I like to blog about things that interest me, inspire me, and fascinate me.
Batik does all three!
There are so many interesting things about batik;
the colors and contrast, the technique, the almost magical
finished design that has a beautiful, natural quality that is imperfect.
I love all of it.
What exactly is batik?
Batik is created on cloth using a wax-resist process. It is a traditional Indonesian art that is also found in many other cultures. Hot beeswax mixed with paraffin (the resist) is applied to the cloth in a design. Then the cloth is dipped into a dye. All of the areas on the cloth that are covered with wax do not absorb the dye and remain their original color. The wax prevents the fabric from absorbing the dye. Once the cloth is dry, more wax is applied, and then the material is dyed again, usually in a darker color, and so on and so forth, until the desired design is completed. Once finished, the wax is removed completely from the cloth by melting. The batik technique is very similar to the technique used to make pysanka, or Ukrainian eggs.
Traditional batik tools
Batik is created on cloth using a wax-resist process. It is a traditional Indonesian art that is also found in many other cultures. Hot beeswax mixed with paraffin (the resist) is applied to the cloth in a design. Then the cloth is dipped into a dye. All of the areas on the cloth that are covered with wax do not absorb the dye and remain their original color. The wax prevents the fabric from absorbing the dye. Once the cloth is dry, more wax is applied, and then the material is dyed again, usually in a darker color, and so on and so forth, until the desired design is completed. Once finished, the wax is removed completely from the cloth by melting. The batik technique is very similar to the technique used to make pysanka, or Ukrainian eggs.
Traditional batik tools
Batik tjanting (Canting) tools
In this method of batik, the hot wax designs are drawn on by hand.
This is an example of a wooden batik stamp used to stamp fabric
Copper Tjaps (aka Chops) are handmade from copper strips and are for stamping cloth.
Process of stamping wax designs on fabric. This stamp has an intricate design.
African batik. This method uses a stamp to apply the hot wax.
Making batik fabric with melted crayons - great DIY from Suzyssit
Reverse technique batik using bleach DIY from Lilblueboo
Interested in trying your hand at Batik?
Here are some supplies and books to get you started!
Jacquard Products 1-Pound Batik Wax
Encaustic Flow Pen for Encaustic Wax and Batik
Jacquard� Tjanting Tool - 1PK/Large
Batik Workshop - Fun with Paper and Fabric
Creative Batik (Beginner's Guide to)
Create Your Own Hand-Printed Cloth: Stamp, Screen & Stencil with Everyday Objects
Batik, Tie Dyeing, Stenciling, Silk Screen, Block Printing: The Hand Decoration of Fabrics
Step-by-Step Silk Painting & Batik Project Book: Inspired and decorative projects to make for the
home
Batik: Design, Style, & History
What do you think?
If you like Batik, you might also want to check out my previous post on Pysanky:
How To Make Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs)
How To Make Pysanky (Ukrainian Easter Eggs)
