I've used JoAnn's flannel before with great success, but I've also had pilling. The last time that happened, I had intended to use the flannel for backing but used it as batting instead for a lightweight quilt. You could also use the pilling flannel as the inside layer on a rag quilt. (I make my rag quilts with 3 layers of flannel rather than using batting.) Good luck with your raffle, and sorry you had this problem.