sahm4605

I would just test a small corner of each color and see if when it hits the water it bleeds. if it doesn't or it is very minimal I would go a head and run with it. if there is bleeding. I would just set them all in luke warm water in the sink with retain or synthrope. then let them air dry. this will help keep the shrinkage to a min. this is how i was all my batiks that I think will bleed. and if you are in a cold area, then let them sit outside in the cold air. it will dry them faster. well as long as the humidity is low. hope this helps.

Lori S

With Batiks it is my experience that there is almost no shrinkage. I had one shrink 1/4 inch over 1 yard and I chalked it up to a measure issue with me.
But the chances of a Batik running are VERY HIGH. Pretreat with Retayne, or soak and rinse before use.

Spring

I believe it is a major fabric sin to not prewash. But I started quilting with kits and well you just can't prewash some of those small pieces. Yesterday I washed my first NON-prewashed quilt....I sat on the floor next to the washer the entire time...the buzzer went off I was sick to my stomach as I opened the door, pulled out the quilt....not a problem, it looked perfect!

Glad you asked about Batiks, I want to make a purple and yellow one but I hear horror stories about bleeding. Im mentally storing everyone tips from this thread.

bob1414

I would not prewash.

Joeysnana

I would not prewash. I would use a color catcher and wash it upon completion.

BellaBoo

I have never had a color bleeding problem with Hoffman batiks and I have Connecting Threads batiks and none of them have color bleeding problems so far. I like the colors of the CT batiks much better then the Hoffman.

Lori S

I have had huge Issues with Hoffman batiks and bleeding/running, particulary the 1895 dark colors. Nothing would stop the running until I used Retayne.

BellaBoo

I rarely buy dark batiks so that may be why I haven't had the bleeding problem. I have used the Bali Pops but if any of the strips have bleed after being sewn and washed, they bled on to each other so I haven't noticed.

Bluphrog

I ordered a "jelly roll" of batik strips and asked one of my quilting teachers if I should wash them. I was worried about shrinking and distortion. Here were her directions, if I felt like I had to wash them. (1) Don't wash them in the washing machine (I was thinking about putting them in a lingerie bag), (2) fill your bathtub with the hottest water you can stand, (3) lay your fabrics in the water and let soak for a short time, (4) swish around gently, (5) gently squeeze out the water, (6) flatten the fabric and place on a towel to dry.

Of course, we were talking about 2-1/2" strips, but this would probably work with 1/4 yard pieces as well.