I love batiks, especially for paper piecing, because of the tight weave. I have been told not to use them for needleturn applique, but have not had a problem with a new small needle. I have found that they tend to wear out machine needles faster than usual and that I really dislike struggling with batik binding or backing. I have also heard that there is "no right side". This is untrue. The differences are less pronounced, but definitely there. There are huge differences in batik qualities. I recently got some batik from India which was very low in quality and a much looser weave than ordinary quilters' cottons. I really love the depth of color I get with many batiks.
Batiks are also excellent for 'petting'.
Most batiks are made with very tightly woven fabric, as it works well for the batik process. Like Daiwabo, the tightness was there before the dye.
Last edited by QM; 07-12-2012 at 11:08 PM.