Collection: Batik Fabric Online

What is Batik Fabric?

Batik fabric is a wax-resist dyed cloth made using a technique that originated over 2,000 years ago in Asia and Africa. The wax prevents dye from penetrating parts of the cloth, creating colourful designs, patterns and textures when the wax is removed. Today, Batik is used for clothing, home furnishings, accessories, and artwork.

History of Batik Fabric

• The term "batik" comes from the Javanese word "ambatik", meaning "to dot". Batik fabric has a long history in Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and parts of Africa. 

• The exact origins are unclear, but it was an established craft in many regions by the 17th century. Both hand-drawn and stamped methods emerged over centuries of batik-making before modern processes were introduced in the 19th century.  

Applications of Batik Fabric

Today, batik fabric is used in a wide variety of applications. 

• It remains ubiquitous in traditional cultural fashions throughout Asia and Africa. 

• Beyond that, it has become popular in casual clothing like dresses, skirts, shirts, and pants, as well as homeware like curtains, table linens, pillows, and artwork. 

• Batik techniques have also been applied to paper, paintings, metalware and more. 

• It is now common to find mass-produced batiks along with premium handmade cloth at markets globally.

Types of Batik Fabric 

There are three main types of batik fabric. 

• Firstly, hand-drawn Batik is fully produced by hand using canting tools for wax-resisting and dyes for colouring. 

• Secondly, copper stamp batik speeds up waxing using copper stamp blocks. 

• Lastly, screen-printed Batik uses screens to apply the wax resist more efficiently before dyeing. 

The latter two involve some machine production but still retain the handmade qualities associated with traditional batik work.

Uses and Characteristics of Batik Fabric

• Batik fabric, usually made from cotton or silk, has a smooth and lightweight feel. 

• It is valued for its eye-catching designs, vivid colours, visual textures and durability. These characteristics make batik cloth well-suited to clothing, home furnishings, crafts and artwork. 

• It is comfortable to wear in hot climates, can be decorated elaborately or modestly, maintains dye contrasts after repeated washing, and has cultural and historical significance embedded in its production. 

Why Should You Buy Batik Fabric Online?

Shopping for batik fabric online provides access to a huge range of unique handmade and modern printed batik textiles from artisans around the world. Check out TradeUNO for specialised designs that are not available locally while supporting the preservation of batik heritage, all through secure online purchases that offer worldwide shipping straight to your door.

Batik Fabric Latest Trends 2023 for Festivals & Occasions

The latest batik fabric trends combine traditional motifs with modern elements in bold colours and prints. 

• Dynamic patterns, graphic contrasts, metallic accents, and sampler mixes displayed together in ensemble outfits are hot for 2023 festivals and celebrations. 

• Customisable bespoke batik pieces are also on the rise, allowing personalised looks crafted through online independent services or augmented reality apps. 

FAQs about Batik Fabric

1. What are the Different Types of Batik Fabrics?

Ans: The three main types are hand-drawn Batik made entirely by hand, copper stamp batik using wax stamps, and screen-printed Batik, which uses screens to apply wax resist. 

2. What Clothes Can You Make With Batik Fabric?

Ans: Batik fabric can be used to make all kinds of clothes like dresses, skirts, pants, shirts, jackets, accessories, and more for people of all ages and genders.

3. How Do You Wash Batik Fabric?

Ans: Most batik fabric can be machine-washed cold and drip-dried. Avoid hot water or heat drying methods. Wash colours separately and without strong detergents to preserve the colours and integrity of the fabric. 

4. What Designs are Popular on Batik Fabric?

Ans: Common batik designs combine cultural motifs like geometric shapes, plants, animals, landscapes, figures, masks, and paisleys to create intricate and visually striking patterns.

5. Why is Batik Fabric Comfortable to Wear?

Ans: Batik fabric, usually 100% lightweight cotton or breezy rayon, allows airflow through the cloth, making it very cool and comfy to wear, especially in hot and humid climates.

6. How Long Does Handmade Batik Fabric Take to Make?

Ans: It takes master artisans around 2-5 days to fully complete an intricate hand-drawn batik fabric length from start to finish between waxing, dyeing and finishing processes.