This is your answer. I watched a Fons & Porter quilt episode just last night & She had a guest on FMQ. I did not know there is a right side & wrong side on battings. If you look at the batting the correct side up is a little fuzzier and the back is smoother so it is like a barrier so not to do exactly what you describe, to keep the cotton from poking thru the back. So if you have quilted a lot on your quilt you can take it out or keep it as is & hope that washing it will draw the fuzz back up some. Probably won't show with the wrinkles from washing! Good luck! .