Very good point in general terms, in this one Cash's Mom says it was thin and most likely a summer quilt.

Back in the day I did many baby quilts via the birthed method, I was able to tie them nicely, wasn't machine quilting yet. Once we get to the quilting part and a larger size, I'd probably agree with the issues about pleats and such, which could/would distort the whole top. As I say, fabric can be treacherous and some of it wants to slip and slide and cause us dismay.