I used fleece and no batting. Flannel and fleece should make a nice warm quilt. Like others before me have said spray or glue basting will help with the stretching. Using your walking foot and a longer stitch length is also what I did. But I must say I like the idea of tying it. Another suggestion would be primitive hand sewing it with embroidery thread. A nice running stitch. You'll be surprised at how fast that goes. Also I know I'm cheap but I bought my fleece from the dollar store. It worked! Wish I had a picture but to many times I pass my quilts on without a photograph