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 love batiks, never had any problem with dye running.

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

I have only had a red batik bleed. Not others. Batiks sew up so nicely too!

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 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.

I use a lot of batiks, never had them run either. I don't think I'd use them for a baby quilt-they're stiffer than other quilting fabrics even after washing. Of course, this is just a VERY humble opinion--I'm sure they would make a beautiful baby quilt.
Just use a Color Catcher when you do wash it.

I've never had batiks run.

I would use batiks in a baby quilt, just makes sure and wash it with a color catcher. I always rinse baby quilts a couple of times to get any and all residues out of them :D:D:D

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

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

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

Me Too what a beauty

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.

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.

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!!!