the crazy quilt blocks can be embellished as you make each block- or you can construct some then embellish- since every seam is covered with fancy stitching or some sort of embellishing you also do more as it is constructed- the batting/no batting is a personal choice- I've always used batting because it gives the stitches on the back of the blocks something to 'sink into' . most crazy quilts are tied- due to all the trims, buttons, fancy stitches used that you do not want to stitch over with quilting stitches. if you have never visited them- check out 'EveningStarDesigns' they have wonderful *eye candy* to check out along with a lot of supplies---inspiration and challenges...