I love batiks too and enjoy working with them.

ok question..Can you toss ALL the colored batiks in the wash and add retayne or do you wash by color load only?

Wandering...where the heck did you find the flannel batiks?? Sound wonderful!

I've never pre-washed batiks before! Only the finished item and so far no prob.

I use them constantly (going through my Batiks period, I guess!) and I love them. They are a bit stiffer than others but hey, some people starch their fabrics to make them easier to sew....and batiks have their own built-in starch. I love them so much and truly have no problems with them. I don't prewash either....have never had a problem but know that one day I might.....

This is interesting, as I have read that this is more difficult with batiks because of the close knit weave. I prefer to hand quilt, so do I need to use a particular size needle and rethink my stitch length? I always pre-wash.

I've read several times that longarm quilters may have problems with skipped stitches when quilting batiks. I don't remember whether their solution was to slow down when stitching, use a different type of needle or change the tension.

I love batiks but, Amanda, I loooooove your avatar. Are they all your puppies? So sweet!

I prefer working with batiks. They don't stretch as much and rarely fray.

Where do you all purchase Retayne? I have never seen it before and I think it would be a good idea to have some on hand.

I love working w/batiks as well! I was advised to use a "sharps" machine needle with them because of the tighter weave of the fabric. Enjoy your batiks!!