there is no right or wrong side to a batik, use which ever side you like best. and as far as that goes...you pay for both sides of your fabric, there is no reason to not use both sides batik or not...this was pointed out to me by a 20 year old guy who was making the cutest kangaroo block i ever saw...and i pointed out...oops, you turned one of the fabrics over, the wrong side is up...he said..."i pay for both sides of the fabric, so i use both sides; and i liked it better that way!"...and he was right, the fabric blended well as he used it, had it been turned over to the 'right-side' it would have been glaring and not worked at all. I have noticed the people who make 'water-color' quilts turn the fabrics over alot to help witht he blending. so don't limit your self...look at both sides of your fabric; once in a while the back side will be exactly what you need :)