The Best Batting For Placemats
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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.
After doing plenty of research I came up with a list to choose from that I wanted to share. I wanted to be able to wash the placemats and not have to worry about shrinkage or too much wear.
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 Cotton Batting
Fusible cotton batting is batting which has a glue-like substance on both sides which allows you to fuse the layers together.
These styles are most commonly used for quilting projects to stop the layers of the fabric and batting from moving during the quilting stage.
Fusing the layers together can be from layering together and pressing in place or more commonly used with an iron to bond the glue like side to the non glue side of the fabric.
This is a great advantage as you can have much more ease while sewing your placemats together knowing none of your layers have moved in the meantime.
Another great point to working with fusible cotton batting is that the pre-shrinking stage has already taken place. This along with the fusible element makes this the perfect batting for placemats.
Make sure to always use a little more than you would do to allow this to happen when fusing the layers together.
✅ Layers are stuck together making them easy to work with and sew together. ❌ Comes in a thin layer so you may be restricted on loft within your project.
2. 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.
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.
Though still a great option for placemats it may be better and easier to use one of the alternatives such as fusible cotton batting or polyester batting.
Alternatively look at heat-resistant batting which is advised for projects that will be used on hot or heated areas, items such as oven mitts, ironing board covers and place mats.
✅ Great for using in projects that require lots of layers, quilting or stability. ❌ Harder to buy and not as readily available.
3. Cotton Batting
Cotton batting is also another extremely common batting on the market alongside polyester. Made from a natural fibre cotton batting is good quality, easy to use and safe to use in many different projects.
You can buy cotton batting in a variety of thicknesses to suit any project, though it is known that cotton doesn’t hold as much loft compared to polyester batting.
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.
4. Bamboo Batting
Bamboo batting is gaining popularity especially with quilters due to the natural fibres and softness of the material. Due to the vast growth of bamboo compared to other materials such as cotton, it is more sustainable.
Though bamboo batting is hard to find in a pure format and often is found as a cotton blend. The batting is a great alternative to use for quilts and other homeware projects.
Take caution when using for things such as hot pads, oven mitts and other household items that come in contact with direct flames and heat.
✅ Softer and more comfortable than others on the market. ❌ Expensive and hard to find as well as may melt or burn under extreme heat/open flames.
5. Polyester Batting
Polyester Batting is one of the most common and most used battings on the market, this is due to the availability and cost of the batting. As it is a man made fibre it is cheaper to produce and easier to stock for many who wish to sell it.
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. ❌ Not as comfortable and soft as cotton batting.
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.
✅ Soft, comfortable to touch and a natural fibre. ❌ More expensive than alternatives on the list.