What is Batik?

Using The wax to draw the pattern.

Completed the simple pattern

What is Batik?

Batiks origins can be traced back to Asia, India and Africa. Some say the word is of Malay roots and translates "to write" or "to dot".

Batik is an art medium and methodology for creating design, usually on cloth, by applying wax to portions of the material and then dyeing it, then removing the wax. This can be done to make vibrant colors and incredible designs.

Simply, batik is an amazing and ancient method of color dyeing.

Technically, batik is the process of applying dyes to porous surfaces.

Historically, batik has been around for many hundreds of years.

Esthetically, batik produces some of the most beautiful art in the world.

However, batik is not easy and involves a very labor intensive and complex process with many hours of back breaking hard work.

The first step in Batik is to design a pattern and have an idea of what you would like to create.

Wax is then placed in specific areas on the fabric using a "Canting" tool.

Wax acts like a barrier to the color dyes and allows a color to remain while the remaining non-waxed fabric absorbs the dye. Some times called “Resist Dyeing”.

Most of the time the wax is then removed by soaking the fabric in hot water. Occasionaly some wax will remain on the fabric and is easily removed in a warm wash cycle.

The batik process of dyeing and waxing repeats. The wax can be removed and re-applied several times to make beautiful and intricate designs. Repeating until all the desired colors and patterns are obtained.

The process of batik is practiced around the world. New methods and techniques are continually evolving.

In order to let our children to experience this beautiful art and culture, QQ has started the Batik class in March. The process is similar but the wax we use is not hot wax, so children can enjoy making their own pattern easily and creatively!