Handspire Do It Yourself!
Create a unique batik wall hanging with these step by step instructions and video.
You are free to choose design, patterns and colour so you can make it as simple or as complex as you like. Add a little bohemian chic to your home decor and get dyeing!
Batik - The technique
You will need:
- Cloth
- Fabric dyes
- Paintbrush
- Masking tape
- Stencils/stamps
- Waterbased resist
- Cling film
Pre dye the fabric you are going to use with the colour of your choice. This colour will be the one that shows through after you have completed the technique.
You either need a stencil or a stamp of an image, or if you prefer to draw freehand this would also work. Brush the waterbased resist into the stencil shape if you are using a stencil (use masking tape to secure the stencil), or alternatively cover the stamp with the water based resist and press down onto the fabric. The image from the waterbased resist should just be visible on the fabric. Leave to dry completely.
Mix the dye ready to paint over the fabric. Use hot water and stir so the dye dissolves.
Lay the fabric over a piece of cling film to protect the work surface. Paint over the water based resist image and the fabric.
Once all the fabric has been painted, take another piece of cling film and place over the top so your batik is sandwiched in the middle. Secure the sides and place in the microwave. This is to make sure the dye penetrates the fabric and sets it. Try it for 30 seconds at first - make sure the plastic does not melt!
When you take it out of the microwave (carefully - it will be hot!) place in a water bath of warm water. After it has dried you can paint more details into the fabric using more dyes.
Once you think you have a finished design you can attach it to the wall using a wooden pole and string or sew on fabric tabs and pin to the wall.
