Hi, Annie. Here are my thoughts. I would try just airing the tops out, maybe hanging them out in the sun on a breezy day. There are aerosol deodorant sprays that you might try too. I would say that washing them should be a last resort. Washing a quilt top will usually cause the raw edges to fray badly, and the quilt top may get misshapen or just pull apart at the seams. You'd hate to ruin something your granny made. That being said, if the fabric is truly a double-knit, it may not fray too much. You could try just soaking the top in some mild soap and some Febreeze or other deodorizer, rinsing it gently and then rolling it in towels to get most of the water out and laying it out flat to dry.

I see no reason why you can't use flannel backing. Just wash it first in hot water and dry it in the dryer on high. Flannel shrinks a lot, and polyester doesn't. You don't want your backing to shrink disproportionately to the quilt top. I think you could use any binding fabric you'd like. You may as well stick with polyester. As for the batting, I think a light weight cotton would give you a softer drape. The poly battings I've used for table runners were pretty stiff. I'm sure some of the other, more experienced forum members can give you more help on batting choices.

Good luck with your projects. Post photos if you can. Lois

Thanks, Lois! I didn't think about using some Febreeze spray. That might be good enough.

I would air them and perhaps put them in a bag with some charcoal for a while. If they are truly double knits, the seams will wear through a backing if you don't use a good batting. I have several quilts my grandmother made with double knit and they have done nicely.

Thanks, grammyp! What would you recommend for a "good batting?" I'm not a quilter, so I am very unfamiliar with the choices. Thanks!

My grandmother used a thick polyester and so far it has held up (bout 15 years). I use Warm and Natural, but it will be heavier.

I use Warm and Natural too, but I also like the way Hobb's 80/20 drapes. It's a cotton/poly blend.

Thanks!