batik for beginners
Let this Batik for Beginners term list act as your quick reference guide to the terminology used in the art of batik. If you have never created batik before then some of the terminology may be a little bit confusing. This guide covers all the basics about the materials and technical terms used to describe methods used when creating batik.
Before you start your journey into the world of creating beautiful fabrics if you familiarize yourself with this Batik for Beginners Term List you will have all the tools you need to understand and execute the process.
Before you start your journey into the world of creating beautiful fabrics if you familiarize yourself with this Batik for Beginners Term List you will have all the tools you need to understand and execute the process.
Resist- The resist is the medium used to block out certain parts of the fabric in preparation for dyeing so that the dye will not penetrate those parts of the fabric. The resist in traditional Indonesian batik is wax. The most common composition for batik wax is a blend of beeswax and paraffin, but either one alone may be used and there is also a brand of soy flakes that can be used for batik wax as well. Wax is not the only resist that can be used in batik. Some cultures use rice paste or cassava. Clear glue is often used as a resist for children’s classes. There are also commercially made cold resist mediums available for purchase as well.
Stamps/Tjaps – In the interest of saving time copper stamps or tjaps were invented to quickly make patterns on the fabric with wax. Tjaps are made in all manner of design patterns and floral motifs.
Canting /Tjanting – The tjanting or canting as it is sometimes called is the tool used in traditional wax batik. One end of the tool is comprised of a wooden handle and the other end is a metal reservoir with a round hollow tip used for applying melted wax.
Dye-Used to color the parts of the batik fabric that resist was not applied to.
I hope this Batik for Beginners list has gotten you off on the right foot to understanding the tools, mediums and terminology used in the batik process. Now that you know the basic theory it's time to learn how to make batik.
Stamps/Tjaps – In the interest of saving time copper stamps or tjaps were invented to quickly make patterns on the fabric with wax. Tjaps are made in all manner of design patterns and floral motifs.
Canting /Tjanting – The tjanting or canting as it is sometimes called is the tool used in traditional wax batik. One end of the tool is comprised of a wooden handle and the other end is a metal reservoir with a round hollow tip used for applying melted wax.
Dye-Used to color the parts of the batik fabric that resist was not applied to.
- Natural Dyes-Dyes made from natural materials such as plants, insects and mosses or lichens. A great way to keep dye costs low and fabric all natural if you have access to the proper plants.
- Store Bought Dyes-These are the least expensive and most easily obtainable dyes available. However, they are the least wash fast and are best used for practice projects or projects that don’t require laundering.
- Fiber Reactive Dyes- One of the strongest dyes available for use on fabrics made of cellulose fibers. Creates a chemical bond by which the dye becomes a part of the fabric.
- Acid Dyes-Chemical dye used to create bright colors on fabrics made of protein based fibers.
I hope this Batik for Beginners list has gotten you off on the right foot to understanding the tools, mediums and terminology used in the batik process. Now that you know the basic theory it's time to learn how to make batik.
