About our batik...

The word “batik” is Indonesian in origin. It is thought to derive from the word “ambatik” which means a cloth with little dots. The suffix “tik” means little dot, drop, or to make dots. It may have also originated from the word “tritik” which describes a resist process for dying where the patterns are reserved on the textiles.

The fabric that we use for batik is washed and boiled in water many times prior to the application of wax so that all traces of starches, lime, chalk and other sizing materials are removed. Senada uses the best quality fabric available.

The art form of batik is a very intricate and time consuming dying process. Certain processes can be repeated many times before completion of the product. This requires great patience from the skilled worker. After applying wax to the fabric, it is immersed in the colour dye. The colour under the wax is preserved because the wax resists penetration of the dye. After allowing the fabric to dry, the boiling, waxing and dying process is repeated many times until all the colours have been completed. The final boiling dissolves all the wax and results in a beautifully finished batik product. Senada batiks are made entirely by hand using traditional techniques, quality fabrics, dyes and waxes.

Any irregularities in the colour or effect are a natural part of the batik making process. This is not an imperfection but is inherent to this product and does not reduce the high quality of the craftsman's work.

It is advisable to wash new batik fabric separately as you may experience some dye bleeding in the first few washes, but this will not affect the colour of your fabric. Harsh chemical detergents may fade the colours in batik. A soap for sensitive fabrics should be used. Always dry in a shady area and not in direct sunlight. Do not use dryer.