I use flannel more often than any thing else for quilt backings, I treat it just like any other cotton fabric- it quilts up beautifully- and does not stretch any more than any other cotton fabric once it's been pre-washed so the weave is tightened up some. I do not generally starch my flannel unless I am cutting it into squares/shapes and find it to be difficult (but generally a new blade takes care of that)