Karen McTavish used felt in some of her quilts to let the color come through on a white fabric top. I'm sure that those quilts were more for shows than for use. They would not get the same washings as a baby quilt. I would try Sweetpea's suggestion and wash a small piece and see if it tears or shrinks. Good luck, hope it washes well. Would hate to hear you had to undo the stitching if you already quilted it!