Batik

To experiment with different textures and dying techniques for fabric I decided to use batik.

Batik is a resist method of dying fabric. Wax is applied to the fabric in a particular patter or design (this can be free hand or a press mould can be used) when batik dye is applied (proceon, disperse, batik dye) the water based liquid only absorbs into the areas of fabric without wax, resisting the areas that wax has been applied too.

To create my batik pieces I first decided on my designs. My chosen themes for my project are; natural, texture and construction, because of this I chose to do a close up of a moth wing and a drawing of an insect which I have been inspired by previously in my project.
I started with my close up of a moth wing, filling the dropper pen with hot wax (which was previously melted in a special heater) I then used the pen tool to draw out my design. I used a dropper pen with a larger hole for the larger block details and a thinner hole for the small details within the piece. 

Once the wax was dry I used the batik dyes and a paint brush to apply the dye to the appropriate areas. I mixed up several relevant colours and use water to dilute them where needed. 

I used the same technique to create my insect illustration.

Once I had applied the dyes and wax to my pieces I allowed them to dry, once dry it was time to remove the wax. 

To do this I first placed each piece in between several layers of sugar paper (used for it's absorbency) I then used a hot iron to melt the wax, the melted wax would then soak into the sugar paper leaving a clean piece behind. This revealed the white areas where the dye had not taken. 

Equipment list-
- Heated wax pot.
- Parrafin wax
- Batik pen
- Fabric
- Batik Dye
- Paint brush
- Iron
- Sugar paper


HEALTH AND SAFETY:
When creating a batik piece the user must take care when using the hot wax:
- The pens must be wiped after filled with wax to avoid spillages.
- The user must not touch the hot wax or the hot plate itself.
- When moving the wax pot the handles should be used and care must be taken to avoid spilling hot wax.
- The dye used in these samples was non toxic but you must always check to ensure the dye you use is safe. 

- When ironing the hot wax hands must be kept away from the hot plate of the iron and the iron must not be left on the fabric itself dye to risk of burning.