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Quote:

Originally Posted by Lori S

I doubt I would use batiks for a baby quilt without washing the fabrics first. Aside from the issue of bleeding, these are fabrics that are not "manufactured" in a traditional manner, and may still have a good deal of chemical residue . I have noticed on many occasion when I am steam pressing a noticable distictive odor in the fabric.
So best, if you a making a baby quilt, to play it safe on all issues and prewash the fabric.
Oh one more note... They do tend to fade quicker than most fabrics.

Thank you Lori for that information. I had not thought about the chemical residue in them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DogHouseMom

I adore batiks. 1/2 of my stash is batiks. However, I am a confirmed pre-washer of all fabrics for many reasons only one of which is bleeding.

So why not pre-wash if your afraid of bleeding?

I pre-wash reds and purples twice. With a dye catcher.

I'll admit that I don't usually pre-wash...but I DO pre-wash reds and purples. I wouldn't mind pre-washing batiks as long that that kept them from bleeding later on.

I've made many batik quilts, never had a problem with them running. Just make sure you have a fresh needle in your machine. I find them very dense. Love them though.

I love batiks too! However, After seeing a green and purple batik BLEED onto a friends quilt, I Launder every batik I bring into my house. I have had some turn the water a very brilliant color, and some that I thought would bleed did not. They are exquisite in quilts and very easy to work with. But I do not chance them running any more. Wash in hot, and dry on gentile warm setting. Iron with a spray sizing and they are as good as new.

Happy Quilting,
Susan

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdufur

Quote:

Originally Posted by isewhappy

A batik quilt that I made. Fabric NOT washed prior to quilting. Washed a dozen or so times after quilting. No running.

Oh my gosh, I absolutely LOVE your quilt!! Those are my colors!

Me Too what a beauty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Angellight

Thank you Susan. I would not have thought to wash them in hot water.

REAL batiks usually do not bleed..the batik process involves many rinsing cycles....however, the more popular they became, the more KNOCK offs started hitting the shelves...

Stick with Names you can research, Hoffman, Princess Mirah, and Bali batiks are good ones...

and when in doubt, give it the Tissue test or go ahead and wash it with a dye catcher!

Here is a little twister quilt done out of scraps from batiks, had no issues with running dyes at all. I'm not saying that it can't happen but that is where color catchers earn their weight in gold.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaciqltznok

Well ....I have had Hoffman, Princess Mirah, and Bali Batiks, Kaufman , Moda batiks... (I have used just about every manufacture) out there... that did bleed , there really is NO guarantee a batik will not bleed. I have never purchased a batik other than from a LQS or reputable on-line source .
The rinse you speak of .... is not as complete as we need it to be and as consistant in entire line.
There has been a huge issue made of the volume of "less than green" process used to make these fabrics. The waste water contaminents has been the major focus by the goverment . The manufactures are under pressure to reduce the volumes of contaminients (contained in the rinse water) they are putting in the ground and water ways. This coupled with the ever growing demand has resulted in reduced water being used and shorter rinsing times.

I love batiks and have used a lot of them especially Princess Mirah and Hoffman and have never had a batik bleed.