Batik — Wax Resist Fabric Dyeing
Apply melted wax (or cold wax resist medium for schools) to fabric, then dye it. The waxed areas resist the dye, creating patterns. The world-famous Indonesian textile technique, adapted for primary classrooms.
Textiles
Ages 8–1190 minsHarderSmall group
Watch on YouTube
Search: "batik wax resist fabric dyeing kids school tutorial" — video tutorials from popular craft channels
What you'll need
- Plain cotton fabric squares (pre-washed)
- Cold wax resist or batik wax
- Tjanting tool or paintbrush for wax
- Cold water fabric dye (Dylon)
- Salt
- Rubber gloves
- Aprons
How to do it
- Draw a design on fabric lightly in pencil.
- Apply cold wax resist using a tjanting tool or paintbrush, following the design lines.
- Allow wax to dry completely (cold wax: 30 mins; hot wax: immediate).
- Mix fabric dye according to instructions. Add salt as per Dylon instructions.
- Submerge fabric in dye bath. Stir regularly for 45 minutes.
- Rinse under cold then warm water until clear.
- Remove wax by ironing between layers of newspaper (hot wax) or peeling (cold wax resist).
💡 Tips
Cold wax resist (available from art suppliers) is safer than hot wax for school use and produces excellent results. Work on plastic-covered tables. The unpredictability of the result is part of the appeal.
Books and materials
Convenience links for everything mentioned above. We link to Amazon — LessonKind may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.