I like the flat look. But even when you prewash everything, to include the batting, it's gonna get a soft crinkle look after washing any ways... I absolutely HATE the look of those fluffy polyester battings (plus it doesn't handle all that well). Quilter's Dream is to die for but Hobbs is wee bit more affordable.

I love the crinkle look! Makes a quilt look well loved and lived in!

That's true -once a finished item has been washed, it may never look 'just pressed' again! But the additional puckering/crinkling is minimal - and it still gets an 'it's okay to use this quilt' look after it's been washed.

I actually like both. Crazy, huh.

Flat look.

I love the crinkly look. Use it on all my projects.

I also love the crinkle. It just looks better to my eyes, like its really hand done.

I like quilts with a lot of movement, either in design or fabric, so I guess I'd say crinkly, usually. But, quilts that have a floating element on them (not too extreme, but still there) really grab my attention. I like to drape, stuff parts with batting (never can remember what that is called), have raw edges in some, sewn applique in others... I like variety and elements that involve the viewer.

I'm in the "both" column also. Depends on what I plan to do with the quilt.

I agree with JNCT14 - The answer is.....'it depends'...If its a wall hanging or table topper I like the flat look. If its for quilts, I like the crinkly look - I think it gives the quilts more dimension and also that kind of antiquey look.