Batik fabric hard to sew through!
05-15-2012, 05:26 AM
#31
Banned
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Enid, OK
Posts: 8,273
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!
05-15-2012, 08:31 AM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: On the plains of the Dakota's
Posts: 776
I just went through this myself, but as someone else suggested, and I always do anyway, is I prewashed 2x's (I wash 2x's for batiks because of the dye in the water and a REAL bad experience with a quilt after washing it after washing batik once.) and I went to use a Size 14 needle and had loads of problems. So I called my mom and she said to try a size 11 needle, problems are gone.
Now, I wonder if this depends on the quality of batik fabrics? Because, I've been working on a Judy Neimeyer Wedding ring quilt and most of you know that is with paper piecing and I've used a size 14 needle with no problems with the batiks I was using hmmmmmm......
Now, I wonder if this depends on the quality of batik fabrics? Because, I've been working on a Judy Neimeyer Wedding ring quilt and most of you know that is with paper piecing and I've used a size 14 needle with no problems with the batiks I was using hmmmmmm......
05-15-2012, 08:46 AM
#36
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Ulladulla, Australia
Posts: 592
I have just finished a quilt using Batik and used a 60/8 Universal needles and didn't have any problem. Maybe you can try it. Wishing you all the best 
I found the items on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/160778457600...#ht_500wt_1054
I found the items on ebay.http://www.ebay.com/itm/160778457600...#ht_500wt_1054
Originally Posted by nativetexan
goodness, i've never had so much trouble sewing through Batik fabrics. when i have two of them together, they tend to dull my needle quickly or get pushed down into the feed dogs. i have some more that has fern print on them and when i add one of the fern with the other, it goes through easier.
I changed to a Sharp needle but now having more problems.
how in the world will i be able to quilt this thing?? anyone has this much trouble?
most of the fat qtrs were splotchy print and then some fern print that was not as wide either.
I have three more rows to piece, then to put the rows together. But not tonight?
all lovely Fall colors too.
maybe i should let a Long arm quilter do this one, he, he.
I changed to a Sharp needle but now having more problems.
how in the world will i be able to quilt this thing?? anyone has this much trouble?
most of the fat qtrs were splotchy print and then some fern print that was not as wide either.
I have three more rows to piece, then to put the rows together. But not tonight?
all lovely Fall colors too.
maybe i should let a Long arm quilter do this one, he, he.
Last edited by capucine; 05-15-2012 at 08:49 AM.
05-15-2012, 10:57 AM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,383
I've not had problems, but I have a friend who really struggled with quilting a batik top on her longarm. She researched the internet and found 3 suggestions that seemed to help most people: Spritz it with water, fabric softener, or silicone spray. She started with water, and that didn't help much. Then she went to the liquid fabric softener, and that helped a bit, but she was still getting skipped stitches. Then she spritzed with some silicone spray and that did the trick. She wasn't sure if it was just the silicone or a combo of the fabric softener and silicone that worked, but by that time she didn't care and was just happy to get it done!
05-15-2012, 11:06 AM
#39
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Sunny AZ
Posts: 570
I LOVE working with batiks...no problems at all. I do not prewash, I sew on a Bernina 730, use my walking foot, a sharp needle and Bottom Line or So Fine thread (top and bobbin). I like the stiffness and the quality of batiks. Make sure you have new needles and a clean, oiled machine. Good luck!
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