Easy No Wax Batik Dyeing

Instructions

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  Step 1

  Lay out your shirt on plastic wrap. I put parchment paper or cardboard inside so the resist wouldn't go thru both layers. I marked the center with a pin just as a guide.

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  Step 2

  You can brush the resist on rubber stamps but make sure to get any excess out of the cavities. I just used the handle of the brush to scoop it out.

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  Step 3

  Press your stamps into whatever pattern that strikes your fancy. Remember to re-apply the resist each time.

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  Step 4

  I drew the stem pattern using the squeeze bottle directly onto the shirt. You can also try it with those nice metal-point applicator bottles for more control. I think the consistency should work.

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  Step 5

  Remove the parchment paper and mix two dye solutions. One is darker than the other.

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  Step 6

  Here's the recipe I used for this top. Test out your own color combos. Take in mind the color shirt you're starting with.

  Add 1/2 cup of salt and 1Tbsp of laundry detergent to each solution and stir well to dissolve. This optimizes the dye to best color retention for cotton fabrics.

  Also, the water should be very hot, at least 140 degrees. I usually heat some up in a kettle and work quickly.

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  Step 7

  Hold the shirt n' sleeves upside down to dye only the top part of shirt. Dip in the light solution about 1/2 way down.
  Dip in the dark solution about 1/3 down.
  Then dip again in the light solution to blend the colors. Squeeze out the excess dye.

  Good thing you're wearing those gloves, right?

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  Step 8

  Lay the shirt on plastic wrap. Fold the plastic around the shirt, seal the edges. Then fold to fit in microwave. Nuke on HIGH for 2 minutes. This will set the color.

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  Step 9

  When it cools, remove from plastic. Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
  Wash it and wear it!

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  Step 10

  Oh, an extra step you might like to do:
  To highlight the details, you can outline with a permanent fabric marker.
  OK, that's it!

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  Step 11

  Thinking of giving this No-Wax batik technique a try??
  I put it on these easy step by step tutorial pages.

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  Step 12

  OK, have fun with it, my friends! Let me know if you make one. Love to share ideas!