SCARF SILK

Ref. L01

Ref. L02

Ref. L03

HAND  DRAWN  BATIK  PROCESS

HAND DRAWN BATIK PROCESS

Malaysian hand drawn batik entails a simple printing on the required design with a fine waxed line, achieved only with "canting" . If other textures or thicker lines are desired, a paint brush is used. 

The process of hand drawn batik begins with drawing the wax line onto the cloth. It requires a maximum of skill and experience. Normally, the cloth is stretched across two meters long frame. The cloth is tacked periodically to keep the material taut.

"Canting" is used to outline batik patterns on cloth with melted wax. The wax flows out evenly through the spout from a small metal bowl.

Another artist will then colour the design. This artist will stand closely while applying the dyes with a brush so that each additional colour will blend smoothly. Applying colours also requires expertise. The dye must be applied carefully to avoid any bleeding into the background or other design elements. Choices of colours and their blending make the difference between a fine and mediocre product. Dimension is added to the leaves and blossom by blending shades and hues of a variety of colours. At time the length of cloth is divided into sections, each with an individual design. After fixing and boiling, the cloth will be cut into a number of pieces.

The next process is fixing. The cloth is then fixed in with ' sodium silicate'. This is to avoid or protect the cloth from fading easily.

Finally, the cloth is boiled to remove the wax, revealing the intended design, It is then washed repeatedly.

The fabric is then hung in a shed to dry and subsequently ironed and packed.