Fabric decoration level 4
Fabric decoration is the patterning of an essentially plain fabric to render it more appealing or
to serve a particular purpose
Importance of fabric decoration
1. Decoration of fabrics add value to the fabric.
2. Function
3. Individual purpose
4. Aesthetics
5. Social,
6. cultural,
7. Ritual.
8. religious,
9. political
10. Economical
11. breaks monotony
12. creates identity
PPEs
Apron
Dust coat
Face mask
Thimble
Gloves
Low heeled closed shoes
Tools and Equipment
Assorted basins/buckets,Assorted embroidery machinesAssorted heaters/stoves,Assorted
measuring tools,Assorted spoons
Assorted sprayers
Assorted sufurias
Basin
Cutting table
Display boards
Embroidery hoop
Iron
Nozzles
Tweezer
Pliers
punchAssorted dyes
Assorted fabrics
Assorted needles
Assorted paper
Assorted pegs/clips
Assorted PPE items
Assorted sprays
Assorted threads
Assorted tracing paper
Bulbs
Card boards
Dressmakers’ pins
Embossed papers
Erasers
Gas/charcoal/electricity Mirror
Scissors
Sharpeners
Shelves
Tape measure
Thread trimmer
Tracing wheel
Working surfaces
Ironing board
Mannequin
Measuring jars
Staples
Materials
Caustic soda
Nails
HB Pencils
Polythene paper
Salt
Sketching pads
Sodium hydro sulphate
Starch
Twine thread/rubber bands
Water
Vinegar/JIK
dye
Tie dye
This is a resist method of dying fabric in which a section of the fabric is tied together so that the
tied part doesn’t absorb the dye.
Terms used
Fabric it’s a term from latine fabricare which means to make,built or fabricate thus
fibrous construction
Textile refers to the fabric structure mainly weaving patterns
Tie-dye –resist method of decorating fabrics by tying part of the fabrictogter using strings to
prevent dye from penetrating
Dye
Dyeing
Mordant
Types of dyes used
Household dyes/all purpose dye
Direct dye
Acid dyes
Basic dyes
Procion/reactive dyes eg dylons
VAT dyes
Liquid dyes
Natural dyes
Characteristics of tie dye clothes
1. The fabric is soft as compare to batik fabric which is stiff
2. Tie-dye is a hand craft style that transcends time and continues to endure as a timeless
and everlasting trend in the realm of fashion. The fabric is very popular in the current
market.
3. Tie dye fabrics have vibrant/brilliant Colors. This makes them stand out in the market
place
4. Tie dye as a dying techniques has the property of limitless color possibilities, Its
boundless potential allows one to create stunning and vibrant aesthetics designs and
colours suitable for any occasion.
5. Tie dye fabrics have a Versatile usage .Tie-dye offers versatility for various projects and
ensembles. Whether you seek to infuse a burst of color into a simple outfit or craft a
dynamic look from head to toe, tie-dye is the ideal choice.
6. Tie dye fabrics have the property of flexibility and adaptability . It can be effectively
employed in creating various clothing pieces, such as shirts, dresses, and skirts. A tie-
dye fabric can be utilized to craft accessories like scarves, bags, and headbands. A tie dye
fabric can be used for many adaptation eg men’s wear, women’s wear ,pillow cases etc.
7. Lasting Quality Fabric dyed professionally is renowned for its exceptional quality and
enduring colors. It can withstand multiple washes without concern about color bleeding or
design fading. Since most of the fabrics are natural fabrics they also last long
8. Tie dye fabrics are great for Special Occasions especially traditional occasions or
ceremonies. Since tie dye is a traditional craft it is always associated with traditions in
addition a touch of funkiness and individuality to a tie dye ensemble, allows one to stand
out and make a memorable impression among the crowd. With tie-dye fabric, you can
embrace a distinctive style that truly sets you apart on those special occasions.
