Originally Posted by Borntohandquilt
To be honest: I don't like to quilt batiks because they are quite hard to needle, especially with top and backing.
I've had more trouble handquilting some colors of Kona cotton solids than batiks.
One thing you can do to make it easier to needle is to lessen the tension in the hoop, and quilt on the bias - the stretch makes it easier to stitch.
I use plain muslin on the back of my quilts because it gives the back a wholecloth effect. Plus, the muslin doesn't add too much bulk.