Batiks Quilting Fabric

Working With Batik Fabric

If you never worked with batik fabric before, you may find it a little daunting to get started. Batik fabric is not that difficult to work with though, and you can get some amazing results for your crafting projects with minimal effort. If you still feel quite daunted, why not look through our convenient guide to batik fabric below?

What Is The Difference Between Batik Fabric And Other Common Fabrics?

There are several differences between a batik fabric and most commercial fabrics such as cotton. Batik has quite a tight weave, which means you must use a sharper and finer needle to sew the fabric.

In addition to the tighter weave, batik fabric can also come in really intricate designs. It is believed that the fabric originates from Indonesia and has obtained its intricate designs from there. That being said, many Asian countries are now producing this fabric en masse, so you can find many variants that are interesting for the crafting project you have in mind.

Do I Need To Prewash Batik Fabric?

Interestingly, most batik fabrics do not have to be pre-washed. During the production process, batik fabrics are washed before they are dyed. As a result, the batik fabric has already shrunk from a wash before it arrives on your doorstep.

While there is no need to prewash a batik fabric, there are some instances where there might be some excess dye on the fabric surface. In these cases, it can be beneficial to wash the fabric again and check if any of the colour is released during the wash. Most crafters make the choice to prewash upon first obtaining batik fabric, so it is a personal choice.

Is There A Right Side And Wrong Side For Batik Fabric?

We would say that there is, although you would need a magnifying glass to actually tell the difference. When the design of the batik fabric is being made, the manufacturer will use a wax. This wax then sinks into the fabric, so it affects both sides of the fabric in one way or another.

When you look at each side of batik fabric carefully, you might notice a tiny difference. Look at each side and look for the side that has the least blur on the edge of the fabric. This side is considered as the right side. That being said, much like the prewashing of batik fabric, working with a specific side is also a personal choice.

Can I Use Batik Fabric For Applique Too?

Yes. Batik fabric is a brilliant choice for quilting, but applique as well. The reason for that is the tight weave of the fabric, which is sturdier than most fabrics and has a lower chance of fraying.

When you use batik fabric in sewing, always make sure that you pay close attention to where you are cutting and sewing. Remember, the design of the fabric can be impacted by a wrong cut or stitch. So, this is one aspect you have to pay extra attention to when working with Batik.

Does All Batik Fabric Have An Indonesian Design?

No, as many countries have now started to produce batik as well. While most batik fabrics come from Asian countries, there are some exceptions to the rule. For example, Europe creates some colonial-styled batik fabrics that look quite different from the native Indonesian, Chinese and Indian designs.

Depending on the design of your batik fabric, you will find that there are more applications you could try. In some cultures, batik fabric is used in men's shirts. So, if you are looking for something original, why not try your hand at turning batik fabric into a beautiful shirt or other fashion piece.

Quilting Batiks Now Available At Spotlight

Do you need some quilting batiks to get yourself started? Look no further than Spotlight, who provides a large range of batik fabrics at the sharpest prices possible. Even though this fabric is complex and intricate to make, we offer them at the best prices possible, so everyone can craft with this amazing material.

Need some other fabrics too? Have a look at the rest of the Spotlight catalogue and find countless other fabrics to craft with! Like our batik range, we also provide those fabrics at the best price possible.