Taking Batik Class: What You Need to Know Before Taking One

It would not be complete being in Indonesia without getting to know one of its most valuable heritages, batik. Experience the maximum sense of Batik by trying making it, how? There are many tourist places in the country offering batik class for whoever wants to take their batik experience to the next level. However, there are some things you need to be informed of before taking the class, you will figure them out soon, so keep reading.

About batik

The term ‘batik” comes from ‘ambatik’ which means ‘cloth with small dots’. Despite some disagreements on the original of batik, one thing is clear is that it developed hugely in the nineteenth century, and acknowledged to be part of Indonesian culture especially Javanese’s by the recognition of UNESCO.

Cloth preparation in making batik

The use of cotton or silk is preferred for batik as the cloth should absorb the wax in the process of dye resisting, it would be best if the cloth is densely woven to maintain the quality of the design. Before the wax application, the cloth is washed and then boiled several times, this is done to remove the traces of lime, starches, chalks and other materials in the sizing process. In a batik class, you usually do not have to do this treatment since it has been done previously.

Tools in batik designing

The tools in making batik are simple, normally batik making includes canting,wajan, wax, cap, and dyes. Canting is a most important tool and made of copper and wood or bamboo for the handle. This tool is a small and thin copper container that is spouted to pour the wax to the cloth. Canting comes in various sizes for various effects in design.

Wajan is the container to hold the wax. It is usually made from earthenware or iron, and placed on top of the small burner to keep the wax melted during the process.

The wax that is used for batik comes from different types and qualities. Common types to be used in batik making are the mix of beeswax and paraffin. 

Cap or stamps made of copper and were invented to meet the mass production of batik. The use of cap in batik making can reduce the price of batik compared with handmade using canting.

Dyes for traditional batik was made from natural ingredients, and need skilled artisans to create various colors from the same materials. Primer colors of batik include black, brown, beige and blue.