Faux Batik (Frugal fabric dying fun!)

Traditional batik involves hot wax and bottles or vats of liquid dye. In today’s tutorial, I’ll show you how to recreate a batik look using white glue and Derwent Inktense blocks. This project is suitable for all ages and skill levels and can be more complex depending on the skill of the artist! This video is an educational collaboration with Derwent.

Materials (Affiliate links used)

• Inktense blocks set of 12

• Waxed paper

• Cardboard or foam core that is slightly larger and the fabric you will be dying

• Clips or clothespins

• A waterproof surface like a silicone mat or plastic

• White cotton fabric such as muslin

• PVA glue in a squeeze bottle

• Derwent Flat Waterbrush

• Spray bottle of water

• Paper towels or rags

The downside to this over traditional batik is that you can’t remove the glue whereas you can iron out hot wax. The glue method is safer for kids and gives them the process of how it is done and I think it’s a good tradeoff for wall hangings or other decorations. What do you think?

Happy crafting!