If you have had experience with creating quilts or even if you just enjoy quilts in general, you may have come across Batik fabric. With the interesting name it has, it makes the owner of it quite curious about its properties.
So, the question “What Is Batik Fabric?” is made. In case you find yourself making this question you have come to the right place. Everything essential that you need to know about this magnificent fabric will be answered clearly and directly as we will go on with the article.
Key Takeaways
- Batik fabric is typically made from cotton or silk woven in tight weaves. Wax is then poured on the desired pattern, which is then dyed; after the wax is removed, the barrier that was created forms a beautiful design.
- Batik fabric is an antique material dating back at least 2,000 years.
- The weaves created are thick, which can be difficult for the designers at times.
- Some qualities of Batik fabric depend on the main material that is used to create it although it is known to be a durable and soft fabric.
- The use of Batik fabric varies from place to place. Usually, it is used for quilting, but it can be found in dresses, handbags, blouses, and so on.
What is Batik fabric?
Batik fabric is a very vintage type of cloth that comes to life due to the Batik technique. To create such a fabric, people from early on have used the method of wax-resist dyeing, thus applying it to the whole cloth.
To fully comprehend what is Batik fabric fundamentally we need to first understand its history of it. Now, do not worry; we are not going to recreate an episode of History Channel; we are just going to share some interesting knowledge.
Batik fabric was first discovered in early times. While the exact time is unknown this material is known to be at least 2,000 years old. Yes, it is indeed antique. Now it goes without saying, to start questioning the fabric, if it is the same as it was all those years ago. The answer to that is yes, of course. The only change that might have been made throughout the years is trying a new type of thread to create the material.
From this knowledge, we now know Batik is a long-standing fabric that has resisted generations. All that is missing now is the essential definition of Batik fabric.
This fabric can be considered an art form in itself. Essentially it is a pure cotton or silk material that is then given a design or pattern through the wax. Upon dying the cotton or silk, the place where the wax remains untouched gives a beautiful effect. Today this process is mostly practiced in quilting projects.
Simply put, Batik fabric is an antiquated process performed on silk or cotton threads by using wax to create a designed barrier that after dying would remain untouched. The effort the designers put into the patterns needs extreme concentration and talent.
To get a more thorough explanation of the procedure of how this amazing fabric is made or the qualities Batik possesses, I encourage you to keep on reading since the best is yet to come.
Also Read: A List of Wonderful Irons for Airbnb
The process of creating Batik fabric
The definition previously given is more of a direct approach to explaining the Batik fabric and while correct a more detailed description of the process exists. I will not waste any more time and will get started.
The first step is of course choosing the material that the design will be displayed. The most common choices are cotton or silk, but blends or even other materials can be used such as linen. However, the reason behind silk and cotton being used is due to the wax and dying method produces a finer result. The weaving of these fabrics is done as tight and compactly as possible. After this, the part where the wax design is applied can begin.
When working with Batik fabric, tailors and designers might have a harder time since the fabric itself, as mentioned earlier, is tightly and thoroughly woven. This is done to ensure that the dye that will be applied will remain in the threads more securely, essentially creating a more long-lasting fabric design.
While in today’s century, machines do exist to speed up the process of creation, nothing matches the handmade versions of Batik. The handmade articles of Batik fabric are also more expensive to purchase in comparison to the mass produces machine ones. Overall, knowing about the process adds another depth of field to the knowledge behind Batik fabric, a knowledge that is brushed over today by mechanical processes.
Qualities of Batik fabric
To get a better sense of the fabric itself, it is essential to know its traits. Up until now, we have discussed how the weave is made, and you can understand that Batik is a durable yet soft fabric. However, these two properties are not the only thing this stunning fabric possesses.
Batik fabric has properties that depend on its manufacturing route. This means that the combinations that can be made from the weave and the thickness of the Batik can produce numerous desirable fabrics. Hence Batik fabric has the possibility of shiny, smooth, or even matt surface reflection. The same is implied for the softness, lightweight, and breathable features. As a result, it is critical to understand the material used for Batik in order to fully appreciate its abilities.
In a way, you can say that the qualities of Batik fabric are in the hands of the designers and customers. They have complete creative freedom for this fabric.
Also Read: What is Paper Piecing Quilting?
Usage of Batik fabric
Batik fabric is used for a variety of purposes around the world. In some parts, it is ideal for quilting while in others it is more favorable for dress-making.
It is true though that nowadays Batik fabric is mostly used and known in the quilting industry although it is possible to find it in other pieces as well. A surprising use might be Batik fabric for handbag designs and blouses. Although it does make sense once you start to think about it.
This fabric is adored in such a manner that people find a use for it in different ways since the beauty of the weave can be functional in a lot of scenarios. Projects of all sorts can be made possible through this particular fabric.
Also Read: It is Possible To Iron Blackout Curtains
Final words
As you may have noticed Batik fabric is a wonderful discovery that still finds use in today’s world. I mean it would be a shame if it did not, considering the immense detailed beauty that succeeds in stealing the hearts of many.
Bringing this topic to a conclusion I hope you will now have a complete understanding of what this fabric is, the qualities it has together with its use in the world.
I graduated from London College of Fashion, and I’ve been working for a Fashion Design company for 10 years. My other hobbies are going to the gym and reading.
