beatys9

I recently aquired a batch of batik fabrics from someone cleaning out a stash. I've only used a few batiks once in a bargello where everything was blue - green, so have little experience working with them. I want to use a couple of them in charity baby blankets I'm making which will be largely white so I am nervous about color bleed. Given that I have no info about the origin of these fabrics (home dyed, store bought?) what should I do to ensure that the colors are set before I cut & use them? Is just a pre-wash enough with batiks? Thanks everyone! Shannon

PaperPrincess

I would pre wash with like colors. You can also just immerse them individually in a basin of very warm water and see if any bleed. If you really want to make sure you can treat them with Retayne.

ckcowl

pre-wash- and toss in a color catcher- or a piece of white fabric- if it comes out with color- rewash- until no more bleeding-
you can use retayne- follow the instructions on the bottle -to help set the dye if you have a bleeder.
you can use synthrapol to keep any fugitive dyes from getting on other fabrics---it keeps the dye in the water instead of on other fabrics- again you must follow the instructions-
but the easiest way is to wash them until they do not bleed-you need to at least test them for color-fastness- but most charities require the quilts to be washed before sending them - always check with your chosen charity before sending in any quilts to make sure they will be accepted- and their requirements.

Silver Needle

I followed the method above. Washed like colors with 1/2 a color catcher ( in a mesh bag ) thrown in to test for color fastness and used Retayne as listed on bottle in straight hot water. I kept rewashing with Retayne and a fresh color catcher each time until the color catcher came out white or nearly white. Some groups took 3-4 washings. I did not dry in between. Hope you enjoy them.

sahm4605

I wonder if we could use retayne on my hair when I color it? As for batiks just get them wet in the sink and the ones that bleed set aside and use the retayne on them. That is what I do and it works really well for me. And when you wash the quilt use a color catcher or two. Just to be safe.

Tartan

Is it yardage or precuts? Precuts are best washed in a mesh bag or something similar to prevent fraying. Retayne sets the dye but needs hot wash water. Definately pre-wash to see if you have any bleeders and separate into lights and darks for different loads too. I quick pre-test is to rub a damp white paper towel or cloth on the fabric and see if there is any colour transfer onto the towel/cloth.

maryb119

I would wash them individually with Retayne to stop any color runs that my happen. I love batics and use them oftem but I do prewash everything!

NJ Quilter

Maybe I'm the dummy, but. I've always treated batiks the same way as all other fabrics. Pre-wash with like colors and dry. Fortunately have never had an issue. Then again, it's always been yardage and LQS quality fabrics. But I'd definitely pre wash, even pre-cuts with those since you have no clue as to origin.

willferg

Maybe it depends on where the batiks come from. I've used some like it was any other fabric and had no problems. But recently I was given a gorgeous set of coordinating blues in 6" squares (two of each), origin unknown. I decided to soak them, and a few bled and one twinset in particular oozed color, even after a couple of soakings. I was glad I decided to check them for color fastness.

I just had a hunch about those, but like I said, I've used others without washing with no problems. Guess I'm not much help!

Farm Quilter

For some batik fat quarters I got at my LQS, I washed them by hand in the kitchen sink. One particular piece was washed/rinsed 21 times before it left the water clear. I was certainly glad I chose (1) to pre-wash (2) wash it in the sink where I could see the dye coming off the fabric. It was good batik, just way too much dye! I always pre-wash my material just to get the chemicals from the warehouse out of the fabric as it bothers my asthma.