Here is a link to a quilt I did for my son, it has minky fabric on front and regular cotton on back. I did machine applique for the football details after using 505 basting spray to put the layers together. I had no problems with stretching and the football is 91 inches from tip to tip as my son is 6' 3" tall...At 1st I debated using fleece or flannel in place of the cotton fabric, so glad I didn't as it is plenty warm as it is.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/pictures-f5/football-shaped-blanket-t201620.html
Regards,
K