Beautiful Backyard Batik

Batik means “wax written” and is an easy way of decorating cloth with wax and dye. A design drawn in wax keeps its original color while the rest of the cloth is dyed, revealing a contrasting pattern when the wax is removed. You and your friends can add a summery touch to your home décor with batik wall hangings or curtains. Or create a pretty sheet of fabric or linen napkins to spread out for a picnic or a day at the beach.

Step 1: Materials & Preparation 
Light-colored, natural fabrics such as cotton, linen and silk are best for batik dyeing. Encourage your Home Maven friends to repurpose their old plain cotton sheet or tablecloth because pre-washed fabrics absorb the dye better than new ones. It’s also cost effective and will give an old piece of cloth a new life.

Most home goods stores carry beeswax and paraffin wax as well as cold water fabric dye (hot water dye will melt the wax). Pick up a few colors of dye to give your friends a selection. Most of what you will need are household items, but take this Batik Materials List along just in case.

In an open space in your yard, arrange your friends into a large circle with fondue dishes in the center and dye buckets on the outer edge. This will help everyone stay close to the tools they need without stepping over one another’s cloths.

Step 2: Creating a Design
Pass around scratch paper, crayons, and tracing tools. Then follow these steps to create your designs. Make sure to start with freshly ironed fabrics so that your drawing surfaces are wrinkle-free.

• Spread out so that everyone has room to lay their cloth as flat as possible.
• Practice your design on scratch paper until you’re comfortable replicating it.
• Using light or medium color crayons, draw your designs onto your fabric. For geometric patterns, use a ruler. You can also trace plastic container lids for circular shapes.

Step 3: Waxing
To avoid crowding, supply at least two fondue sets. Also, have paintbrushes nearby and ready to use.

• Combine two parts beeswax and one part paraffin.
• Heat both types of wax together in the fondue dish until it is clear. Because wax is flammable, make sure to keep it away from direct heat.
• Dip brushes into the wax and trace over the crayon design on the cloth. The wax should seep all the way through the cloth to the other side. Make sure to dip paintbrushes frequently to avoid wax build up and hardened bristles. Avoid holding a full brush over the cloth, as any drips will become a part of the design.
• Let the wax cool for several minutes.

Step 4: Dyeing 
While wearing rubber gloves, prepare the dye bath by mixing the dye according to the manufacturer’s directions. Place the buckets in close reach and you’ll be ready to begin.

• Crumple your cloth to encourage the wax to crack. This crackling will allow dye to seep in and add texture to the designs.
• Immerse the fabric into the dye for the amount of time suggested by the dye manufacturer.
• Hang the fabric with clothespins on clothesline and drip dry. Do not wring. Remember that colors will appear several shades darker when wet.

Step 5: De-waxing 
Your Home Maven friends can follow these next steps at home, after their fabrics have dried completely.

• Heat iron to moderate heat.
• Place a layer of newspaper on each side of the fabric.
• Iron over waxed areas. The newspaper will absorb the melted wax.
• If any residue remains, soak in a detergent or dry clean.

As the fabrics dry, let the clothesline act as an outdoor gallery. Take this time to catch up and enjoy the weather over refreshing drinks and light snacks. Admire each other’s work and share your inspirations and tips as well as what you plan to do with your unique creations.

If the fabrics are still damp when it’s time to go, help your friends fold up their cloth into a plastic bag for a mess-free trip. Give each friend this How to Batik instructions sheet and the materials list to take with them so they can de-wax at home. It’s a great take away that they can save for future batik projects or just keep as a memento of your time together.