natalieg

After reading the post "Batik Grumbles", that has prompted me to start this post earlier than I was going to. I am looking for any and all advice on working with batik fabric. I have only made one block with batik before, nothing more.
One of my DIL to-be has asked that I make their wedding quilt with batik fabric. She has picked out the pattern:http://wingandaprayerdesign.com/Tonga-Nature.htm but I will be doing it in a different color theme....blues, greens, and all that. I prefer the original colors, but it's not my quilt! LOL
I had spoke with several ladies at LQS and finally figured out that she needs to pick out the border and I will pull from it for the other 11 fabrics. I bought several pieces and she found one that she really likes!
Before I go out to start buying the other fabrics, I need advice on everything from picking them out, purchasing, any special needles used.....anything...
We will be using Hoffman batiks all from the same line, or designer. http://www.fabricsunlimited.net/bapine1me.html
This is her border fabric.
Thanks in advance for the advice!

barnbum

Batiks are a favorite of mine. I handle them just like any other quilting cotton. The Mennonite shops around me have them at fabulous prices, so I'm lucky there. Be sure to wash the fabrics well first--they tend to bleed. I rinse them with some vinegar to help and use a color catcher.

I bought that pattern too--and can't wait to try it! I look forward to seeing your work.

GrammaNan

That is an absolutely beautiful quilt. My advice is to purchase your fabric from a store that has a good reputation. I would ask the owner for his/her advice on how to wash or set the color. Batiks are more difficult to hand quilt than other cottons, they are more tightly woven. I hope you will post a pic when it is done, I cannot wait to see it.

Theresa

Batiks are like any other fabric. Some times it's hard to determine the "right" side. I try to use what looks clearer/crisper. Sometimes ya just can't figure it out, so it really is no big deal. I just love 'em. Am making my DH & I one now in purples, aquas and browns - pinwheels. Can't wait to get it done.

Jim's Gem

That is a beautiful pattern!!!
Do you have to do it as a "Block of the Month?"

I just re-looked and it seems that you can buy the pattern pack.

Shelley

Check out SewBatik.com for a wide batik back. Their fabrics are made out of normal quilting fabric, not the normal tight weaves. Using regular batik fabric on the back *SOMETIMES* causes problems. Sometimes the threads in the fabric break instead of parting, and you end up with holes. SewBatik.com has great fabrics, and I love their fast friendly service. Tell them I sent you!!

winipb2

OMG! I have just spent the last 2hrs. looking at all the free patterns from the link you sent. I wish there were more arms and hands on this old body cuz that is what I would need to get so many projects done that are now buzzing in my head!

franie

Beautiful quilt and beautiful fabric for borders. Lots of nice colors can be used for that one.

Prism99

I have never had a problem with batiks, but because this is such an important quilt you might want to pre-wash each fabric in Retayne.

There are different reasons for fabric bleeding.

Probably the most common is that the fabric has been over-saturated with dye (more dye than the fabric can hold); the excess "bleeds" during the first wash and afterwards wash water runs clear.

Sometimes the manufacturer has not properly "set" the dye. When this happens, the unset dye can bleed continuously, wash after wash. Retayne sets dye in today's commercial fabrics, which is why I recommend prewashing with Retayne.

"Crocking" is another problem to watch out for. This is when dye transfers to another fabric by rubbing against it (usually when wet). This is why it is not a good idea to let contrasting fabrics sit next to each other for a long time after the washing machine has finished its cycle.

Once a quilt has been created, I always do the first washing with Synthrapol. Synthrapol suspends any loose dye particles in the water so they can be rinsed away instead of settling into other fabrics.

wolfkitty

Prism, thanks for the info on the washing products. That's good to know!