I purchased flannel from Joann's a couple of times to use as backing. When I pre-washed it had pills balled up all over and looked awful. Since I was gifting the quilt I couldn't use it. I bite the bullet and only buy quilter's flannel from FlannelWorld.com or Missouri Star Quilt Company now. If I go to all the trouble to make a quilt I am not willing to ruin it with cheap flannel.