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Quote:

Originally Posted by cdufur

I have been looking at the beautiful colors of batiks out there, but I have never used any in a quilt. I have heard that the dye in them will "run" when you wash it. I don't want to put a lot of work into a quilt and then worry about the dye bleeding. I was thinking about using some in a baby quilt, but I know that it will be washed a lot. I am torn between using some of that gorgeous fabric or playing it safe and using my other fabric. I know that you guys are the best ones to ask this question...What are your opinions about batiks? Please let me know because I am dying to use some of them!!

I use batiks alot, both in baby quilts and adult quilts. I do not prewash, only because I'm lazy (LOL) Colour Catchers are the best invention since sliced bread. I wash the quilt after it is finished with 2 or 3 Colour Catchers (depending on the size of quilt) and I give the receiptient 2 or 3 for their first couple of washings. I have never had a problem yet, nor have I heard any complaints from the receiptients.

I think I am the only person that doesn't really care for them! I have to be different I guess.

hoffman batiks do run - i've seen it happen first hand when washing them.

i do not prewash fabric except all batiks. i don't wash them until i decide to use them.

i put them in the washing machine with Retayne to set the dyes so that they will never run again.

Retayne is a great product to set dyes and preserve the intensity of the color.

A lot of good information! Thanks

A lot depends on the type of base fabric used for the batik. I have several that are soft and almost silky feeling even though they are all cotton and I have others that are a much coarser, heavier fabric almost drapery weight.
If you are doing a baby quilt just be sure to choose the really soft ones.
I've not had a problem with bleeding of the dyes or with fading,but it never hurts to prewash.

Thank you everyone for your input!!!