I would not quilt around the dots. I use it all the time. The dots do disappear when you iron but pop back out with washing. It is really great to use. I have just made a baby quilt and two mini infant carrier blankets (size of a FQ). I have used batting and I have done just the top and mink. Just remember who it is made for and the climate they live in. minky is warm already and then depending the batting you add it could make it a sweltering blanket. It does have stretch so use a basting spray or glue of some type. Just to help keep the stretch from getting crazy.