9. Tie dye fabrics are inexpensive as compared to screen printing since one can use natural
materials
Methods of applying tie and dye
Folding
Binding
Twisting
Knotting
Marbling rolling
Gathering
Tritiking/sewing
Use cords and ropes
Basic tie dye designs
Strips ,Checks Squares, Rectangles ,Circles ,Ovals, Spirals
Spiral,Crumple
Bullseye
Sunburst
Horizontal Stripes
Diagonal Stripes
Vertical Stripes
Box Folds
Triangle Folds
Heart
Examples .How to make diagonal lines
Fold the fabric into rectangles and tie the fabric across at intervals .deep the fabric into dye for
15 mins then put it in the shade for 15 mins to allow it to get oxygen (vatting time) then wash
in .cold water
Technique of application of tie –dye
Use contrast dyes
Measure a two colour tone band
Injecting the dye
Tinting
Retouching
toning down the colours
Preparation of dye solution
Take 2 litres hot water in a bucket and add one table spoon of caustic soda and stir. then add
hydro sulphate one table spoon and stir then add dye one small spoon and stir then add salt
3 table spoon. Let the solution Vat (mixing of the dye and caustic soda, hydro sulphate plus
salt to mix well for 15 mins before use)
Preparation of fabric for dying
Wash the fabric in cold water to remove any dirt or chemicals
Tie the fabric while its dumb
Dip (dye for 15 minutes or piece dye the fabric (45 minutes)
Put the fabric in a shade for 15 minutes for piece dye
Wash the fabric in cold water
Remove the ties
Wash the fabric
Finishing tie dye fabrics
Untie the dyed fabric
Rinse in cold water
Dry partially
Lastly iron when damp
Batik
It is a resist method of dyeing in which wax is used to resist dye from penetration into the fabric.
Designs are drawn with wax on the fabric which is then immersed in a dye. The unwaxed
portion absorbs the colour.
History of bakit
Batik is a traditional wax-resist technique of dyeing and decorating fabric, dating back over two
thousand years. Remnants of batiked cloth have been discovered in both China (Far East) and
Egypt (Middle East). However, it is in Java, Indonesia, where the most accomplished batiks can
be seen. The word 'batik' comes from the JaPanese world ambatik, derived from tik which
means to mark with a point, dot or drop.
Batik is a method of decorating fabric by applying hot wax and dye. The basic principle of batik
is that wax serves as a resist. Shapes, patterns and lines are drawn directly in molten wax or
stamped on the the fabric using different waxing tools
e.g. cantings (tjantings), brushes and caps (tjaps). The fabric is coloured by either dip-dyeing or
directly painting on the dyes. The waxed areas resist the dye and remain the original colour. Only
the unwaxed areas will take up the dye.
The process of waxing and dyeing can be repeated to create elaborate and colourful designs.
Starting with the lightest colours, you can gradually build up the tones to the darkest colour,
waxing the details at each stage. You have to allow the fabric to dry before you can wax the next
layer. After the final dye has been applied and allowed to dry, the wax is partially removed by
ironing the batik between newsprint, thus leaving the design on the fabric. The last remnants of
wax can be removed by boiling out or by dry-cleaning.
If it is a picture, the batiked fabric can be stretched over stretcher bars or framed under glass.
Batik can also be used to decorate scarves, T-shirts, clothing and wood.
Tools and equipment
Wax Pot
It is preferable to use a thermostatically controlled wax pot
Wax
Mixture of Beeswax (or Microcrystalline wax) and Paraffin wax - usually one third
(30%beeswax to 70%two thirds paraffin wax but you can mix your own proportions. or
you can buy ready-mixed Batik wax.
Wax Tools
Canting (pronounced tjanting) a tool for applying hot wax by hand.
Kystka - A smaller waxing tool for detail
Wax brushes - (bristle preferably)
Cap - (pronounced tjap) a copper design stamp
For Procion Cold Water MX Reactive Dyes,Watercolour brushes and sponge brushes,Soda Ash
(Fixative)
For VAT dye
Caustic soda,hydrosulphate,salt vat dyes
Fabric
100% white cotton fabric, linen, silk, velvet, viscose,
Other equipment
Adjustable frame
Push Pins/thump pins
Products made with batik
Now, not only is batik used as a material to clothe the human body, its uses also include
furnishing fabrics, heavy canvas wall hangings, tablecloths and household accessories.
Batik techniques are used by famous artists to create batik paintings, which grace many
homes and offices.
The Types of Batik
Handwritten Batik
As the name implies, written Batik is a type of batik that is made manually by hand with the help
of a canting tool to shed the night on batik patterns. In making this type of batik Requires
patience and high patience because every point in the motif affects the results.In addition,
because it is made by hand, so, the resulting motif also cannot be exactly the same between one
motif with another. So it is not surprising if the price of batik is very expensive.
