i use fleece backings alot too, the kids in my family LOVE THEM! i do use batting in mine, i just like them that way and they are super warm and fluffy, lots of people do not use batting, lots of people do not use batting in flannel quilts either, i do. its personal choice and how warm you want the quilt to be. and prewash the fabrics for the top because the fleece does not shrink like cotton does.