Resist dyeing is a wonderful textile art with centuries-old tradition in various civilizations. It blocks colorant from accessing some areas of the fabric, resulting in detailed patterns. Tie-dye, Shibori,Bandhani, and batik are some of its examples that use natural colors and complex motifs.
👉 Batik
Batik making dates back to over a millennium ago but early instances of its craft can be found in Middle East, China, India and ancient Egypt.
There are two primary techniques used in batik: hand-drawn (batik tulis) and stamped (batik cap).
In batik tulis, artisans use a canting, a pen-like tool, to dip into a pot of melted wax and draw intricate patterns on the fabric. This technique calls for mastery and accuracy as the wax has to be consistently and precisely applied. Every piece of batik tulis reflects the artist’s flair and skill.
Batik cap involves using metal stamps, called caps, to imprint wax to the fabric. It is faster than hand drawing hence more quantities of batik can be produced in much less time. Since it does not require laborious skill or time it is considered less prestigious than its counterpart, Batik tulis which involves very high level of craftsmanship.
Our Natural Dye Methods
Plants, minerals, and other organic materials are the sources of natural dyes. Here are some common natural dyes used in resist dyeing:
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Indigo
- Source: Indigofera tinctoria plant.
- Preparation: Leaves are soaked in water and fermented to produce a blue dye. The fabric is repeatedly dipped into the dye and exposed to air where oxidation takes place to achieve desired shade of blue.
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Madder
- Source: Roots of the Rubia tinctorum plant.
- Preparation: Roots are dried, ground, and boiled in order to obtain a red dye. The fabric is soaked in this dye to achieve rich reds and pinks.
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Turmeric
- Source: Rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant.
- Preparation: Rhizomes are dried, ground, and boiled to produce a bright yellow dye. The fabrics are then soaked into it for them to attain the attractive hue.
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Kakishibu
- Source: Unripe persimmons.
- Preparation: Juice from unripe persimmons undergoes fermentation for several months. The resulting dye produces shades of brown and is used both as a dye and a wood stain.
Overall, resist dying is considered as invaluable world heritage that that has enthralled creators and fans alike with its captivating patterns and cultural significance.It is still revered as a symbol of the elegance and inventiveness of traditional textile arts.
👉 Explore our hand-dyed creations!