I'm working on some blocks that some of the applique is
batik. I've been using the fusible webbing on other fabrics today but it will not work on the batik. Anybody have any
thoughts on that?

sorry, can't help you I've not tried it yet! Could they have a residue of wax on them?

I do believe it has wax residue left. You need to wash all the batiks before anything will stick to them.....the residues won't allow it.

I"m washing it now with no softners or anything. I hope this does the trick. I hated paying the $10.99 a yard at Jo Anns for this but it was the perfect color. I'll be quite upset if it doesn't turn out.

That was my thought too. Did you pre-wash the batik? They use wax resist in the dying process so that might be resistant to the fusible glue.

In my experience it has been a good idea to pre-wash all batiks and hand-dyed fabric as frequently they have excess dye that could bleed later.

I would toss a cup of white vinegar in with batiks as well, just to be sure... I just did some applique using batiks on a wall-hanging, needle turn with freezer paper and it stuck fine, so I don't think you'll have a problem once it's washed. It's posted on here 'A Hearty Splash of Colour'. :-D

did you pree wash the fab first

add a littl detergent

Thanks for helping. I got it washed and its helping but still not working real good. Must just be the way that is. :shock:
Next time I will try the vinegar. I just don't remember having a problem with it before. Must just be a different kind that I've used. Thanks again :-D

Have you tried a glue stick ~ one that washes out? Many people use them for applique. Or a small amount of Elmer's glue around the edges.

I haven't had any trouble appliqueing batiks, but I always prewash with no softner. Maybe it's the particular brand of fusible that's the issue. Have you tried any others? I usually use Light Steam-a-Seam 2 or Ultra Bond Light.

Maybe, the dyers used a slightly different technique, i wouldn't start doubting yourself. Some of these fabrics are made in quite primitive conditions.

I had no idea batiks wouldn't take to fusible webbing.

nailed it!

I have experinced this problem before and found that a much cooler iron seems to work to put the fusable on to the batiks, too hot and it just does not work, also when possible use small pieces here and there instead of covering the whole piece of fabric seems to help to.
good luck

Dglvr...I am so sorry to hear about the difficulty you are having. I have never had that type of problem with batiks and I use fusibles with them frequently, without even prewashing the fabric. I don't know what brands Joann would carry. I use Island Batik, and Hoffman primarily. I did have a problem with one brand of fusible? What brand of fusible are you using, could that be it? I use Lite Steam a Seam with good results.

Have you tried pressing longer or hotter?