I've only used warm & natural (or white) batting with pre-washed fabrics. I get plenty of crinkles, I think! I wash my quilts in the machine on a regular cycle and dry in the dryer. Not sure that quilting distance makes that much difference but other, more experienced quilters will guide you on that. I've done both lots and minimal quilting and don't seem to notice much difference in the crinkle. I think it's really the dryer that helps with that look.