Batik Fabric Dying
Batik dying of fabric is a wax resist process. First you prepare the fabric for dying. Then you either dye it a base color or begin the Batik process. You melt wax and apply it to the fabric in the areas you want to block out the dye to hold the base color. This can be done with stencils or by hand. We will mostly be doing it free-hand. You allow the wax to dry then dye the fabric a new color. Once the fabric is washed, you remove the wax and wash the material a final time.
Dharma Trading Company has excellent step by step instructions that can be found here.
Kit Kraft has excellent dying instructions that can be found here.
Kit Kraft has excellent dying instructions that can be found here.
Tools
Batik wax
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Melter
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Tjantings
(Pronounced as Cantings) |
Delrim Kistkas (Wax Writing Pens)
|
Batik Dropper Pen
|
Metal Stampers
Specifically Tjaps (Pronounced as Caps) |
Paintbrushes
(that you don't mind using only with wax) |
Pot to be used for dying and rinsing
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Fabric Reactive Dyes
|
Soda Ash Dye Fixative
|
Fabric - 100% natural fibers are recommended (cotton, rayon, silk, etc.)
|
Synthrapol
(or other dye detergent) |
Examples
About Batik Videos
Instructional Videos
The first video has some great instruction and visuals on how to use the various tools.
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Alternate Option
Here is an alternate option to use glue instead of wax to create a Batik dye effect.