Monday, June 27, 2011

Washing Batiks: In Way Over My Head

First off, I am sorry to have ignored blogging over the past few days. I was traveling for work and just could not get the time to write (or stitch) anything while I was gone.  So, I am happily home and back to the norm.

As you may know, I have been SLOWLY starting an Irish Chain using a pattern from the Moda Bake Shop. I have a very white Kona fabric as the background, which was recently cut into strips.  I thought I would start cutting the batiks and sewing this weekend, but then I listened to Hip To Be A Square on Friday when Flying.  Pam has recently finished a quilt that used batiks and had a small problem with the color running.

I have never used batiks before and I am not a pre-washer (gasp!!), so I thought I had better rinse mine before they bled all over my nice white background.  And so I did...


I also tossed in three Color Catchers because I was a bit nervous.  They turned brilliantly purple!  Thank goodness I did.

So, here is the question for the batik-users out there:  Am I OK with one wash or do I need to wash them again?  How do I ensure they will not run when the final quilt is washed?  Are there tricks to working with these fabrics?  Any hints you may have are absolutely welcome.

As on any other Monday, I am linking up with Canoe Ridge and Sew Happy Geek linky parties.

15 comments:

My Life In Quilts said...

Good question! I want to know the answer tooo. I made a quilt for my daughter with all batiks and have not washed it yet. Inquiring minds do want to know.

Sara @ Sew Sweetness said...

Oh gosh, I didn't realized batiks bled like that, I have never used them before! I do like the colors you chose

Sue Daurio said...

I don't wash my batiks. When I do wash the quilt when it's completed I use the color catchers and have not had a problem. I will usually put 4-6 of them in the washer with a new batik quilt. I will use color catchers with a batik quilt for the first 4 washings or so, haven't had a problem with this approach yet.

CityHouseStudio said...

Beautiful colors! You are ok with 1 wash - but when you wash the final quilt, use a color catcher again!

H said...

Gorgeous fabrics! I only wash my batiks once but wash every quilt, batik or not, with at least two colour catcher sheets (and usually three) - I'd rather needlessly use a couple of colour catcher sheets than risk ruining a quilt! Can't wait to see your quilt grow!

Mrs Flying Blind... said...

I know nothing! Glad you discovered this potential disaster in time!

Pomona said...

I think colour catchers are the answer - better safe than sorry!

Pomona x

Pieces to Love said...

My mom always swore by soaking fabric in vinegar or epsom salt water. I"m not sure either of those really work that well, but I love the shout color catcher and I think I would just keep using those when I washed it.

Kimberlee, The Spunky Diva said...

I have done the vinegar and cold water before. I wash everything but precuts. I haven't used many batiks before, so don't know whether you should wash again or not. I definitly need to go get some of those color grabber sheets.
~Kimberlee

Pretty Petal Handmade said...

Those colours are amazing just had to come over and say hello! Found you from the Link Up on Sew Happy Geek

Rhi x

Leslie said...

thank goodness for those color catchers....i use them all of the time.

Anonymous said...

Amazing fabrics with so beautiful colours! With clear white they will make adorable quilt!

Wendy said...

I love batiks, I wash them by hand in hot and cold water and find colour will come out in each rinse so I will wash each fabric separately in the bath at least twice. The best thing about batiks is the fact they will not fray as they have more threads per inch. I will have to try the colour catcher as I have never used these, they sound good.

Megan said...

Beautiful fabric! I am a total fan of color catchers. Thanks for linking up to {Sew} Modern Monday!

SewHappyGeek said...

Hey, just wanted to let you know I've featured your link today on SewHappyGeek's Feature Friday! Go get a button :)

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