I have used minky for backing several quilts. I especially like for kids quilts, although adults enjoy that softness, too. I actually treat it the same as any other backing. I am a pin baster, I use lots of pins always. I use Aurifil 50 cotton thread for piecing and quilting on my domestic sewing machine, a Pfaff 4.2. It blends into the minky nicely. Quilters Dream cotton is my preferred batting. Other than the shedding when it is cut, I think you will love it. As soon as you sew it, it won't shed again. Vacuums up quickly
I can't really say if I prewashed the cotton fabrics I used or not. Some I do and some I don't. Flannel is the only thing that I always prewash. I like the combination of flannel for a top with a minky batting.