The Indonesian Islands have been making batik fabrics for centuries. Traditional batik fabrics were made on the Indonesian Island of Java. Many batik fabrics on the market today are made on the island of Bali.
Figure A
Batik is a wax resist method of decorating fabric. Melted wax could be applied to fabric in several ways. The oldest form of batik is canting (pronounced "tjanting"). Women painted intricate designs onto the fabric with this pipe-like instrument (figure A).
Figure B
Figure C
Next, a wooden stamping tool called a cap (figure B) (pronounced chop) was used but proved unreliable and was replaced with a copper cap (figure C) to decorate fabrics. Copper caps were heated and dipped into hot melted wax and applied to the entire surface of the fabric. The waxed fabric was then painted or dipped in liquid inks or dyes. To remove the wax the fabric was rinsed and boiled several times.
Batik tips
Pre-wash batik fabrics.
Thinner batting is recommended for easier quilting.
Blend conventional fabrics with batik fabrics for quilting applications.
Batik fabrics typically do not stretch as they have a tighter thread count. Place batik fabrics on top when stitching since the pressure foot tends to stretch the top fabrics.
Batik fabric is not recommended for the backing fabric for a quilt, as the fabric is uncomfortable against the skin.
Cost wise, batik fabrics are in the same price range as traditional quilting fabrics.
Figure D
Purchase attractive batik fabric bundles (figure D) or assortments to experience a satisfying quilting adventure.
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/11/01/qlt812_1a_tjanting_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/11/01/qlt812_1b_captool_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/11/01/qlt812_1c_coppercap_e.jpg",350,450))
![PHOTO](javascript:popup("http://img.hgtv.com/HGTV/2002/11/01/qlt812_1d_batikbundles_e.jpg",350,450))