I made a lot of these for Christmas gifts. Be careful that some battings say they are 100% Cotton but when you read the package they also have polyester in them. I only buy batting that is microwave safe. I did not wash my fabric. I left my friends and family know that I do not use mine in the microwave, but put the warm bowl in it after, but they can use them in the microwave. I also remind them that in the summer they are great when eating ice cream.