Get started with the batik dyeing technique with our beginner's guide (2024)

Batik design style fabrics have been around for years and were a popular pattern for clothes in the 70s. As with most craft trends, this one is coming back around again and batik print fabrics are popping up in lots of new collections.

If you like to get fully hands-on with the creative process, making your own batik-style fabric is a great way to add an extra bit of personal flair to a sewing project.

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced crafter, batik is a fascinating and rewarding art form that allows you to express your creativity and create one-of-a-kind pieces.

Our beginner's guide to this exciting textile dyeing technique covers the materials and tools you need to get started, as well as provides tips and tricks for achieving the best results.

Batik is a traditional textile art form that has been practised for centuries in various cultures around the world. It involves using wax and dye to create intricate designs and patterns on fabric. The wax is applied to the fabric in specific areas to resist the dye, resulting in a beautiful and unique piece of art.

A brief history of batik

The origins of batik can be traced back to ancient Egypt, India, and China, but it is most commonly associated with Indonesia, particularly the island of Java. Batik has a rich cultural significance in Indonesia, where it is often used to create clothing, home decor, and ceremonial textiles.

Over time, batik has spread to other countries and has evolved to include modern techniques and designs. Today, it is popular among crafters as a way to create their own unique fabrics.

What you need

• Tjanting tool
• Wax
• Wax melter
• Natural fabric (cotton/silk)
• Dye
• Embroidery hoop
• Pencil

Tjanting tool - A tjanting tool is the traditional tool used for creating batik patterns. It's essentially a 'pen' that lets your draw your design on the fabric in wax, you fill the bowl up with warm wax and carefully move it around your design to keep a steady and even flow of wax coming from the nib.

Wax - Wax is used to create the pattern on our fabric where we don't want the dye to cling to the fabric.

Natural fabric - You need to use a natural fabric when doing batik as it's much easier to dye and get a strong colour effect than using a synthetic fabric

Dye - You can use any kind of dye you like for colouring your batik fabric, tie dye kits can be a good option as they tend to give you a good selection of colours in easy to use bottles.

Embroidery hoop - Using an embroidery hoop is totally optional but it can be a fun way to help you make a design for home decor purposes. Remove your design from the hoop before dying and then add it back in after so that it can be hung on the wall.

1. Pre-wash your fabric and iron it to remove wrinkles. You want a smooth, crease free surface for applying the wax.
2. Melt the wax in a double boiler. While you are waiting for it to melt, draw your design on your fabric in pencil.
3. Using a tjanting tool, apply the wax to the fabric in the areas where you want it to resist the dye. Be careful not to smudge or drip the wax. Practicing on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your project can help you to get a feel for the tools and techniques.
4. Once the wax has dried, prepare your dye according to the instructions on the package. Dip the fabric into the dye bath, making sure to submerge it completely. The longer you leave the fabric in the dye, the darker the color will be.
5. Remove the fabric from the dye bath and rinse it in cold water to remove any excess dye. Be careful not to rub or wring the fabric, as this can cause the wax to crack and the dye to bleed.
6. If you want to add more intricate designs and other dye colours, repeat steps 3-5.
7. Once you have achieved your desired look, you can remove the wax from the fabric. This can be done by using a hot iron and paper towels/kitchen roll to absorb the melted wax, or by boiling the fabric in water to remove the wax.
8. Wash your batik fabric in cold water to remove any remaining dye. Hang the fabric to dry or dry it on a low heat setting in the tumble dryer if you are certain that all the wax has been removed.

By following these steps, you can create a beautiful and unique piece of traditional batik. Remember to take your time and be patient with each step of the process, and don't be afraid to experiment with different designs and techniques

Want to give batik a try or incorporate it into one of your next crafty projects? Here's some of our favourite batik inspiration we've found online.

Use stamps

If you want to batik a large piece of fabric, a great way to save time and get a good repeating pattern is by using a sponge stamp as demonstrated in this video by TikTok user @enyobruku.

Get creative with backgrounds

There's no rule that say your batik has to be dyed all in one solid colour or that the wax pattern needs to be white. Try adding dyes to your fabric before putting on your design with the wax to create a multi-coloured wax resist effect. TikTok user @annieartliving shares a great example of experimenting with dyed backgrounds for a vibrant finished look.

Colour gradients

Rather than dying your design in solid colours take a leaf out of TikTok crafter @by_obi's book and paint your batik design with individual colours. Varying shades and gradients can be achieved by carefully applying dye with a paintbrush.

Batik blocks

Using batik pattern fabrics in other crafts is a great way to add some splashes of colour and interesting patterns. We love this patchwork quilt from @shabbyfabrics on Instagram, the bright colours of the batik fabric blocks contrast really well with the white background.

Batik can be a challenging art form, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve beautiful results. The following are some tips and tricks for creating the best batik:

Use good-quality material

Using the right fabric will make a big difference to your finished project. Natural fabrics, such as cotton or silk, absorb the dye well and allow the wax to penetrate the fibers giving you crisp lines one your design.

Keep your wax at a consistent temperature

It's important to keep your wax at a consistent temperature to ensure it spreads evenly on the fabric.

Use a light hand with the dye

If you’re applying your dye with a paint brush, go in sparingly to avoid bleeding and smudging. If you need a colour to be darker you can go back over it but you can’t remove dye once it’s been added.

Experiment with different techniques

Don't be afraid to try new things, such as tie-dye your fabric first before adding your wax design or using a mix of stamping along with free hand drawing with the tajanting.

Been bitten by the batik bug and want to give this fun fabric craft a go? Buying a kit is a great way to start, we've found the best value batik kits that come with everything you need to get started on your first design.

Do you love crafting? Share your creations with us by tagging @primamag in your pictures on Instagram!