Batik-Dyed Balloon Tote

Batik-Dyed Hot Air Balloon Tote Bag

By Cathie Filian

This fun tote bag is ready to go where you go! A wax-less batik technique was used to create the illusion of clouds floating by. Traditional batik uses hot wax as a resist to create designs when dyeing fabric. Hot wax is hard to handle and difficult to remove after dyeing so clear washable school glue was used as a substitute. It’s so much easier!

Supplies

  • Rit Liquid Dye:  Teal & Purple
  • White 100% Cotton Tote Bag, 13” x 18”
  • White 18” Piece Knit (T-shirt) Fabric for Hot Air Balloon
  • Measuring Cup
  • Spoon for stirring dye
  • 2-Gallon Bucket or disposable container
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Rubber Bands
  • Elmer’s Washable Clear School Glue
  • Steam-A-Seam 2 Double Stick Fusible Web
  • Embroidery Needle
  • Dark Fuchsia Embroidery Floss
  • Scissors
  • Paper Towels
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Iron & Press Cloth

Instructions

1.  Prewash tote bag to remove any sizing or finishes that may interfere with the absorption of the dyes.  Dry and iron bag.

2.  Cover work surface with a plastic cover.

3.  Lay bag on a flat surface.  Using the open tip of the Elmer’s Glue as a pen, freehand draw clouds with the glue onto the top section of the bag.  Let glue dry for 5 hours or overnight.  The glue creates a resist and prevents the dye from penetrating the fabric. This will result in white clouds.

4.  Accordion fold knit T-shirt fabric into a tube shape.  Wrap with rubber bands every 2”.  Wet fabric in warm water.  Squeeze out excess water.  Set aside.

4.  Wearing rubber gloves, mix ¼ cup Teal liquid dye (or one-half box of powder dye) with 1 gallon very hot water (140° F); stir well.  Note:  If tap water is not hot enough, heat water in the microwave or tea kettle. 

5.  Wet bag and immerse in dye bath for about 10 minutes or until desired color is reached.

6.  Remove bag from dye and rinse in cold water until water runs clear.  Then wash bag in warm water with a mild detergent.  Rinse and hang dry.  Iron to remove wrinkles.

7.  Immerse wrapped knit T-shirt fabric in Teal dye bath for several minutes, or until desired color is reached.  Then remove from dyebath and squeeze out excess dye.  Remove rubber bands and accordion fold the knit fabric in a different direction.  Wrap with rubber bands.    

8.  Wearing rubber gloves, mix ¼ cup Purple liquid dye (or one-half box powder dye) with 1 galloon very hot water; stir well.  Immerse wrapped fabric in dye bath for several minutes until desired color is achieved.  Remove and rinse in cool water until water runs clear.  Then wash in warm water with a mild detergent.  Rinse and hang dry.

9.  Trace or draw hot air balloon and basket shapes onto one side of Steam-A-Seam 2.  Peel off paper from other side and stick to dyed knit fabric.  Cut out balloon and basket shapes.  Peel off remaining paper, leaving Seam-A-Seam on knit fabric.  Position balloon and basket on left side of tote bag as shown.  Cover with a press cloth and iron 10-20 seconds.

10.  Using embroidery floss and embroidery needle, hand stitch using a running stitch ¼” away from outer edges of hot air balloon and basket.  Then stitch lines to connect the balloon and basket.

Details