I think that the pieces are so small that you won't notice that one is a batik or that another isn't. I have one in progress and am using solids and prints. I prefer to use a small print/solid because it makes the transition to the next shade smoother and less obvious. But others like the way a large print looks. I guess it depends what final look you are trying to achieve. I think batiks would be great, just usually out of my price range. Good luck with your fabric search!

I agree with a lot of the opinions here - the color flow matters the most. One thing you may want to try is putting the fabrics together and then backing up a bit. At about 4 foot away you won't notice so much that it is batik or other - but get a sense of the color flow.

I've mixed fabrics and they look find. Have fun Barb

Mix. As long as the pattern is small enough to look good in narrow strips there's no problem. If you think about a large pattern cut in strips the color changes too much for a bargello.