Pam, I've used batiks before and done nothing but wash them in Retayne and very hot water to prevent bleeding and cause as much shrinkage as possible and never had a problem. But this is a very dark color. I thought that might be the issue, but the difference seems excessive. My mistake was to assume that the treatment that has worked before would work this time. (We all know the saying about "assume!") Unfortunately, I completed two blocks, both mariner's compasses and very complicated for my skill level. So now I have to replace all of the fabrics for both of them and resew them:~( If I were you I would take little snips of my batiks and pair them with snips of white fabric. Pin them together and wet them. See if they bleed.