Sorry I can't think of anything to help. Is the top chenille? Chenille produces a lot of lint but it usually stops after a couple of washes. If it still looks good, you could gift it and just add a little note saying it will produce lint when washed. I've included a note and colour catchers with a new quilt if I am not sure how it will be washed. I always pre-wash a bright coloured quilt to see if there are any problems but other people may wash it differently so I include a care note.