Jane Quilter

My experience is batiks bleed like crazy, esp the reds. But I would never stop using them...they add a real pop to a quilt!

meanmom

I sew almost exclusively with batiks. I love them. I don't have any more trouble with them bleeding than any other fabric. I never prewash my fabric. I just finished one with some red in it and white background, it came out fine. I throw a couple of color catchers in the first couple of time I wash the quilt.

bemerson

Thank you everyone for your comments! I think I will use Synthropal and color catchers when the quilt is washed, as I am using a lot of jelly rolls and scraps that will be hard to prewash. Barb

Rose_P

I finished a quilt a few months ago that I made mostly with strips I got at a garage sale. I didn't want to pre-wash strips, but kind of held my breath when the time came to put the quilt through the wash. I used the color catchers and had no problem, even though it had several batiks and lots of dark purple and teal interspersed with white squares. I don't have a clue how color catchers can be so effective, but they turned pretty dark gray in that load while the white fabric stayed white. While I think you can probably trust the store that is selling that fabric, pre-washing the bigger pieces with color catchers would surely help ease your mind. After all, if you had a problem later, they would earn a bad name, but you'd be the one stuck with a disappointment after many hours of work.

Clmay

I agree, no preaching here. Just color catchers. No problem.

vschieve

Have made two queen size quilts of all batik fabrics. Did not prewash, and after finished, washed in Orvis soap, and no bleeding whatsoever.

newbee3

I do not pre wash I just use color catchers in the wash

Schill93

You peaked my curiosity.

I purchased 5 fat quarter batiks at Joann's yesterday. You know those fat quarters that feel like cardboard. Out of curiosity, I put a red/orange one in some warm water, and now I have pink water. I will try some good ones I recerently ordered when they come. I am not a naysayer of Joann's. In their Keepsake line, the more expensive $9.99 fabric (really $4.99 on sale) isn't bad. I find a problem more with design and little in the collection department.

Wintergray

I'm so happy I read this! I'm in the middle of making a pieced quilt, calico hearts against white background. I was planning on using a batik on a couple of the hearts. Now I think I will skip the batik.

SusieQOH

I also love batiks but I usually pre-wash them. I don't normally pre-wash most fabrics but they seem to bleed, some, not all.