I have the same problem. I have used some fabric backing that was stiff when I bought it. I did use it on a couple of quilts as the backing. I thought it was just sizing, but the fabric has never softened. As long as I use the quilt with other fabric under it, like on a bed, it doesn't bother me, but I don't like it next to my skin. I am thinking about adding a softer fabric as a second backing, using minimal stitching to keep it on the quilt. I thought I would just turn the edges under close to the original quilt binding and hand sew it. Minky is so stretchy, but I may try it