Authentic African Batik Fabric

African batik fabric is often overlooked for the ubiquitous African wax print fabric. However, it makes a great alternative if you are looking for something unique and vibrant. Other names you might find called; Adire, batiki, kampala, so keep a look out.

We specialise in African batik fabric and West African Batik fabric forms the bulk our or current selection. We currently stock batik from Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania and we are always looking to expand our selection with reliable, good quality sources. Each country has its own design language and preferred technique but what they all have in common is that they are vibrant, colourful and unique.

Our current stock is all made using 100% cotton and therefore suitable for so many applications. You will probably be familiar with Batik but do read on to see the African take on this fabric type.

Batik designs are created on fabric, using what is referred to as, resist techniques. This is the process of protecting certain parts of a piece of fabric from the dyeing process. This way, those parts remain the original colour of the fabric and it is this contrast that creates the design. The process can be simple or layered and intricate, each producing very different results. The fabric can be manipulated and dyed over and over again until the final design is achieved.

How is it made?

The batik designs we stock are created in a number of ways;

drawing in wax
threading/ tying- this is the popular tie dye/ adire
drawing with cassava paste
stenciling sometimes in combination with wax or paste
folding which is a more freehand approach

These techniques are carried out by hand and the result is a one-of-a-kind piece of fabric. They show the hand of the maker and this is what makes them special. Each piece is like a piece of art created by an actual human. It is perhaps the quality of not being exactly replicable that makes it less of a commercial option which requires absolute uniformity. However there are numerous designers and makers that have embraced this uniqueness with beautiful results.

What fabric is used in batik?

Batik designs can of course be applied to many types of fabric as long as it can be manipulated using the resist techniques mentioned above. It would also need to be a good base for absorbing the dye. The fabric we stock is typically 100% cotton and between 120 to 150 g/sm. This make it great for many applications.

So what can you make with Batik?

The short answer is ANYTHING! Dressmaking, quilting, patchwork, soft furnishings. We have seen it made into shoes, jewellery, cushions and even as wall hangings. Just cut a section to your desired frame size and place in a frame for hanging. Hey presto, affordable art.

Any project which calls for a woven or cotton fabric would be suitable. It is a great option for dresses and skirts. If you are looking at patterns, we would especially recommend simple shapes and styles. You end up with a garment that is quite stunning because it forms a basis for the fabric to ‘do all the work’. Our Assembly Line patterns are a good option. Check out the V-Neck Dress or the Tulip Dress. I Am patterns are also a good choice for timeless wardrobe staples.

We have had several of our customers send us images of their past makes and the batik ones are always pretty special. Check these out.

Jules in shirtdress made from African Batik Fabric — Image by Acme Atelier

Astrid in Batik Flowers Adire — Image by Acme Atelier

How can you tell if batik is real?

Some items or garments claim to be made of batik or tie dye, when in fact they are machine printed. So watch out if you want something more authentic. Due to the way it is produced, the best way to check the authenticity of batik is to check the design on the reverse side of the fabric. You should be able to see the design on both sides. The hues and shades are usually different on the reverse, often more saturated. Sewin tip: Using the variations between the right and wrong side of the fabric in a sewing project can make for a very nice outcome. In a sense, there is no wrong side. Just choose which you prefer!.

Tips for sewing and care of African Batik Fabric:

This would depend on where your sourced your fabric so do take advise from them. Failing that, it is always worth testing a small scrap, where possible, before the whole piece.

Generally our selection can be

washed cold
machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius
washed before sewing, to remove residual wax. shrinkage should be minimal as the fabric would have been washed during the dyeing process
iron on medium

In conclusion, if you are looking to make something from African fabric, why not go for a batik fabric for your project. You will end up with something unique and unlikely to be like anyone else’s. We would love to hear from you if you are a fan of African batiks or if you would like to share you makes from this gorgeous fabric.