I used some flannel that was mid-priced from the LQS for a quilt for my 10 year old Grandson.....it washed pretty nice before I sewed it, but after about three more washings it looks terrible.....he doesn't complain and I didn't mention it to him, so I guess it's alright, but don't know how to pick good quality from bad without washing it. Guess buying LLBean is a good answer, but plenty expensive.