In this class, you explored the creative process of making and using natural pigments from common kitchen spices.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps:

Flour Batik

Using flour to batik fabric is a creative and inexpensive way to create unique, hand-dyed designs! Flour paste acts as a resist to prevent dye from coloring certain areas of the fabric, creating patterns that are revealed once the paste is washed out. Here’s how to do it:

Materials Needed

100% cotton fabric (washed and dried)
All-purpose flour
Water
Paintbrushes or squeeze bottles
Fabric dye or acrylic paint
Mixing bowl and whisk
Large flat surface (like a table covered in plastic or a baking tray)
Iron

Flour Batik

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Fabric: Pre-wash and dry your cotton fabric to remove any chemicals or sizing that might prevent the dye from adhering well.
Make the Flour Paste:
Mix equal parts flour and water in a bowl. Stir until it forms a smooth paste that’s thick but spreadable—similar to pancake batter. Add a bit more flour if it’s too thin.
Transfer the paste into a squeeze bottle or use a paintbrush if you prefer.
Apply the Design:
Lay your fabric flat on a plastic-covered surface.
Using the squeeze bottle or paintbrush, create designs by applying the flour paste to the fabric. You can make lines, dots, or any pattern you like.
Let the flour paste dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on thickness and humidity.
Set the Flour Paste by Cracking (Optional for a Crackled Effect):
Once the flour paste is dry, gently fold and crinkle the fabric to crack the paste, creating a batik-style crackle effect.
Apply Dye or Paint:
Use fabric dye or watered-down acrylic paint to paint over the fabric, covering both the flour paste and the exposed areas.
Let the dye or paint dry thoroughly.
Wash Out the Flour Paste:
Soak the fabric in warm water and gently rub the paste off. It should dissolve, leaving behind your resist pattern.
Rinse until all traces of the paste are gone.
Final Set and Dry:
Let the fabric dry completely, then heat set with an iron

Links for the History of Paint