Mamawcj

I have found two differences in batiks. One is the quality material used. The other is that on some batiks you cannot tell the right side from the wrong side. On other batiks there is no question about which side is which.

Favorite Fabrics

"Tonga Batiks" is the name that Timeless Treasures has given to their line of batiks.

Prism99

It's only an occasional batik that bleeds badly, and that happens with non-batik fabrics too. I test suspicious fabrics by dropping a small piece in a glass of water and leaving it for a few hours, then rub the damp fabric against white fabric to see if any dye transfers. If a fabric doesn't pass these tests, then I wash in Retayne and test again. A rare fabric might need two Retayne treatments. Anything that bleeds after two Retayne treatments shouldn't be used in a quilt. After the quilt is finished, I always make the first wash one in Synthrapol in *lots* of water (not a domestic front-loader).

crafty pat

Yes there is a difference in the weight and dying of batiks. The tonga is a line from Timeless Treasures a very good line also Robert Kaufman and Hoffman have some of the best. Connecting Threads make there own line a little lighter weight but beautiful to work with. I also mix mine and have always had good luck with them.