How to Make Batik Fabric At Home
Batik is a process that involves painting fabric with wax to prevent that area of the fabric from absorbing dye. Although this technique was used frequently in post-modern years, its usage has decreased dramatically in today’s world due to its tedious process. Nonetheless, the results obtained from batik projects are still far from matched if done not for commercial use. Designs created from batik are one of its kinds that provide perfect material for craft projects. Although many believe that making batik fabric at home is a difficult task, but with the help of right materials and a little effort, one can achieve a result that surely will be priceless.
Things Required:
– Fabric
– Pattern
– Newspaper
– Pencil
– Paraffin wax
– Double boiler or heavy saucepan
– Thermometer
– Apron
– Gloves
– Fabric dye
– Un-iodized salt
– 2 small plastic containers.
– Vinegar
– Paper towel
Instructions
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1
Spread newspaper all around your workspace to protect it from the wax and dye. Now place the fabric on the flat work surface, and trace the pattern you want to create on the fabric with the help of a lead pencil. Now place the paraffin wax into a saucepan or a double boiler, and heat it to 170 degrees Fahrenheit.
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2
Now paint the melted wax onto the areas of fabric where you do not want the dye to go. Make sure that all of your strokes are even.
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3
Wear apron and gloves, and start mixing the dye according to the manufacturer’s instruction. Add 1 teaspoon of un-iodised salt for every quart of dye, as the salt acts as a fixative. Take a plastic container, and fill it with lukewarm water. Submerge the fabric in the water. Once all the fabric has soaked up, take it out of the water, and start adding it into the dye slowly. Make sure that you add it into the dye very gently to prevent the wax from cracking. Leave the fabric in the dye for around 20 to 25 minutes.
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4
Take the fabric out, and rinse it in clean but cold water. After properly rinsing the fabric, put it back into the dye container for around 10 to 15 minutes yet again if the dye is not dark enough according to your standard.
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5
Take the fabric out, and allow it to dry. After the fabric has dried up completely, place it over the workspace. Now place paper towels over and under the wax, and start ironing that specific area to remove the wax from the fabric. Once all the wax is gone, iron all the fabric to set the dye.
