I love batiks and have a hard time staying away from them. I wash all my fabrics unless the pattern specifically states not to. I use Retayne or good old fashioned vinegar and warm water on all fabrics except the pastels. I let them soak in the vinegar either in the washer or the sink and then wash them in the washer with a little soap. I keep an eye on the rinse water to see if the fabric is bleeding. If it is I just repeat the process. I love working with batiks - they don't fray much and I've not had a problem machine quilting it and I've used it front and back of quilts with no problem. No, I do not work for Hoffman of any other mfgr. of batiks - LOL.