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-   -   unraveling batiks problem (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/unraveling-batiks-problem-t98313.html)

jeanneb52 02-10-2011 02:30 AM

Back to the shop you go. It sounds defective.

teacherbailey 02-10-2011 03:18 AM


Originally Posted by Marge L.
I have never used batiks and have very recently purchased a great lot of them. After hearing all of this, I am afraid to use it. Hope you solve your problem and hope I don't inherit it. Good luck. Marge

Don't be afraid! I use them very often and have never had any kind of problem with them at all. They are usually easier to work with than the other LQS fabrics since it is a bit stiffer and sturdier, thanks to the wax used in the batik process.

Leezer 02-10-2011 04:28 AM

The batik you are using must be a low grade. Batiks are my favorite fabric, every chance I get I use batik and never have had a problem like that. I'm so sorry. It makes for a frustrating project when your fabric is not good.

Annaquilts 02-10-2011 04:37 AM

It sounds like it is the fabric. I use almost exclusively Hofman batiks and it almost does not ravel at all. That's one of the reasons it is so suited for applique.

CarrieAnne 02-10-2011 04:47 AM

I would return it, too. Most batiks hardly unravel at all. Hope you can find a new piece that will work!

Calzo 02-10-2011 04:55 AM

Cotton batik shouldn't ravel very much at all. The wax used in the batiking process helps hold the cotton fibers in place. It sounds like you might have a rayon batik.

Up4BigChal 02-10-2011 05:10 AM


Originally Posted by Tropical
From one of my LQS, I purchased some dark batik fabrics at $8.95 a yard. I'm making one of myDGS a quilt for graduation and he loves purple. The problem I am having is that the fabric unravels everytime I touch the edge of it and cutting it makes it worse. When sewing it the unraveling threads get caught in the seams. I have been snipping a lot to keep it ravel free. I have used batiks before from WM and JoAnn and have not had this problem to this degree. So is it the nature of batiks to do this or is it just poor quality fabric? I love batiks and would like to use them again. Thanks for your help.

Wow I have Never had batiks unravel. they are so tightly woven it must be very old and not (NoOffense) high quality fabric,

rb. 02-10-2011 05:17 AM

I've had one that has. When it was unraveling, I noticed the threads were very fine. I just tried to handle it as little as possible until it was sewn. No problems with it, and it seems of good quality.

Moon Holiday 02-10-2011 05:29 AM

Oh no, sounds like you're using rayon batik fabric (which can unravel) not cotton batik. I've sewn with rayon batik fabric for years and it definitely unravels but has a very nice drape for clothing! Cotton batik fabric ends up with threads tight together because of the process used to batik the fabric.

applique 02-10-2011 05:34 AM


Originally Posted by deanna.r
Could the batik fabric be rayon instead of cotton? I have seen a few places selling rayon batiks and rayon can really fray. If the store won't do anything about your problem; or, if you love the fabric colours and really want to use it, my advice is starch, starch, starch. Also, if you can, make your seams a little more than 1/4". Possibly, you may have to zig-zag them if you plan to wash the quilt. Lastly, I would quilt the finished project very closely. Hope things work out.

I bet this is the answer and it is not 100% cotton!


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