I'd question the use of flannel unless you are using the cozy only as a "hot pad" for a dish taken from the microwave. My concern would be that the fuzzy might be more flammable?? I don't put my cozies in the microwave though so flannel might work just fine. I'd think an extra layer of flannel would give an extra layer of protection though. Maybe use 2 layers of flannel and a top layer of something that wipes off easily if a bit of a spill. Flannel is so absorbent that even a drop will soak in.