Originally Posted by
Tartan
While batiks are great for raw edge appliqué because they don’t fray as much as regular cotton, I wonder how easily they would turn under with needle turn appliqué, I think they would be okay if you kept the design simple. Maybe some one who has done needle turn with batiks can answer.
Some batiks can be stiff (especially if not washed first) and can be a little difficult to needle turn. However most of them turn easily, and the lack of fraying is a big plus. I like doing Hawaiian style applique, though I've never made a big quilt that way with just one large motif. I have made one with blocks, each with a different Hawaiian motif, and I've been thinking of making another. I also like doing the two-fabric applique shown on the Pacific Rim Quilt Company site.