Batik for Beginners

The art of batik has one of the most distinctive looks of all of the art forms, I've always felt that the beauty of so many other art forms pale in comparison to the unique look of batik. The weathered and cracked texture of the finished product make it most interesting to look at. I've tried my hand at this art and much to my surprise, it turned out pretty good. In fact, the piece hangs in my family home to this day. I've put together a few batik tips for beginners that feel drawn to this mode of art.

Fabrics

Natural fabrics from vegetable fiber like linen, cotton, and silk are among some of the best fabrics to use when batiking. It's best to avoid synthetic fibers when you do batik. Some may claim to simulate natural fibers, however their true nature becomes revealed when they are dyed, and once you've gotten that far, it's too late to change the fabric. Synthetic fibers will not correctly take on cold dye, which is necessary for a successful batik project.

Wax

A specific mix of paraffin wax, combined with beeswax in a 30% of the former, and 70% of the latter ratio is the necessary blend for wax use when batiking. Melting down already existing paraffin wax candles is an option if you're someone that's trying batik for the first time, but if you plan to be a serious batiker, you'll want to get a good supply of paraffin wax from the craft store. Paraffin wax has a more brittle quality and you need that in the correct amounts with the beeswax for the best crackling affect. Beeswax will adhere well to your fabric as opposed to the paraffin to best complete the creation of the batik.

Supplies for Beginners

Old white sheets
Double boiler (for melting wax)
Paintbrush for applying wax
Fixative, and cold water dye
Charcoal pencil for making a design on the fabric (or pencil)
An old picture frame (for keeping the fabric taut)
A sink for dying (or a large bowl)

Getting Started

First sketch your design on the fabric with the charcoal pencil, then stretch your fabric across the old picture frame and secure it with drawing pins.

Next use the double boiler to melt the wax with approximately 1 inch of water at the bottom. Once the wax has melted it's time to apply it to the fabric.

Working fast when waxing is imperative because the wax will quickly cool on the paintbrush while you're applying it. The excess from dipping the brush needs to run off before you paint on the wax. Next, fill in your design starting with wax on the areas that will be the fabric's original color.

Dye your first color starting with the lightest one. Let that color dry and repeat the waxing and dying process, using the next darkest color to dye with, and so on.