Presently, new designs and materials have encouraged the production of batik, appearing versatile at international fashion scenes, locally and abroad.
The design and motif are inspired by flora, fauna, geometric and abstract; sometimestaking a combined stylised formation.
There are three types of application in batik making. The applications are the canting technique, the block technique and the silk-screen technique.
Malaysia has acclaimed batik as one of the nation’s heritage, inherited from the Nusantara common heritage influence. It is believed that batik making begun in the Javanese islands in the 12 th century and spread to various places within the Nusantara, including the Malay States of Kelantan and Terengganu. Batik production hasnow spread throughout Malaysia and found its own design niche which is contemporary, fresh and free style.
Types of application in batik making :-
The Block Batik-Technique
It is amongst the country’s earliest techniquein batik making.A block(wood or metal with motif) is applied asstampingobjects ontoa white cloth, hence the name ‘batik blok’ or ‘batik cop’.
Cotton cloth was once widely used in batik making but the present market has created choices such as using silk and organza which appeal more to fashion, accessories and household use.
The Canting Batik-Technique
This technique is better known as ‘batik lukis’ (drawing batik). It involves using a pod or ‘canting’ which has a narrow pout that flow out hot wax to draw or outline a pattern onto a white cloth. The pattern is then painted with colours which only touch the white cloth. The outlined that is waxed will resist the colour.
Rayon, voile, organza and silk cloths are often used. Design and colour have made batik versatile for fashion wear as well as for accessories, decorations, household items, gifts and souvenirs.
The Screen Printing Batik-Technique
Also known as stencilling or ‘batik stensil atau batik skrin’, it refers to the process of batik making on screen made of polyester.
It is held stretched on a frame the size of the stencil. Screens of different motif designs are prepared, each acquiring just one colour application. The first screen is placed on top of a white cloth for the colouring process.
The process is being repeated with each screen of different motif and colour requirement. Eventually, a complete batik design with authentic colours is formed onto the cloth.
