Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums > Main
Is there anything I need to know when it comes to working with batiks? >

Is there anything I need to know when it comes to working with batiks?

Is there anything I need to know when it comes to working with batiks?

Old 07-10-2012, 09:15 AM
  #1  
Super Member
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Small town in Northeast Oregon close to Washington and Idaho
Posts: 2,795
Default Is there anything I need to know when it comes to working with batiks?

I am now, for the first time, making a quilt using batiks. I cut all the pieces out, but wanted to find out if there is anything I need to know before I start sewing and ironing it. Is it just the same as cotton? It feels different, so I feel I need to be cautious and ask questions.
jcrow is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 09:32 AM
  #2  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 17,680
Default

Batiks are notorious for bleeding, so wash before cutting AND be sure to set the dyes with Retayne.

Oh ... looks like you've already cut!
QuiltE is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 10:43 AM
  #3  
Power Poster
 
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
Default

I've worked with batiks and have done nothing different with them. I don't prewash them, but I do test suspicious fabrics by dropping a piece in a glass of water to see if it bleeds. If you are using a background fabric, it's a good idea to drop that in after awhile to make sure that it doesn't get stained (different fabrics pick up bleeds differently).

Batiks use a slightly different weave than other fabrics. This sometimes creates a problem for long-armers when batik is used for the backing fabric, although that may also be related to the specific machine and batting. You can still mix batik fabrics with other cotton fabrics in a quilt top.

I always do the first washing of a finished quilt in Synthrapol to make sure that any minor bleeds are rinsed away in water. This is true of quilts with and without batiks in them!
Prism99 is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 11:16 AM
  #4  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Illinois
Posts: 9,312
Default

Other than the Bleeding issue, I use a smaller needle for piecing. Batiks are a tighter weave , and a large needle will make a hole rather than slide between the fibers. I use a 70/10 needle or occasionally a 75/10.
Lori S is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 11:26 AM
  #5  
Senior Member
 
cmw0829's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Boston, MA area
Posts: 970
Default

Yes, do prewash. Use a sharp needle (Microtex 70/10 is what was recommended to me).

And then enjoy working with what I believe are the most luxurious and wonderful fabrics ever!!
cmw0829 is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 12:01 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
QuiltingCrazie's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Las Cruces, NM
Posts: 751
Default

I just finished a batik quilt for my oldest daughter. I did blue blocks and sand blocks with blue appliques. I never prewash because I think they cut more precise but that's just me. I washed it the day before yesterday with a color catcher and dried it. The color catcher was blue and I sent her two of them but no bleeding issues on the quilt. Hope that helps, your going to get divided advise. The biggest difference I've noticed between cotton and batiks are that batiks have no give. When piecing you have to be alert and there very little room for error lol I'm not perfect so I don't do star projects with batiks.
QuiltingCrazie is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 12:18 PM
  #7  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Sonoma County, CA
Posts: 4,299
Default

I think the main thing you need to know is that you'll be hooked from now on and will be putting batiks into every project!!!

(Or, maybe that's just me...)
Sewnoma is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 05:01 PM
  #8  
Super Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: S. Texas
Posts: 2,337
Default

It's more difficult to hand stitch on them if you have arthritic fingers or thumbs. I wouldn't want to hand quilt one
mucky is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 05:26 PM
  #9  
Super Member
 
ghostrider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,688
Default

Originally Posted by QuiltingCrazie View Post
The biggest difference I've noticed between cotton and batiks are that batiks have no give. When piecing you have to be alert and there very little room for error lol I'm not perfect so I don't do star projects with batiks.
This is not true at all. Because they have a tighter weave (higher thread count), they may have very slightly less stretch than regular cottons, but it's certainly not missing by a long shot. I use batiks extensively, adapting my needle, tension, thread and stitch length for the tighter weave and thnner weight, but otherwise treat them just like any other cotton.

Batiks do not ravel, so there is more leeway in seam allowance width. They press sharply with no starch or other aids. If you unstitch, the needle holes are apt to remain visible, but they will close up with washing/spritzing. Since they are new to you, try a sample block before you go into full gear on your project. Work out the tension and stitch length issues, how it handles, etc, all on that one block instead of on many.
ghostrider is offline  
Old 07-10-2012, 07:12 PM
  #10  
Senior Member
 
pinecone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: New England
Posts: 821
Default

Originally Posted by jcrow View Post
I am now, for the first time, making a quilt using batiks. I cut all the pieces out, but wanted to find out if there is anything I need to know before I start sewing and ironing it.
Don't drool on it. ;~) I love the texture/depth batiks give to quilts. They can bleed a bit so I hope you prewashed or rinsed. Enjoy!

piney
pinecone is offline  
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
SewWhatBekah
For Vintage & Antique Machine Enthusiasts
2
10-01-2017 07:44 PM
Shayla
Links and Resources
3
12-26-2013 03:27 PM
luvTooQuilt
Member Swaps and Round/Row Robins
318
04-30-2012 09:27 PM
Favorite Fabrics
Main
74
10-14-2011 06:07 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is On
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


FREE Quilting Newsletter