Stamp Batik
Stamp batik is batik made with a kind of batik motif stamp. The stamp or stamp is made of
copper whose function is to replace the canting so that it can shorten the time of making batik.
This printed batik is produced through the process of dying a kind of tool that has been shaped in
such a way on the fabric. But the printed batik motif is considered to lack art because of the exact
same motif. So the price of printed batik is very cheap because of its mass production.
Combination of Stamp and Write
There is also a type of Batik which is a combination of written batik and printed batik. This type
of batik is made in order to reduce the weaknesses in stamped batik products.
In the process of making this combination batik, it requires complicated preparation especially
from the merging of the motifs written and the motifs of the paint. But for the artistic value of the
product is equated with batik.
Batik Printing
It is called printing batik because in the process of making this type of batik is more similar to
printing. In making batik printing using offset or screen printing.
In terms of the process is very easy and time-effective. The price of batik is also quite affordable
as is the price of printed batik.
Characteristics of batik
1. Intricate designs: Batik fabrics are known for their intricate and detailed designs.
These designs are created using a resist dyeing technique, where wax is applied to
the fabric in specific patterns before dyeing. The wax acts as a barrier, preventing
the dye from penetrating the fabric in those areas, resulting in unique and intricate
designs.
2. Vibrant colors: Batik fabrics are often characterized by their vibrant and rich
colors. The dyes used in batik are typically bold and vibrant, creating a visually
striking effect. The combination of the intricate designs and vibrant colors makes
batik fabrics visually appealing and highly sought after.
3. Handmade craftsmanship: Batik fabrics are traditionally made by hand,
requiring skilled artisans to create the intricate designs. The process involves
multiple steps, including wax application, dyeing, and wax removal. The
craftsmanship and attention to detail involved in creating batik fabrics contribute
to their uniqueness and value.
4. Natural fibers: Batik fabrics are typically made from natural fibers such as
cotton, silk, or rayon. These natural fibers provide a soft and comfortable feel,
making batik fabrics suitable for various applications, including clothing, home
decor, and accessories.
5. Cultural significance: Batik fabrics have a rich cultural heritage and are
associated with various countries and regions, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and
parts of Africa. They often carry symbolic meanings and are used in traditional
ceremonies and celebrations. The cultural significance of batik fabrics adds to
their appeal and value.
6. Versatility: Batik fabrics can be used in a wide range of applications, including
clothing, home decor, accessories, and art. They can be transformed into garments
such as dresses, shirts, and sarongs, or used as decorative elements in pillows,
curtains, and tablecloths. The versatility of batik fabrics allows for creative and
diverse uses.
7. Unique variations: Due to the handmade nature of batik fabrics, each piece is
unique. Even when using the same design, slight variations in color, pattern, and
wax application can occur, adding to the charm and individuality of each batik
fabric. These variations make batik fabrics highly valued by collectors and
enthusiasts.
Difference between batik and tie-dye
1.Tie dye fabric is soft while batik is stiff
2.Tie dye fabrics use string or ropes to resist dye while batik wax to resist
3.Batik fabrics have cracks while tie dye don’t have cracks.
Similaries
Both are resist methods of dying
The use the same type of dye
They use the same type od fabrics
They are both hand craft/small scale methods of printing
They both use bright or vibrant colours
Both are traditional method of printing
Suppliers of decorative fabric
Suppliers of fabric decoration items
For fabrics –Textile fabric shops
For tools and equipment use in textiles textile fabric shops
For art ,drawing and design products bookshops
For packaging bookshops and textile and garment shops
For dye Mambo yote textiles shop in Bungoma and text book centre in Nairobi
Bleaching is the process of decolorizing the material after it has been scoured.
Bleaching products in textiles can be classified as oxidative bleaching and reductive
bleaching .
Three types of bleaching
1. Hypochlorite bleaching for 100% cotton (less used)
2. Hydrogen peroxide bleaching for 100% cotton (more used)
3. Sodium Chlorite bleaching only used for special sector and only for polyester and
cotton blend
How to bleach fabrics
1.bleach the whole fabric
Submerge the clothes in the bleach bin for 1 to 15 minutes.Place the clothes in the bin with the
bleach solution and push down until the fabric is soaked. If you only want a light change in the
fabric, leave the garment in for a minute or two.
