atik is a traditional fabric dyeing technique that involves applying wax to fabric to create intricate designs before dyeing the fabric. The process typically includes the following steps: Designing: An artist sketches the desired pattern on the fabric. Traditional patterns are often inspired by nature, culture, or mythology. Wax Application: Hot wax is applied to the fabric using a tool called a "tjanting" or other applicators. The wax acts as a resist, preventing the dye from penetrating the areas it covers. Dyeing: The fabric is submerged in a dye bath. The areas covered in wax resist the dye, while the uncovered areas absorb it. This creates a color contrast between the waxed and non-waxed parts. Wax Removal: After dyeing, the fabric is dried and the wax is removed. This can be done by boiling the fabric or using an iron to melt the wax, which is then absorbed by paper. Repeating the Process: If multiple colors are desired, the waxing and dyeing process can be repeated, layering colors and creating more intricate designs. Final Fixation: Once the desired colors and patterns are achieved, the fabric is often boiled to fix the dyes and ensure colorfastness. Finishing: After fixation, the fabric is washed to remove any excess dye or wax, and it's ready for use. Batik can be found in various cultures around the world, including Indonesia, India, Malaysia, and several African countries. The technique has evolved over time, incorporating new tools, materials, and styles. Modern variations include using different types of wax, incorporating digital designs, and experimenting with new dyeing techniques. The beauty of batik lies in its intricate designs and the handmade quality of each piece. It's not only an art form but also an important cultural tradition that reflects the heritage and identity of the people who create it.

1. BATIK

2. Batik is an ancient technique that has been in use in Asia
to create beautiful designs on fabric. The way it works
is straight forward – melted wax is applied to fabric using
a brush or special tool called a tjanting.
What is Batik?
Decoration Techniques
The wax will be absorbed into the paper and you may
need to repeat this process a few times to get rid of all
the wax.
When dye is applied to the fabric the wax stops the
dye from coming in contact with the fabric underneath.
As well as a tjanting tool, wax can be applied using
various techniques e.g. a brush or a stencil.
Once the wax has cooled, colour can be applied by
brush or by placing in a dye bath. The wax
needs to be removed to reveal the pattern, to do this,
place newspaper and clean sheets of paper both on
top and underneath of the fabric, and apply gentle
pressure with a hot iron.

3. It’s more manageable to place your cloth
into an embroidery circle just to be able to keep the
fabric tight and to move the fabric around freely.
Especially when using hot wax!
Tjanting tool
A Tjanting tool.
Wax comes out of here in a steady flow so
you have to be quick when drawing your design.
Melting pot for the wax
Have a go at doing abstract
patterns first as these work
best if your not sure what to
do. With practice you could
come up with some amazing
designs.
How to:

4. Work quickly and carefully as the wax will
cool very soon after taking it out of the
melting pot. If you do have an accident in
that you have a blob of wax on you design
don’t worry as it will add to the finished affect.
It’s quite hard to see
the wax so you have
to concentrate.
Draw with the wax just like
if it’s a pen!!
Remember the wax is hot
You must work carefully
How to:

5. Draw your design as far as you can to the sides of the circle
If you do spill wax onto your design
unfortunately you will not be able to
get rid of it. Take your time.
Warning
How to:

6. The wax creates a barrier for the paint colour
to remain in. On the right is what the
design would look like.
Other batik designs.
How to:

7. Add your colour using batik dyes or fabric paints.
You can mix your colours on the fabric so they
blend into one another or make them watery by
adding water to the batik dyes.
I’ve decided to start with pink.
You are now painting in the spaces
as the paint will not settle on the wax.
If it’s your first go don’t be afraid to
experiment with colours and design.
How to:

8. How to:
Enjoy adding
colour to your
design.

9. What do you think? .
How to:
Place the embroidery frame somewhere to dry. When
the paint is dry remove the fabric from the frame.

10. What do you think? .
How to:
Place the embroidery frame somewhere to dry. When
the paint is dry remove the fabric from the frame.

11. Place a piece of clean paper underneath your batik fabric.
Place another piece of paper on top of your batik fabric in preparation to
absorb the wax.
At the moment your fabric is quite stiff due to the wax.
How to:

12. Iron carefully over the paper. As you go along
the paper should absorb the wax and the paper will
begin to look greasy. Don’t stop until you have
finished ironing the whole piece of fabric. You may
need to change your paper half way through
The wax should be coming
through the paper
How to:
Remember the IRON is hot
You must work carefully

13. To finish you should have a piece of wax free fabric with just your
design on it.
How to:

14. Decorative stitches added using
a free hand embroidery foot on
the sewing machine.
How to:
The batik designs can developed
further with machine stitching.
What do you think of some of
these designs?

15. Application of Decoration Techniques Use of batik on cushions

16. www.batikguild.org.uk
www.teritex.com
www.craftown.com/batik.htm
www.batiktambal.com
If you are interested in taking this technique further
you may want to do some research about its
origins, craft or galleries of artists who have
developed it. Here are some web sites to
have a look at if you’ve got a spare minute.
Or you can do a google search to find your
own interesting sites.