Batik fabric wicked onto adjacent fabric

[Maureen K.]

I have a very blue batik fabric that wicked onto the light fabric it is sewn onto. I had preached the blue fabric and thought it was safe to use. When I hand washed a section of the finished quilt that had been marked with a washout pen I discovered the blue fabric in area next to the washed block bled onto the fabric next to it. It was washed in cool water. Does any one have any suggestions on how to remove the blue stain and how to launder the quilt in the future. Thanks!

[Kathryn S.]

Ouch! that certainly is not fun to have happen. If you have not dried the quilt in the dryer, you may be able to soak the quilt in either Synthrapol or Dawn dishwashing liquid, in warm water. that often will remove staining from batiks. There was something on the TQS forum a while ago about it, also an article on a quilter's blog, if you google Dawn dishwashing liquid and fabric staining or bleeding, you will probably find it. I've had it happen and mostly I was able to get the bleeding out. Only once, when I had used my own hand dyed turquoise fabric, did it not come out. My own fault for not getting all the loose dye out to begin with! Hope you can find the article. (If you did dry the quilt in the dryer, it reduces the chances of getting the staining out- ask me how I know that hmy: ) Kathy

[Kathryn S.]

I posted on my personal blog last July. But the place where you will get the very best info is from Vicki Welsh. If you type in
Vickiwelsh.typepad.com I believe you will get her old site, but it should have the link to her new blog site. then look for bleeding quilt in her list of headings. If you have a problem getting to it, send me your private email by private message and I'll find the link and send it to you. Just be sure to read the entire post as I have and it's been very helpful. I have gotten accustomed to the last hot water soak of 12 hours, I hate waiting, but I don't like my hand dyed cloth giving me any surprises.
Luann
www.letscreatetoday.blogspot.com

[Betty J.]

Ok, I think there is no better article than Vickie's highlighted here on TQS some time back. Here's the link: http://thequiltshow.com/daily-blog/142-newsletter/24348-fix-my-bleeding-quilt-help-from-vicki-welsh

[Maureen K.]

Kathy, thanks so much for this information. I took the quilt to our county fair with the blue stain on it. I know the judges will notice it, but I didn't have time to try to fix it. When I get it back and wash it, I will let you know how much came out. I also found a YouTube video from Rob Apfel/Man Sewing on using Synthrapol. I will try Dawn first as it seems more gentle on the fabric. I plan on hanging the quilt in our guild show in September without any bleeding!

Take good care and happy quilting to you, Maureen

[Maureen K.]

Thanks for the info and the link to Vicki Welsh. I'm going to try this as soon as I get my quilt back from the county fair! Maureen

[Maureen K.]

This is a great article! I will print it out and follow it to the letter when I get the quilt back from the county fair. Maureen