we love minky backed quilts! it is warm, soft and oh so 'cozy' ! I've used it on it's own without batting and I've used it with batting- either way makes nice quilts- as for a 'savings' ? I don't know about that- around here minky is really, really expensive= so cotton & batting is a more economical way to go- but if you can find it a good price I see no reason not to go for it- my granddaughter's always request minky backed quilts.