batiks are normally a tighter weave cotton than what we usually use in our quilting, but that is not a bad thing!
to 'create' batiks the fabric is (waxed) then dyed, sometimes multiple times with re-waxing, re-dying...then boiled to remove the wax. sometimes the dyes run in batiks..it is always best to pre-wash - test for color fastness- before using in a quilt that will be laundered later.
there are TONS of bed size-usable quilts made with batiks...check out the book..."Batiks and beyond" ...if you do a simple 'batik quilt books' search you will find LOTS.
some people like using them, some do not. i have found i sometimes have problems if trying to use fusables with them (i blame the wax) and i've had some that ran and ran (a purple) but i love them so continue to experiment and try them when ever i can.