How to Use Batik Fabric for Quilting – A Few Tips

Before batik, there was canting and this was practiced by the women of Java, Indonesia. The batik material that you get in the market today is produced in Bali. The history of the batik shows that centuries ago this type of dying was extremely popular. The method was extremely simple, and the effects stunning. This is a craft that was always done by women, back then and now as well.

The batik fabric involved women making elaborate designs on a fabric which was then covered with wax with the help of special copper caps. Once the whole fabric would be covered, it would be inserted into dye, or painted – as the situation required. After getting satisfied that all the places where dye was supposed to be applied have been applied, the wax is taken out by boiling the fabric several times. The result has always been simply stunning.

You Want Perfect Results – Check Out These Tips

1. Always have the batik fabric for quilting pre-washed; this will ensure that its absorbing power is maximized and hence it will catch the dye better

2. Use the thinnest possible batting when you use batik cloth; it will make it easier for you to handle he material, and the result will be elegant

3. The best way to bring out the best in the batik fabric for quilting is to alternate it with other fabrics, preferably different colors, lights and even textures. This would ensure that the batik fabric outshines the rest by comparison

4. Keep the batik fabric for quilting at the top of the quilt always. This fabric is not known to stretch well and hence its placement elsewhere would result in a skewed look, and risk of tearing

5. Never use the batik fabric as a quilt backing fabric. Despite its beauty, the batik is terrible against the skin, and your quilt will loose its practical value.

6. If you have to choose between batik fabric for quilting and other fabric, by all means use he batik fabric. It costs the same as other fabrics, but its impact and looks far surpasses the best of best materials.

7. When purchasing batik fabric for quilting, always visualize the possible combinations and buy as many as you can gather in a pattern. This will stand you in good stead when you need some exceptional material for a rush job in quilting. Batik material will instantly brighten up any type of quilt you are working on.