Florence, Italy - Course Descriptions - Fabric Design: Batik

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Summary

The word "batik" (pronounced "ba-teek") is Indonesian word meaning "wax writing". This process involves brushing or applying melted beeswax to fabric. The waxed fabric is then submerged in wet dyes. The waxed areas resist the dyes creating designs in the fabric. These fabrics are recognized for their crackle or veining that appears in the design. This course covers the dyeing techniques of wax resist, silk painting, and the tied and shaped resist processes of Shibori. Projects are designed to teach ways of controlling the image making process through solving color and design problems with the manipulation of the resists and dye bath sequences. The course also includes emphasis on dyes and fiber techniques for the finishing and embellishment of fabrics such as quilting and sewing.