Hi Cybrarian,
I've done a few chenille items -- one denim and flannel rug, one flannel baby quilt and several pot holders. I don't think the minky would work for the back because it would be stretchy. I think it needs to be more stable to hold the shape.
Here's a close up of my denim and flannel rug. As you can see, the top layer doesn't really show. It has 3 layers of denim, separated by 3 layers of flannel.
Is your panel made of regular cotton or flannel?