Even though I've used batiks for a while, now, and have noticed some of the attributes pointed out here, I had never realized that they were due to the batiking process. I've learned quite a bit here, and will be sure to put in a new (smaller) needle the next time I start a quilt with batiks.

I use batiks alot. I have never prewashed them, but I do use a color catcher when I wash them the first time. Like others said, use a sharp microtex needle 70/10 - larger needles leave big holes. Also, try to use a different fabric for the back - it can be difficult to quilt with batik on top and bottom. Other than that, nothing different than normal 100% cotton fabric. I have made dozens of bags from batiks and numerous quilts. Love batiks!

I'm making one now and not having any problems sewing it. I sure am loving the way it's coming out!

I would hesitate to use dark or red Batiks without washing them first. Those are the ones I've had trouble with bleeding. If your completed project will get washed, I think you should prewash your fabric or at least soak it in the sink, to see if any bleeding happens. If it does you can treat it w/ Retayne. Using some Color Catchers later wouldn't hurt as well.

OK, now I'm really worried. I'm a newbie, and just today did the first piecing on a lap quilt done in Bali Pops Watermelon. This is to be a special gift to my Granddaughter for her 8th birthday. I've sewn 93 strips of the Pops to 186 pieces of 1895 'gardenia', an extremely pale yellow. Should I stop now and wash, or what? I can't give her a quilt that might bleed. Help!! Please!!

I learned a lot from this thread. Did not know about Color Catchers, or Retayne or Synthrapol. I do pre-wash and have found a few fabrics that bleed. One I had to wash 3 times to feel comfortable with it. Actually, it was a small piece of fabric for a pillow case, and I just soaked it in the sink. Because I hand quilt, I would probably commit hari-kari (not sure if I spelled that right) if a worked on a quilt for a year and then the fabrics bled and ruined it.
Thanks everybody for all the great information.

Batiks are wonderful to work with! I don't prewash, but I do wash the quilt once it is done - usually in cold water with vinegar in the final rinse to set the colours. Otherwise, colour catchers will also give you peace of mind.

My only real advice? Don't stress about them. Enjoy the way they feel and play together.

i agree with wash the fabric first maybe wash it 2 times , and use a smaller needle that you do for cotton

Thanks for all the comments...

I didnt prewash, but I did the pretest just in case. I found that batiks, while petty, and fun to sew with... Theyre annoyingly stinky!! Anyone else notice that?? I get them from the LQS so they are quality...

I don't think I'd stop at this point but put in some synthrapol in the wash and several color catchers. If you notice that it bled don't dry it just continue to wash with synthrapol until the bled colors disappear. I did not pre wash some very dark batiks..purples etc and it never bled.

I love batiks, especially for paper piecing, because of the tight weave. I have been told not to use them for needleturn applique, but have not had a problem with a new small needle. I have found that they tend to wear out machine needles faster than usual and that I really dislike struggling with batik binding or backing. I have also heard that there is "no right side". This is untrue. The differences are less pronounced, but definitely there. There are huge differences in batik qualities. I recently got some batik from India which was very low in quality and a much looser weave than ordinary quilters' cottons. I really love the depth of color I get with many batiks.

Batiks are also excellent for 'petting'.
Most batiks are made with very tightly woven fabric, as it works well for the batik process. Like Daiwabo, the tightness was there before the dye.

Yes I do notice the "smell" and its not all batiks and some are worse than others. Prewashing does help, but I have had a few where one wash was not enough.

All I would do is be sure to wash the finished quilt in Synthrapol and hot water, in a washing machine that uses a lot of water (top loader at home or large front loader at laundromat). Synthrapol will suspend any unset dye particles in the water so they get rinsed away instead of creating bleeds into other fabrics. You should be fine.

If you want a little more reassurance, take scraps of all the fabrics and stick them in a glass of water; see if anything bleeds.

I use a Microtex 70/10 needle when I'm sewing batiks. Because batiks are made with cotton sheeting which has a higher thread count than regular quilt fabrics. It's very difficult to hand quilt batiks too.

I sew a lot with batiks and so do the gals in my friendship group. None of us prewash, but we do use a Color Catcher in the washer when we wash them the first time or two. So, I always wash them before I give them away to ensure a Color Catcher is used. I just made a quilt with lots of dark batiks and white batik for the sashing. No bleeding at all when washed with the Color Catcher. I don't know if it would have bled without the Color Catcher, but I sure don't want to take any chances after all the work that goes into a quilt. Don't worry. I always keep Color Catchers in the laundry room. They really do their job!!!

I did a log cabin pattern quilt from batiks and it turned out beautiful. There is a different feel to batiks but otherwise no real differences to work with it. I washed mine with a Color Catcher and had no problem with bleeding. Enjoy the process. I think you will love batiks.

I use a lot of Batiks - love them. I don't pre-wash, but I do wash with Retayne when the quilt is completed. I haven't had any problems.