batik fabrics just tend to be dyed with a tighter weave fabric than alot of regular quilting cotton; it is still just cotton...if you are hand stitching you may want to use a skinny sharp needle, it is more difficult to hand stitch because of the tighter weave; machine piecing any sharp or universal needle will work just fine. really the only things to worry about using batiks is fabric bleeding (always pre-wash) and sometimes fusables don't like to work on them, if using fusables try small piece first...something about the wax and the fusable... not always the outcome you want. but sewing...sew away. people seem to think there is some big difference in batiks, but really there is not that much; color runs, tighter weave, and waxy finish; thats it. you can use them in any project with great results. they mix great with pretty much anything you want to use them with. It is just like using a good quality sheet for a backing. a little harder to stitch through (hand stitching) but other than that just fine