as in ALL things, when it comes to "batiks", the term is used rather loosely these days. Not all batik fabrics are created equal. Most are not even "true" batiks. They are also not made with dyes, but with PAINT! So if you have a heavily colored one, with a print in it, and it is hard to sew through, it most likely is painted and not dyed! The cheaper box store batiks are worse. BUT so is Timeless Treasures!