Care Instructions

Caring for our Batik Fabrics

Batik fabrics contain wax and dye and must be cared for properly prior to using in quilting, crafting, and garment sewing projects. We recommend pre-washing all fabrics to minimize shrinkage and possible transfer of color. We would like to make sure you understand that each batik fabric will have some form of "Surface" dye and wax. You will feel this when you receive the fabric. We want to remove the "Surface" dye and wax. 

Products We Recommend:  Synthrapol and Retayne, both produced by Pro Chemical. Synthrapol is available for high-water volume washing machines (regular Synthrapol) and low-water washing machines (low foam Synthrapol). Select the right Synthrapol for your washing machine.  Retayne is rarely needed as a prewash. It should only be used on fabric that will not stop transferring color. 

Which product do I use? 98% of the time we recommend prewashing your fabric with Synthrapol (regular or low foam). The only time we recommend Retayne is with shades that are naturally suspect - including royal blue, red, dark purple, black, and deep green. 

Retayne:  is a surfactant and "sets the dye". Use 140-160 degree water temperature agitating in your washing machine (or sink) for 20 minutes and it will stop any fabric color transfer. Use it once. One teaspoons per yard of 45" fabric - adjust for wide width fabric.

Synthrapol:  is a soap that purges all unattached wax and dye stuff from the surface of the fabric. This product is also good for removing color that has transferred by mistake. Let's say you didn't prewash your fabric prior to sewing a quilt top with dramatic light backgrounds and bright/color saturated pieces. After washing the quilt you notice that a few bright shades transferred color to the light background. Washing (or spot washing) the affected areas on the quilt with Synthrapol will remove the color transfer from the light/white background. 

What NOT to Prewash: do not prewash precut products. This includes 2 1/2" strips, 5" squares, 10" squares, shapes with or without fusible. Basically, anything that has been cut for use as is should not be prewashed. The shape and size will be distorted. When working with precuts - use Synthrapol in the first wash cycle after the project is completed and ready for a wash.

Care Instructions for SewBatik Fabrics, except for 72" Batik Viscose Jersey Knit: 

  • Machine wash cool to luke warm with like colors on delicate cycle.
  • Include Synthrapol -OR- Retayne in the wash depending on your dye test. See above notes - please read them.
  • Do not bleach.
  • Tumble dry, low temperature.
  • Remove from dryer before completely dry.
  • Lay flat on a clean surface or towel until completely dry.
  • Use cool iron to remove wrinkles from 72" Cotton Jersey Knit, 45" Rayon, and 58" Linen.
  • Use warm to hot iron to remove wrinkles from 115" Cotton, 45" Cotton, and 57" wide Canvas.

Care Instructions for 72" Batik Viscose Jersey Knit: 

Viscose Jersey Knit is a delicate fabric. We recommend a gentle option for prewashing and drying. 

Handwash Method:

    • If possible, handwash Viscose Jersey Knit using Synthrapol in luke warm water. Lightly massage the fabric to create a washing motion. You will experience soap bubbles just like any other soap. Allow the fabric to rest in the soapy water for a few minutes. 
    • Rinse with cool water. 
    • Gently squeeze excess water from the fabric. 
    • Wrap in a clean dry towel to remove as much water as possible. 
  • Machine Method:
  •  
    • Machine wash with cool to luke warm water on delicate cycle. It is recommended to use a mesh laundry bag to reduce excessive stretching. 
    • Include Synthrapol -OR- Retayne in the wash depending on your dye test. See above notes - please read them.
    • Do not bleach.
    • Do not wash with hot water. 
  • Dry Viscose Jersey Knit:
  •  
    • Viscose Jersey Knit will shrink in width when put in a dryer on medium/hot temperatures. 
    • When prewashing your fabric it is best to dry the fabric the exact same way you will care for your finished garment. 
    • Avoid hanging the fabric / finished garment when wet.
    • Lay flat to dry on a clean dry towel or similar surface. 

Managing wrinkles:  Use an iron on low heat to remove wrinkles. Lightly spot steaming will also remove wrinkles. 

 

A word of caution regarding Dye Catchers or Color Catchers.  "Catchers" are color grabbers and do not treat the fabric. They basically are your eye in the washing machine to see if color is transferring and to catch the color from attaching to anything else that might be in the wash at the same time. It will not stop any bleeding or color transfer. It simply catches color. Prewash your fabric as outlined above and you won't need to worry about the need for color catchers. 

    Purchase Synthrapol  4 oz.

    Purchase Synthrapol Low Foam  4 oz.

    Purchase Synthrapol & Retayne 4 oz. as a Set

    Purchase Retayne  4 oz. 

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