I use Synthropol when washing fabrics and my quilts when finished. I used Synthropol when washing my kids jeans too. I use a color catcher in every load of laundry, even my all whites.

I read on another post about HE washing machines, that you should pin the Shount sheet to a larger piece of fabric to prevent it from being sucked in the the drain hose.

I have used both color catchers and Synthropol.

Love the colorcatchers - I use them only for quilting as normal wash I separate colors and 'blend' a little over time hehehe.

I love to use batiks as they are so nicely woven that they won't fray and hold their place when ironed, so light and soft they seem to float on the finished quilt, and a lot of times different colors 'do no harm' when placed adjacent as they are so blended to start with, unlike typical white-background cotton prints.

I prewash all fabrics- not just batiks. I purchased a batik quilt top and had it quilted, then gifted. Was advised to wash it with Retayne and color catchers. It hasn't been washed yet though. I use2-3 color catchers when washing new fabrics, and rewash if any color shows Before drying. Will be watching this thread!
I haven't had any trouble with name brand batiks being too stiff or scratchy esp after a few washes, but I haven't used them for pillowcases.

I use them on batik yardage after I have the whole quilt completed!...I never prewash my fabric and it catches the color well and the fabrics don't bleed on each other. Please note that I use 3 sheets for a large lap quilt and only wash in cold water.

I put the color catchers in the lingerie bags in my HE washer and that does the trick. I also use color catchers anytime I wash fabric or any colored clothing and "almost" always have a tinge of color or totally full of color on the color catchers. Now, I know I have seen others say "use them only once" well, after I put them through a wash cycle, I lay them out on the top of the washer or hang them on a clothes hanger to dry out and then I use them again. They do collect color on the second or even a third use. Just saving money for "more" fabric. My 2 cents.

For Australian quilters, you can buy Colour Catcher in Woolworths and Coles:

http://www2.woolworthsonline.com.au/...ockcode=355358

I've never noticed it in the laundry aisles before and was glad to find it today when I was shopping.

I do not pre wash fabrics so I use lots of color catchers with finished quilts - that's the secret. One isn't enough. I generally use 5-6. I just finished a triple irish chain in batiks and the whites with the shine to them? Not a drop of stain and I will always wash with the color catchers.