The very first quilts I made I used flannel for the backing. (7 - Trip Around the World lapsized quilts) I bought it at my LQS. I made the quilts just like any other quilt with batting between the top and backing fabrics.
Since they were my first quilts, and I was doing a simple quilting design, using my sewing machine, I don't know if it was harder to quilt with the flannel or not, nothing to compare it to. I was struggling with the quilt in the machine, but just thought it was because I didn't know what I was doing, and didn't think about it being the flannel.
At that time, I wasn't paying attention to manufactures, I just picked out something that went with my quilt tops. But I also picked flannel that was soft to the touch, because I wanted these quilts to be used, and snuggled under.
I will probably use flannel for another quilt some day, but I have a hard time finding it to go with the tops I'm making. I usually just use a fabric for my backings that goes with those of my top.
Diane in Colorado Springs