LKS2 Topic: British Clothing Block G: Batik
Batik was a traditional wax-resist dyeing technique from various countries. It was even used in Egypt to wrap mummies- linen was soaked in wax and scratched. Learn the traditional craft of batik and make your own batik scarf. You could easily adapt the plans to make batik flags, bunting, banners, bags or any other textile project if required.
Block G: Batik[3 Sessions] / Main Outcome: History
Other outcomes: Art and D&T
By the end of this block you can expect the following outcomes: / · To study an aspect or theme in British history that extends pupils’ chronological knowledge beyond 1066, for example; changes in an aspect of social history such as clothing.
· Recap on many reasons for changes in British Clothing over the past 1000 years.
· Learn what is meant by Batik and understand that it is a form of wax resist.
· Investigate the technique of wax resist on paper and create a number of exploratory pieces.
· Experiment with a canting tool and melted wax on a piece of practice fabric to learn batik techniques.
· Explore different dyeing techniques to decide which to choose when dyeing their own scarf.
· Create a cotton batik scarf using techniques learnt over the previous sessions of their own design and taste.
· Evaluate the project by discussing and recording their influences, experiences and reflections.
Session 1 History and Art
What is batik?
Discover what batik is, where it originated, and begin to learn the techniques needed to make your own batik fabric. / Children will:
· Learn what is meant by batik, what it looks like and how it is done
· Learn how the technique of wax resist on paper is very similar to batik
· Explore different effects using wax resist
· Understand the colour wheel and how adjoining colours can blend to give a pleasing effect
· Experiment with a canting tool and melted wax on a piece of practice fabric to learn batik techniques
Session 2 History, Art and D&T
Creating a batik design on a scarf
Use your knowledge of complimentary colours to help design your own batik scarf. / Children will:
· Recap on their knowledge of the fabric craft of batik by playing an active class quiz game
· Apply melted wax to a long cotton strip of fabric in a design of their choice (to become a batik scarf)
· Learn 3 different fabric dyeing techniques (from which the chn will choose 1 for their scarf next session)
· Evaluate the wax designs/ patterns achieved and then discuss the techniques used
Session 3 Art and D&T
Dyeing a batik scarf
Use the skills and knowledge you have gained to successfully dye your own batik scarf! / Children will:
· Discuss the style of wax work on their batik scarfs
· Learn how wax can be removed through melting and absorption using a hot iron and paper
· Dye their scarf by selecting a dyeing technique from the 3 that have been learnt
· Discuss ideas, choices and experiences during the exploration phase and the making phase
· Record their experiences, influences and reflections on the project by writing an evaluation/reflection
· Create a wax resist border for their evaluation to use for display or for the Hamilton Blog
Resources
Session 1
Provided: Information sheets covering: Teacher’s notes for managing batik in the classroom; Exploring wax resist effects & Colour wheel reference. PowerPoint presentations covering: What is batik? & Learning batik techniques through wax resist on paper.
You will need: Access to the Internet; Two or three batik kettles (a plug in craft resource that melts wax pellets safely); Canting tools – a batik craft tool –one per child in the batik group; Wax pellets for melting; A rectangle of cotton fabric per child to practise controlling a canting tool and melted wax (about 50cm x 30cm is ideal); Watercolour paint pallets, mixing pallets, paintbrushes, water pots; Plenty of A5 paper for chn to experiment with wax resist techniques; Chunky wax crayons in a variety of colours including white.
Session 2
Provided: Information sheets on Teacher’s notes for managing batik and using dyes in the classroom & Colour wheel reference. PowerPoint presentation on Last One Standing game.
You will need: Piece of string; Each child will need their practise rectangle of fabric (from last session) cut into thirds – in a plastic sleeve labelled with child’s name; Several black permanent pens; A packet of fabric dye, mixed into a dye pot according to the manufacturer’s instructions; 2 large buckets, metal tongs (barbeque type is ideal) and 250g of table salt; Large spoon to stir fabric in buckets -either an old wooden spoon (it will get stained) or a metal / plastic serving spoon is ideal; A long strip of white cotton fabric for each child (scarf length and width) -150cm X 28cm is ideal; Some fabric paints in a selection of colours or alternative paints, e.g. solutions of Brusho or drawing inks; Containers for your coloured dyes, 2 or 3 brushes in each colour – prepared in advance; One or two batik kettles and wax pellets to melt, enough canting tools for a third of the class; A plentiful supply of old newspapers to protect tables (and absorb excess dye) and a designated area to dry fabric pieces.
Session 3
Provided: Information sheets covering: Teacher’s notes for completing the batik scarf; Border template; Reflections task sheet & My reflections on making a batik scarf. PowerPoint presentation on Separate sections of colour.
You will need: A named plastic sleeve for each child containing their 3 dyed, dried (and ironed) batik pieces; Each child’s waxed batik scarf (begun last session); Several rolls of kitchen paper (iron, ironing board and newspaper to remove the wax); Dye buckets in a choice of colours made up ahead of the session (the number is up to you) and a bucket of water to pre-soak scarves Large spoons and tongs to stir and lift fabrics in the dye buckets - metal or plastic is ideal as wood will stain; Some fabric paints in a selection of colours or alternative paints (which can be used it your scarf will not need to be washed) e.g. solutions of Brusho or drawing inks; Brushes for applying the dye; A plentiful supply of newspapers to protect tables from staining and to absorb excess dye; Pens, wax crayons, watercolour pallets and paint brushes.
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