Here are some things to try:
Bigger needle, smaller needle
Spritz the fabric with water
Use Sewer's Aid on the thread spool
Some batiks are made on goods that are a really tight weave. Your needle is having a hard time going through the fabric, so it's missing the thread pickup. If you look real close, you may find you are breaking threads instead of going between the weave. It's just how some batiks are.
Something else to check: see if your batting is right side up. If you take a pin or needle, poke at the batting. On some types of batting, it goes easier on one side or the other. You want that easier side on the top where the needle goes in.