sounds very much like my fav Hobbs Thermore - good to know JoAnn has something similar I can try so thanks for this info!

l agree with Geri...l've used thermalon for years in placemats as well. Just to be on the safe side, l give the project a firm pressing with iron set to cotton. This "sets" the edges ( if l've knife edged instead of binding), and leaves a nice level surface for standing things on... yet the quilting shows. The added bonus is it helps protect the table from warm ( not baking hot!) platters & such.

Which is why I soak my W&N in hot water before using it. I also prefer a flat look.

Have you washed the finished runner? sometimes washing and tumble drying will soften it up a little.

I use the cotton batting that I use for my quilts and all my placemats and table runners turn out nice.

I have used a mixture of batting, must try the thermal or iron on to see if they make flatter runners or coasters.