Batik fabrics have recently become one of the most popular types of fabrics on the market, as well as in the Fabrics Galore store. With these fabrics, you can enjoy multi-coloured designs and patterns which have been created by completing a unique process. You will see slight imperfections in the pattern and dyes on these hand-made fabrics which give them character, giving you the opportunity to really add depth to your dressmaking pieces.
The history of batik fabrics
Batik fabrics have been around for an incredibly long time, over 2,000 years in total. Evidence of early batik fabrics have also been found all over the Middle East, in India, Central Asia and Africa. The exact origin of batik is not known, but it is widely common on the island of Java, Indonesia - where it reached the greatest peak of accomplishment.
How are batik fabrics made?
To make different batik fabrics, selected areas of the cloth are blocked out by brushing or drawing hot wax over them whilst the cloth is dyed. The parts covered in wax resist the dye and retain the original colour, with this process being repeated in order to create increasingly elaborate and colourful designs. After the final dyeing, the wax is removed, and the cloth is ready for wearing or showing. The colours in batik are far more resistant to fade than those of painted or printed fabrics because the cloth is completely immersed in dye.
How can you use batik fabrics?
Batik fabrics in the UK can be used in a variety of different ways, but they are primarily used for patchwork projects. They are the perfect way to enhance the patterns, transforming bland designs into vibrant quilts which you are guaranteed to fall in love with.
Quilting is also incredibly popular, often becoming a hobby of preference for many individuals up and down the country. Quilting and patchwork is often seen as an escape, giving people the chance to do something which is enjoyable, relaxing and rewarding. Batik fabrics only enhance the experience even further, providing them with the opportunity to experiment with amazing colours, textures and patterns.
Batik fabrics can also be used to make skirts, dresses and tops, so they are incredibly versatile and should definitely be included within your fabric collections, as they can enhance a variety of different projects.
Batik fabrics from Fabrics Galore
Here at Fabrics Galore we have a wide variety of different batik fabrics available for you to purchase. You can browse our entire selection of quilting and patchwork fabrics for inspiration on your next design, allowing you to put your own personal twist on your designs. To explore the range of batik fabrics that we have just added to our stock, head over to our newest fabrics range now.
