Here in S. Texas I make summer quilts fairly often - no batting. If the top or backing has light colored fabrics and you could see the top through the bottom or v.v. that won't work. Ig makes a very light weight covering, but may not seem substantial enough for a nice gift. The quilting lines also do not show up with no batting - and you don't need very many quilting lines - no batting to hold together. You might consider a layer of flannel instead of batting. Or something like Quilter's Dream Poly batting. The stitching can be up to 12" apart and it has a thin version. Good luck!