The Best Battings For Table Runners
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Batting is the perfect companion to many projects from quilts to oven mitts and more. Depending on the project you might require a different type of batting, whether this is for projects that need to withstand heat or that need to be comfortable and snuggly.
Table runners are a great way of creating a a decorative piece for your table with a practical element. You can use any thickness of wadding for a table runner depending on the loft and lift you want to create.
You may not require batting but if you want to create a soft cushioning feel for your tableware to sit upon then you will need a little batting in between your layers.
1. Fusible Fleece
Fusible fleece is very much like fusible cotton batting in that it has a glue like side which when heated allows the batting to fuse to the fabric layer. This is perfect for projects where you require layers to stay in place or if you are working with multiple layers.
This batting is thin, easy to use, and has great quality. Its iron-on feature makes it a fantastic choice for newbies and people that like keeping their layers together while they sew.
Fusible battings are harder to find and not as readily available on the market. There are options to find fleece battings without the fusible element if you prefer that option.
✅ Great for using in projects that require lots of layers, quilting or stability. ❌ Harder to buy and not as readily available.
2. Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is a natural fibre which makes it a great batting for table runners as it can withstand being washed over and over again.
Most cotton battings have a shrinkage of around 3 -5% so this is important to remember when using cotton batting for table runners that may be washed over and over again along with coming in contact with heat.
As cotton is a natural fibre it is prone to burning under open flames and extreme heats but is unlikely to arise when using in placemats.
Due to being a natural material cotton batting provides a level of softness and comfort which is why it is a great option for those making quilts.
✅ Common to find online and in many haberdasheries, easy to use and a natural fibre. ❌ Can melt under extreme heat and open flames.
3. Polyester Batting
Polyester Batting is one of the most common and most used battings on the market, this is due to the availability and lower cost of the batting. As it is a man made fibre it is cheaper to produce.
This batting does usually come in a higher loft than cotton batting so if you are looking for a little more thickness in your batting this may be the option for you.
Another great thing about using polyester batting is that is retains shape much better than its cotton and wool competitors.
While polyester is a great option for most projects including blankets and table runners, do remember that the material can melt under high temperatures.
Though it is naturally made to be flame retardant this is something to keep in mind when looking to use polyester batting.
✅ Cheapest option on the market, easy to get at a moments notice and easy to use. ❌ May not last as long or be as durable as natural fibre battings.
4. Fusible Cotton Batting
It has a little shrinkage but many users do not notice this. However, you can pre-shrink it before use so this would not happen later down the line.
It is thin and not fusible but very easy to use and it will create a soft cushion in your table runner.
Fusible cotton batting is great for those looking to use multiple layers and have some confidence in the layers not moving around while sewing together.
The fusible batting is better suited to those looking to quilt their table runners or even add decorations such as appliqué.
✅ Perfect for quilted and decorative table runners. ❌ Not suitable for those wanting a higher loft or want to avoid shrinkage.
5. Ultra-Thin Batting
Ultra thin batting is a low loft batting which may be more suitable to table runners that don’t require a lot of loft or that re not going to be quilted.
It is made of polyester, which sets it apart from most battings that are made from cotton, wool or cotton blends.
It is not fusible which might be a slight disadvantage over some of the others mentioned here but if you prefer to work with non-fusible batting, this is a great choice.
✅ Soft, comfortable to touch and a natural fibre. ❌ More expensive than alternatives on the list.
6. Wool Batting
Wool batting is made by bonding wool fibres together, by heating up and interlocking the fibres to great a length of wool. Once cooled the layers are stuck together making them strong and have very little shrinking properties.
Wool batting is predominately used for quilting as it is soft, easy to use and a natural material. Though it can easily be used on a number of other projects around the home, one of which is placemats.
The feel and loft of wool batting has a medium to high loft similar to cotton and polyester batting.
✅ Cheaper and easier to use for table runners. ❌ Doesn’t have a high loft, not always suitable for quilting table runners.
