quilted tablecloth

[Hannelore N.]

I purchased some fat quarters on a holiday and thought about making a tablecloth with an en-pointe medallion. Any suggestions as to the batting I should use. I was wondering if a flannel sheet might be good. I intend to use Sharon Pederson's reversible/two at a time technique.

[Rita C.]

Hi There Kasman, and welcome to the forum. I have done some of Sharon Pederson's reversible quilts and I found that cotton batting worked really well.

[Rita C.]

Depending on the amount of quilting you are planning to add, I would use a very thin, flat batting. When you set things on it you do not want them to tip over because the batting loft is too high.

[Rita C.]

Thanks to you both for such quick replies. Noreen

[Hannelore N.]

If you go for very thin batting, Hobbs has one that is used a lot for garments. I think it's called Thermador. I have used that for table centres and runners and like the results.

[Margo C.]

From the Hobb's web site:

Thermore® Ultra Thin Batting-
This unique and patented product was developed as a thin, drapable, migration free polyester batt. Thermore® is now considered the premium polyester batting for apparel, miniatures and other projects requiring a thin, non-bearding batting. Thermore® can be quilted up to 6-8” apart and is wonderful to quilt by hand or machine.

[Hannelore N.]

Thank you, Margo!

[Annette R.]

if you decide to use flannel, be sure to wash it first to preshrink it. Most flannels will shrink quite a bit. That is great if you want the old fashioned crincled look but for a tablecloth I do not think that is what you want. I love flannel for backgrounds on many of my wall hangings - especially if they are reversable because I quilt the front to the flannel and then quilt the back to the flannel. After that I fuse the two together and do a little bit of strategic quilting to hold the two together. It is really fun to have someone look at your quilt and try to figure out why the front and the back do not match. It is always a surprise because not very many people do it. Hugs, Ann the traveling quilter who is now back in Minnesota

[Marion D.]

I've been told to pre-shrink the flannel twice, so that is what I always do. I have never compared the results of just one washing, though.

[Marion D.]

Great to get all the suggestions. I think I'll do the flannel sheet thing. Got some old ones that are just waiting to be used. Noreen

[Marion D.]

Great to get all the suggestions. I think I'll do the flannel sheet thing. Got some old ones that are just waiting to be used. Noreen

If old flannel sheets aren't pre-shrunk, I don't know what is..... Have fun.