I agree with just about everything Prism has said. Hand quilting flannel is not difficult at all, in my opinion. And honestly, I've never had the blue lines NOT wash out of stamped cross-stitch or embroidery pieces. If you really want to wash the top first before quilting (although I see no need), I would suggest hand-washing with liquid dish soap. Press the excess water out with your hands then roll in a towel. Once you have the bulk of the water out of the top, lay as flat as possible to finish drying. Then press from behind as suggested above. This will also tell you if the embroidery threads are colorfast.