Embellish a Lacey Tank Top Using a Paint Resist Technique

Here’s a new twist on creating batik-like effects.  Rebekah Meier created a graphic batik motif on this lacey tank top by stenciling with a white acrylic paint on a white top. Then she dyed the top in Rit Violet dye.  The painted area remained white and created a resist for the dye, resulting in a batik-like flower motif with precise, defined lines. Very clever! 

Traditional batiks are created using hot wax, which is very messy to handle, or a washable resist. The resist prevents the dye from penetrating the fabric, resulting in batik-like effects.  In this technique, Rebekah used a white acrylic paint as the resist. The motif results are more graphic with crisp, clean lines.  Notice, too, how the stitching around the neckline was done with polyester thread which Rit will not dye, adding another design element.  This is a fun lacey top that can layered and worn all year round.  Click here for the full tutorial.

Rebekah Meier is a self-taught mixed-media artist and designer. Her projects have appeared in many magazines and she has authored several books including Fabric Art Collage, 40+ Mixed Media Techniquesand More Fabric Art Collage, by C&T Publishing  (www.ctpub.com) and Sew Easy Papercrafting.  For more mixed media ideas, visit Rebekah’s website at www.rebekahmeier.com