I use Joann's ultra cuddle fabric to back my quilts. They feel so soft and luxurious, everyone loves them.

I do not use batting, just sew the cotton quilt top to the ultra cuddle fabric using SITD.

Sometimes the key to making a soft quilt is not to quilt too close together..Just be sure to use a batting that allows you to quilt farther apart

When I want a soft quilt for a child or for a throw, I like to choose a flannel for the back. But for the softest ones I use fleece (polar fleece) and then do not use batting. I still quilt it on my long arm being careful not to over stretch the fleece. The blankets are then very solft and pliable.

Can't wait to try wool batting, either! And in my opinion, I really think that hand-quilted quilts are absolutely the softest and most cuddly. :)

I wouldrecommend liquid softner over the dryer softener sheets any time. I had a formal dress (washable), but I used dryer softner sheets in the dryer, and they left spots all over my dress. When I washed the dress, the spots came out.
I was able to use the liquid softener in the washer without any adverse effects.

Jeanette Frantz