Keen to Try Tie‑Dye Batik (Ikat Celup)? Here’s How
Batik is an enduring part of Indonesian culture, but these days it’s not only for formal events — it’s perfect for casual wear and home décor too. Ikat celup, or tie‑dye batik, is a simple resist‑dye technique you can try at home to create beautiful, one‑of‑a‑kind patterns on fabric. This guide walks you through the whole process, from materials to tips for a great finish.
Why try ikat celup (tie‑dye batik)?
The method is accessible, affordable and creative. Instead of wax resist (used in batik tulis), ikat celup relies on tight bindings to stop dye from reaching parts of the fabric — producing organic, striking patterns. It’s a fun project for beginners and a great way to personalise shirts, scarves, tote bags or pillow covers.
Materials you’ll need
- White cotton fabric (mori) or plain cotton T‑shirt
- Elastic bands or raffia string for binding
- Fabric dye (synthetic powder dye such as Wantek or another fibre reactive dye)
- A large pot, wooden spoon and stirring stick
- Table salt (check dye instructions)
- Protective gloves and plastic sheeting
- Optional: small objects (marbles, coins, pebbles) for extra texture
Step‑by‑step: Make tie‑dye batik (ikat celup)
- Cut the fabric — Trim your white cotton to the size you want (for example, 40 × 60 cm for a table runner or sample swatch).
- Bind the cloth — Fold, twist or scrunch the fabric and bind sections tightly with elastic bands or raffia. Tie from the centre, the edge, or create concentric or striped patterns — the placement determines the design.
- Add objects (optional) — Place marbles, coins or pebbles inside folds before tying to create circular or irregular resist shapes.
- Prepare the dye bath — Fill a pot with water and heat to just under boiling. Add the dye powder and a measured amount of table salt (follow the dye packet instructions). Stir until dissolved.
- Dye the fabric — Submerge the tied fabric. For one colour, dip the entire piece. For multi‑coloured results, dye selected areas in stages and shield the rest with plastic to prevent unwanted transfers.
- Rinse and reveal — Lift the fabric from the dye when the colour is absorbed. Allow the excess dye to drain, then carefully cut or remove the bindings to reveal the pattern.
- Dry and set — Hang the fabric to dry on a clothesline or rack. Follow your dye’s instructions for setting (some dyes require heat‑setting or a soda ash soak).
Tips for better results
- Wear gloves and cover your work surface to avoid staining.
- Test on a small scrap first to check colour intensity and binding technique.
- The tighter the ties, the clearer the resist lines — experiment to find the look you like.
- Natural fibres like cotton take dye better than synthetic blends.
- For vibrant colours, use more concentrated dye (but follow safety instructions).
Creative variations
Try different folding methods (accordion, spiral, clamping) and combine multiple dye baths for layered colours. You can also paint or stencil over the dried ikat celup for mixed‑media effects.
Care and maintenance
Wash dyed fabrics separately for the first few washes to avoid colour transfer. Use a mild detergent and cold water. Over time, colours will mellow — consider this part of the charm for handmade textiles.
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Primary keywords: tie‑dye batik, ikat celup, batik tutorial
Secondary keywords: how to make batik, Indonesian batik DIY, batik tie dye
Suggested blog meta & publishing checklist
- Meta title: Keep under 60 characters. Example: "Tie‑Dye Batik (Ikat Celup) — Easy Step‑by‑Step Guide"
- Meta description: 120–155 characters (we used ~150 chars above).
- Header structure: Use one H1 per page (done), H2 for major sections.
- Feature image: 1200×630px for good social previews; use descriptive alt text like "tie-dye batik ikat celup on white cotton".
- Internal links: Link to related posts (e.g. "Batik tulis vs batik cap" or "How to care for handmade textiles").
