My first quilt was flannel. I used flannel on the back also, and used warm and natural batting. I like the feel of it and since we live in the north west the warmth is really nice! I would base the decision of batting or extra layer of flannel on who you are making it for and do they get cold easily. The binding can also be done out of flannel. My husband laughed at me, I put it on the back of the sofa and petted it every single time I walked past it.