I have made 2 stained glass quilts with batiks, and a couple runners...all prewashed and no problem....most of the fabric was bought at Joann's, but several years ago...

Yes, and I would add that batiks can be more expensive than other fabrics. I love them.

My LQS told me the manufacturers are trying to make them softer. My experience is that they are harder to hand quilt and applique. They are so gorgeous I buy them anyway.

if you order on line try www.sewbatik.com.
Their batiks are really good and color and pattern is consistent.

Made a quilt, wall hanging, etc and just love working with the fabric and the lovely colors. Lori, thanks for your information and tips on batiks.

Someone mentioned a problem with batiks wrinkling, but the ones I have seem to less prone to wrinkle than some of my other cottons. I'm guessing not all batiks are created equal any more than all other fabrics...
The ones I got from Roberta (bob1414) here on the board are a dream to work with and utterly yummy to look at! I just ordered some more from her.

I have no complaints, and I no issues with quilting them on my frame, have quilted queen size with no thread breaking. Even with Batik's on front and back.
Enjoy using them and don't worry about problems you may not encounter.

I love batiks. I prewash them in Retayne so the color won't run and use them like any other fabric. I mix them sometimes with other prints. If I like the fabrics together, then I will be happy with the end result.

All pros here! I love batiks! I made a quilt for my bed with batiks, but I did put a lightweight cotton backing on back. Batiks are very heavy and it's the warmest quilt I have ever made. Not very good in the hot Louisiana summers though.

I used fusibles on 2 all-batik quilts and had no problem. (Flower quilt from Smith Street designs where the flower was fused onto the batik and then machine embroidered.) Maybe your iron was too hot, and maybe you could try using one of the pressing cloths.