Fabric dyeing has been a part of quilt design for hundreds of years. One popular technique with a long history is batik, which creates colorful designs in a unique way. You’ve likely seen batik fabric at your local quilt shop. Find out its history and how to use it to add creative flair to any project in the following guide.

Batik History

Batik refers to the traditional process of dyeing fabric, usually 100% rayon or cotton, using a wax resistance technique. The practice began centuries ago in Central Asia, India, the Far East, and the Middle East, with the earliest examples dating back to roughly 600 A.D. in China.

Batik involves applying wax on the fabric in the desired patterns. When it’s time to dye it, the color rolls off of the wax, leaving the fabric unchanged. The material can be dyed several times before it’s finished, using waxes with different consistencies to allow for shading and tinting. Once the quilting design is complete, the wax is washed off, and the fabric is ready to wear or use.

When & How to Use It

When you buy batik from a quilt shop, you may need to wash it to shrink it and remove excess dye before use. Because of its consistency and casual feel, batik fabric is ideal for flowing, loose clothing, such as shirts, long skirts, and summer dresses. Cotton batik is also used in quilting since it’s soft, easy to work with, and adds a unique element to your quilt design. It works for eye-catching large bags, purses, and tapestries as well.

The Maui Quilt Shop in Kihei, HI, provides all of the basic quilting supplies you need, including gorgeous batik fabrics! With unique hand-crafted novelties, quilting kits, and sewing supplies, this quilt shop is your one-stop shop for everything you need. View their products online, and call (808) 874-8050 to join a Hawaiian Quilting class.