plainpat

Tell me more.Have never made a quilt top using batiks ?
A Bail Pop gift caused the problem.Just had to get more batiks to go with it,but know there's still not enough for a K size quilt.

Do you mix regular cotton fabrics with them, or prefer all batiks? Will the quilt play nice, when it's washed? Someone said they wrinkle? Can't see ironing a K size quilt :-o Mine will be made with jelly roll strips.Do you press seams to one side or open? Is same stitch length & thread ok?

As you see,I know nothing & appreciate your help.

ckcowl

batiks and regular cottons are mixed all the time!
the only thing to keep in mind with batiks are---they are hand dyed- so there is almost always excess dye- they need to be pre-washed- the strips can be put into a mesh laundry bag so the don't tangle fray too much- or you can do them in a sink- but prewashing is really needed- especially if they are bright/deep colors.
as for wrinkling- all of our cottons wrinkle when the sizing is washed out- not an issue once they are a quilt-only when they are yet to be used fabric...after prewashing- they get ironed- then they are good to go- and batiks are wonderful to work with.

rosemarie34

Pat,
I LOVE using batiks in everyone of my quilts (and I make A LOT of quilts)...first thing you should know is batiks MUST be washed before you sew them (unless it's going to be a wall hanging and won't get washing) because they will bleed, especially the darker colors...batiks will play with cottons very nicely so you shouldn't have a problem...as for wrinkling, it depends on the quality of your fabric...if you feel it's flimsy after you wash it, spray starch and iron it before you sew it...
Rosemarie

quilterella

First, I want to say...what a beautiful quilt. Such a great job with the unique setting for the log cabin.
Secondly...I am very lazy and NEVER prewash anything...yes not even my batiks. So far, I have had nothing bleed, but, the darkest batik I have used is a deep purple or a dark blue(I tend to stay away from reds). I do, however, use colour catchers in my wash cycle. One of these days, I may get nailed and ruin a perfectly good quilt by not prewashing, but, so far, so good.

rosemarie34

Quilterella,
Thanks for the compliment...I posted that photo because that was the first quilt that my colors ran and it was just from spraying water when I was ironing the blocks...I was sick about it and had a lot of ripping out so I learned my "pre-washing" lesson...I also put washing instructions on the back of the quilt so she knows not to wash it in hot water...
By the way, I LOVE the quilt in your avatar !!

gypsyquilter

batiks are awesome, the colors are so creative and each piece has so much depth. I use mix batiks with screen prints all the time. pre-wash is a personal choice, i don't normally, when I buy from Sewbatik, I do, as they strongly recommend it for their fabric, and I have had them bleed (in the wash tub, thank goodness!) most other batiks I buy are mostly hoffman, kaufman and mode. as for wrinkles, i haven't had that problem.

experiment and have fun!

dmyers

I've seen Batik mixed with cottons in the same quilt and it looked gorgeous. C just sent me her purple quilt and she had them both mixed in it. I think it would wash evenly. Can't wait to see your king quilt!

sewgull

Thanks for heads up on batiks. I am starting one today. Not sure of the excat size yet. Depending on the amount of fabric I have. I am thinking queen size at least.

ssnare

Beautiful quilt.

Zhillslady

My avatar and the 2 attached are batiks. The avatar is plain black and batiks mixed. The batiks have washed exactly the same as the others. In fact the one with the car is washed bi-weekly and is over 2 years old. Still looks great. Batiks offer some amazing colors.