batiks should ALWAYS be pre-washed - with detergent- then dried & ironed- to remove the chemicals -- also to avoid any dye bleeding- it is common for excess dyes to come out in the first wash- always better for that to happen in a pre-wash than on a completed quilt. I love batiks- use them a lot! they go straight into the washer when they come through the door- it's the only fabric that I always, always pre-wash.