Make

Paste

1. Mix the flour and water together in a saucepan.
2. Bring gently to the boil and simmer until the liquid becomes transparent.
3. Add the caustic soda and continue to simmer until the mixture becomes honey coloured.
4. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly before pouring into a plastic tub.
5. Allow to cool at room temperature.

Transferring your design ideas

The design ideas need to be transferred into a series of stencils and tools which will be used to apply the paste to the calico.

Stencils and paste application

1. Make stencils and tools by cutting your motifs from thin plastic (eg: ice cream tub plastic).
2. Place the calico on newspaper on a flat surface. Arrange the stencils on the calico and apply the paste to the cloth through the stencils or tools with a knife or spatula. Repeat this process until the cloth is covered with the desired design.
3. Allow to dry thoroughly.

Painting and finishing

1. Mix together equal quantities of fabric medium and poster paint of your chosen colour(s) in a plastic tub.
2. Apply to the fabric to acheive the desired effect.
3. Allow to dry for a second time before ironing with a cool iron (wool setting) for 5 minutes through a sheet of paper. This will set the paint.
4. Wash the fabric to remove the paste and reveal your design.
5. Allow to dry and iron. Now you can make your unique fabric into whatever you wish - a cushion cover or wall hanging perhaps.

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Dyeing & Block Printing
Paste-resist Dyeing
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