To me, batiks do have a slightly different feel or "hand" to them...batiks seem to be more tightly woven of smoother, thinner threads, so overall batiks feel smoother and 'slicker' to me. I just made my first quilt with batiks and after washing the first time it didn't seem quite as soft to me as other newly washed regular cotton quilts, so I understand your question. But I made mine for a gift so don't have it any more to know how it will change over time. I love the colors though, so will make another. Let us know how yours "ages"!