Expressions Batiks is Riley Blake's house batik program, and it's quietly become one of the deepest walls in the shop. If you've already read my Elementals and Terrazzo batik guide, think of this as the other half of the RB batik story - the stamped Tjaps, the enormous Watercolor Daisies run, and the seasonal drops.
Tjaps: The Stamped Classics
Tjap (pronounced 'chop') is the copper stamp used in traditional batik-making, and this line leans into that heritage - layered, hand-stamped-look prints in saturated colorways. The wall right now runs warm to cool: Tomato Red, Rainier Cherry, Red Multi, Dark Red Multi, Bronze, Wheat, Jonquil, Sand Dune, Pine, Green Blue Multi, Light Teal Multi, Electric Blue, Cadet Blue, and Blue Multi. The Mountain High series adds Dungaree and Yonder.
Watercolor Daisies: The Big Wall
Twenty-plus colorways of one gorgeous idea - daisies that look like they bled onto the cloth in a watercolor wash. Warm side: Dijon, Butterscotch, Antique Gold, Cornsilk, Parmesan, Yellow Cream. Green side: Artichoke, Thyme, Dark Vintage Green, Winter Mint. Blue side: Denim Bijou, Blueprint Matte, Ocean Blue, Adriatic Mist, Caribbean Shale, Pool Party, and Garden Party. A bargello or ombre quilt built entirely from this wall is a stunner.
Halloween Expressions
The seasonal drop: Tar and Midnight yardage, plus the 21-piece fat quarter bundle that gives you the whole collection in one grab. Batik Halloween prints read sophisticated rather than cartoonish - these make grown-up spooky quilts.
Corey's Batik Tips
Batiks are dyed through, so there's no wrong side - great for applique and improv piecing. The tight weave means sharp points and minimal fray, but use a fresh sharp needle (80/12) since batik's high thread count dulls needles faster. And batiks barely shrink, so pre-washing is optional - though the first wash can release excess dye, so toss a color catcher in.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Riley Blake Expressions Batiks?
Expressions Batiks is Riley Blake's batik program - genuine wax-resist dyed cottons in coordinated colorway families including the Tjaps stamped prints, Watercolor Daisies, Mountain High, and seasonal Halloween runs.
Do batiks have a right and wrong side?
No - the wax-resist dye process saturates the cloth completely, so both sides are usable. That makes batiks ideal for applique, improv piecing, and reversible projects.
Do I need to pre-wash batik fabric?
Batiks barely shrink, so pre-washing is optional for shrinkage. However, deeply saturated batiks can release excess dye in the first wash, so use a color catcher the first time you launder the finished quilt.
What needle should I use for batiks?
A fresh, sharp 80/12 needle. Batiks have a higher thread count than standard quilting cotton and dull needles faster.
