I've done it both ways but as GingerK said if you use flannel be sure to pre-shrink it, maybe a couple of go-rounds because it does shrink a LOT! Batting is fine and it doesn't matter if you quilt it a lot or a little, I've never had anything topple that I've set on them (even a vase of flowers) and I use W&N for batting. Just do what you want and have fun!