Bree123

I just use W&N for placemats because I don't put hot pots on my placemats. I have used Insulbrite for hotpads & that would work great if you think the recipients will put something other than standard plate/glassware on the placemats.

Make sure to use 100% cotton fabric and thread then, as synthetic fibers can melt with heat. I would also make sure to quilt it no farther apart than 2" since this will be something that will likely be washed on a regular basis. Finally, I'd recommend washing them before you gift the placemats. Placemats are the one quilted item I make an exception for & use Clorox 2 along with detergent and for that reason, I pick lighter colors for my placemats.

CanoePam

I am making autumn placemats now . I have made a number of sets over the last 7-8 years, and they get used (and washed) all the time. I have always used a single layer of warm and natural in them, quilted fairly closely (2" max). I didn't prewash the fabrics in most of them, and nothing dreadful has happened. They crinkle up a little, but we haven't had any problems with glasses or plates sitting on them. The only issue is to make sure you cut them big enough if not prewashing. My first set ended up smaller than I wanted.

Note that I have never considered placemats or table runners to be hot plates or trivets, so I don't worry about them taking a lot of heat.

Pam