I agree about the flannel. If the new flannel is very soft and thin, avoid it like the plague! However, if you can find heavier flannel, grab it!

When I make things for dogs (think scratching and dragging), I use 1/2" seams and make my stitches a bit smaller. I also make sure the fabric is sturdier cotton (not stiff, just heavier). My point is, if it can stand up to dogs "digging" at it, it can stand up to just about anything.

i don't quite get the 'avoid flannel' statement---i have 5 neices & 3 granddaughters (and a few of their friends) who all have 'drag around- picnic-sleep over- build forts- never leave home without them' quilts---every single one of them have a flannel side- a couple have flannel as parts of the tops too. they love their quilts- they live with their quilts- in over 10 years i've only had to repair one...it tore on a nail-
i double stitch some seams- if i think they are in an area that will take alot of pulling/pressure/abuse. other than that- i use good quality fabrics- nice, heavy double sided flannels, good strong thread, machine pieced, machine quilted- poly batts that hold up well through lots of abuse & lots of laundering. I've never (restricted) their laundering habits...i know at least a couple of them are going to the laundrymat & tossed in with everything else- in big triple loaders...the quilts take it just fine. they get washed with a regular cycle- they get tossed into the dryer- then they go make a new fort- or have a picnic- or go camping...a couple of the girls wait at the dryer for their quilt to come out (one i know of) has to have it (sneaked into the laundry) when she is un-aware---like when at school...I've always told them- use them- if they wear out i will make them a new one. :D

On my first quilt, I used flannel...I was so afraid that the pieces would come apart, after I stitched in the ditch, I didn't think it was enough and did a decorative machine stitch on top of it. That quilt is not going to come apart!