How to use batik dye

Batik colour dye is often used for tie dye. With this technique, you can make the most beautiful and colourful designs on everything from t-shirts and jumpers to cloth nappies and tote bags.

Your kids can join you in the creative project, where they can play and experiment with different colour and design combinations.

How to get started

You need to get a hold of some fabric, dye and a few other accessories when you want to start dyeing fabric and clothes at home. 

You will need the following:

•         Fabric made from natural materials (cotton, polyester, linen or rayon)
•         Plastic wrap
•         Elastic bands
•         Buckets
•         Plastic bottles with lid
•         Rubber gloves (and aprons if your kids are joining the project).

Working with batik dye is easy and simple. You choose which colours you want to use and you can mix and match them however you like.

It is a good idea to use aprons when your children are joining the project. The dye can easily stain clothes and textiles. You can also spread out some old newspapers to cover the floor.

How to succeed with batik

1. Start by dividing your T-shirt into sections that you twirl or fold tightly using the elastic bands. (when your kids are joining you, it may be easier for them to make one big knot on the T-shirt)
2. The elastic bands will have created rings of the original fabric colour when you see the final result.
3. There are always instructions included when you buy batik dye. You should use these instructions as a general starting point. If you want a more intense colour, add 1dl salt with the mixed colours
4. Pour hot water into a bucket and soak your t-shirt in it. Squeeze out the excess water afterwards.
5. Put the T-shirt in your batik dye. For a more controlled result, you can put your batik dye in plastic squeeze bottles and pour the dye on gradually. Put the t-shirt in the bucket filled with water. The longer the fabric is in the water the more intense the colour will be.

Once the t-shirt has been dyed, rinse it in clear water until there is no excess dye left.

Textile colour / Batik colour dye

Up to 33%