Placements, shrinkage, and batting

[LRM]

My mom wants me to make her some new placements, but is worried because some she made years ago shrunk when she washed them and look terrible. She recalls washing the fabric, but not the cotton batting. That leads me to these questions:

1. Do you pre-wash your fabric for placements?
2. Do you use poly rather than cotton batting?
3. Do you quilt more to avoid shrinking that makes them not lay flat?

I've never made placements, but would like to make some for her that will retain their shape when she washes them -- and she will! If I told her to spot clean she would just laugh.

Thanks for any guidance you can give.

[Racing Nana]

i'm on a placemat making frenzy right now.

I am also one of those people that uses yardage (instead of pre-cuts) and I pre-shrink all my fabric first.

I've have had great success with fusible fleece batting, and once you are done your quilting or SITD the placemat has lots of body and doesn't become a floppy piece of fabric when washed.

[LRM]

i'm on a placemat making frenzy right now.

I am also one of those people that uses yardage (instead of pre-cuts) and I pre-shrink all my fabric first.

I've have had great success with fusible fleece batting, and once you are done your quilting or SITD the placemat has lots of body and doesn't become a floppy piece of fabric when washed.

I hadn't even heard of fusible fleece batting until I watched Jenny's tutorial on making zip bags! Obviously I need to get out more. Thanks for the tip!

[Ginny B]

I also use fusible fleece in my place mats and tablerunners and mug rugs too. I like the way they turn out with that.

[YellowCockatiel]

Thanks Ginny B ~ never thought to use fusible fleece in mug rugs.

[irishrn]

There are also placemat batting available to size in round and rectangle shapes ( I know Nancy's notions have them!)
I've never used them but my GF swears by them! Never had a problem!

[Simply Quilting]

https://www.missouriquiltco.com/shop...in-oval-4-pack These are premade for placemats 100% Polyester, needlepunch craf tex plus, double sided fusible heavyweight.

[Meghan Plamondon]

Pre wash for sure!

[katier825]

I was just watching some videos on Soft & Stable and she used it on placemats. They give a nice finish. I just ordered some to use in a tote. Looking forward to seeing how it comes out.

https://www.byannie.com/soft_and_stable_videos/

[TamiLee]

I totally agree with "Katier" - Soft & Stable is fabulous! They wash up beautifully, and keep their shape time after time. That's all I would use!!