I love crazy quilts and have only done one full size crazy quilt. I tied it in the traditional way using yarn. The velvet was no problem. It is disbursed through out the top. No batting and a dark cotton backing. The weight of the top, since mine is foundation pieced was enough weight with just the cotton backing. I would not recommend glue basting on a quilt like this because I would not be washing it right away. it is important to know if all the fabrics you use are machine washable unless your plan is dry cleaning when necessary. I even use lame in my crazy quilt. So it will be dry cleaned when the time comes. the choice is always yours on the backing. No matter the weight of the top should be enough to keep anyone warm enough.