Orenco Originals for the Artful Needleworker !

 Woman displaying her Indigo Batik’s in Zhoucheng Village, Dali City China 

Chinese indigo batik is a traditional textile art that has been practiced in China for centuries. The process of creating indigo batik involves using a resist dye to create patterns on fabric. The resist dye is typically made from indigo, a plant that is native to Asia. The fabric is first soaked in the resist dye, and then the desired patterns are created by applying wax to the fabric. The fabric is then dyed again, and the wax is removed. The result is a fabric with beautiful, intricate patterns in shades of blue.

Chinese Indigo Bird in Flight Counted Cross Stitch Pattern

Chinese indigo batik is a popular art form in many parts of China, and it is also exported to other countries around the world. The art form is often used to create clothing, home décor, and other items. Chinese indigo batik is a unique and beautiful art form that has a long and rich history.

Indigo Batik Cloths Drying

History of Chinese Indigo Batik

The history of Chinese indigo batik is long and complex. The earliest evidence of batik in China dates to the 6th century CE. However, it is likely that the art form originated in China much earlier than this. Batik was originally used to create clothing for the Chinese emperor and his court. Over time, the art form spread to other parts of China, and it became popular among all social classes.

Chinese Indigo Two Owls Counted Cross Stitch Pattern

In the 19th century, Chinese indigo batik began to decline in popularity. This was due to several factors, including the introduction of new textile technologies and the rise of Western fashion. However, in recent years, there has been a revival of interest in Chinese indigo batik. This is due in part to the growing appreciation for traditional Chinese culture, and in part to the increasing demand for handmade, sustainable products.

Artist Waxing the Fabric Before Dying

Process of Creating Chinese Indigo Batik

The process of creating Chinese indigo batik is complex and time-consuming. The first step is to prepare the fabric. The fabric is typically made from cotton or silk, and it is first soaked in water to remove any impurities. The fabric is then stretched on a frame, and it is ready to be dyed.

The next step is to create the resist patterns. This is done by applying wax to the fabric using a variety of tools, such as a brush, a pen, or a stencil. The wax prevents the indigo dye from penetrating the fabric, and it creates the desired patterns.

Once the wax is applied, the fabric is dyed in indigo. The indigo dye is a natural dye that is extracted from the leaves of the indigo plant. The dye is typically applied to the fabric in several layers, and each layer is allowed to dry before the next layer is applied.

The final step is to remove the wax. This is done by heating the fabric, and the wax melts and drips away. The result is a fabric with beautiful, intricate patterns in shades of blue.

Here is a  Story From China Daily that shows the steps in pictures:

Pic story of inheritor of batik of Miao ethnic group from China Daily

Xinhua | Updated: 2019-10-31 12:10 

 

 Uses of Chinese Indigo Batik

Chinese indigo batik is a versatile art form that can be used to create a variety of items. The most common use for Chinese indigo batik is to create clothing. Batik can be used to create shirts, dresses, skirts, and other garments. Batik can also be used to create home décor items, such as curtains, tablecloths, and pillows. In addition, batik can be used to create art objects, such as paintings, sculptures, and jewelry.

Chinese Indigo Flower and Butterflies Counted Cross Stitch Pattern

The Future of Chinese Indigo Batik

The future of Chinese indigo batik is bright. The art form is experiencing a revival of interest, and there is a growing demand for handmade, sustainable products. As more people become aware of the beauty and history of Chinese indigo batik, the art form is sure to continue to grow in popularity.

For More reading about this art and beautiful pictures check out 
The book Designs Of Chinese Indigo Batik by PU, Lu

 

 

Bring the beauty of Chinese Indigo Batiks into Your Home with Cross Stitch.

Chinese Indigo Four Circling Fish Counted Cross Stitch Pattern