DIY Network

Potato Dextrin Resist Potato dextrin resist produces an effect similar to batik. From "Uncommon Threads" episode DUCT-103

(Continued from page 2)

The process of fabric preparation continues.

advertisement

3. For black fabric, discharge (which is the removal of color using bleach).

Note: Your own hand-dyed fabrics can be used instead of black. Test to determine how long it will take to discharge (Sandra generally allows 15 to 30 minutes); use an egg timer to time the process.

4. Mix monagum (thickener) according to manufacturer's instructions.

5. In a small dish combine bleach and monogum (60/40).

6. Wearing gloves and respirator and working in a properly ventilated area (outdoors is best), apply bleach mixture to fabric with nylon brush or other applicators (you can use spray application, but this puts chlorine droplets in air, thus requiring more ventilation).

7. Rinse to remove chlorine, taking care not to allow fabric to fold back on itself. Increase the temperature for removal of resist (potato dextrin), which will lift from the fabric in pieces that can be removed and thrown in trash, if a bucket and sieve are used when rinsing. Neutralize with antichlor (follow manufacturer's instructions).

8. You may wish to consider overdyeing with fiber-reactive dyes, especially if the fabric discharges to white.

9. For white fabric, remember that it's had a soda ash soak. Apply thickened dyes (mixed dye-stock and print-paste mixture according to manufacturer's directions) to the desired areas using nylon brush. (Sandra likes to apply the lighter colors with soft back-and-forth brush motion that will gently work the dye into the fabric surface.) Shaping and toning can also be applied at this stage, but they can also be added in another step following rinse and soda-ash soak. Once dyes have been applied, cover work with a plastic cover or bag and allow to batch (set) overnight or at least three hours.

	Figure E
	Figure F

Hint: Thicken dyes to a fluid consistency similar to watercolor (figure E). For a more intense color, use more dye stock; for softer pastels use more thickener. In either case the use of chemical water (urea and water mixed to manufacturer's instructions) is recommended as a thinner, but be aware this is a wetting agent and will also increase bleeding.

10. Rinse flat in water progressing from cold to hot in order to remove excess dye and potato dextrin.

11. Repeat soda-ash soak and dry

12. For painting flowers, stencils can be cut from poly foam, purchased at a crafts-supply store or hand painted (figure F). Sandra suggests using a nylon fan brush to paint the thin lines of tulips in a few strokes, with different results on each flower. Wrap or bag the fabric with plastic and batch.

13. Rinse in cold to hot water until the water runs clear; follow with a final Synthrapol wash.

14. Finish by cutting the black discharge in strips (in a width appropriate for a frame). Sew to sides, top and bottom; then press, layering with batting and backing fabric. For an art quilt, drop the sewing-machine feed dog, loosen top thread tension and do free-motion stitching in matching or contrasting threads.

1 | 2 | 3

RESOURCES :

Pro Chemical and Dyes dyeing supplies, chemicals for fiber arts, kits and books
Website: www.prochemical.com

Jacquard Products—Dye Na Flow, Lumiere Paints, Pearl EX Stamp Pads
Jacquard Products
Website: www.jacquardproducts.com

Dharma Trading Co. dyeing supplies, fabric and blanks
Dharma Trading Co.
Website: www.dharmatrading.com

Test Fabrics fabrics
Test Fabrics
Website: www.testfabrics.com

Hancocks of Paducah fabrics and sewing supplies
Hancocks of Paducah
Website: www.hancocks-paducah.com

Blanks Fabrics fabrics
Blanks Fabrics
Website: www.blanksfab.com

GUESTS :

Sandra Woock
Website: www.sandrawoock.com
Website: www.materialevolution.com