i tried the batting in the middle and it was amess to work with so now i just use a matching color flannel in the middle ( a thinner grade) and cut all three layers when doing the snipping , using the falnnel i dont have to make sure it is caught in the seam just right this way if i use a light weight flannel i can cut them all the same size and it is not extra bulk when snipping but is still a warm quilt