I am sitting here right now replying to this thread using a flannel lap quilt and it is the softest quilt. The top is made from flannel backs of hubby's work shirts - he's a retired farmer so the shirts very used. The back is a purchased piece of flannel from a Joann's fabric store. It is about 10 years old - used all the time and is my blankie - I love it. It's a tied quilt, been washed many times and it's like new except softer now. So I guess you just have to look, touch, and feel flannel when buying and hope for the best.