VALID!! Tutorial on making ecoprint FOR BEGINNERS (steam technique)

Summary

This video provides a beginner-friendly guide to eco-printing using Tawas and Tunjung for mordanting. The process includes preparing a mordant solution, soaking fabric, arranging leaves with high tannin content, and steaming the fabric for detailed prints. It covers essential materials like water, alum, and different types of leaves (Teak, African, and Lanang), while offering tips on achieving the best results. The video also introduces alternative techniques such as marine botanical and monochrome prints. Perfect for anyone looking to explore sustainable and creative ways to add natural prints to fabric!

Takeaways

• 😀 The first step in making ecoprints is to prepare the mordanting solution with Tunjung and Alum mixed in water.
• 😀 A suitable container is essential for the mordanting process, depending on the size of the fabric.
• 😀 Gloves are necessary during the mordanting process to ensure safety and avoid direct contact with the chemicals.
• 😀 After mixing the mordant solution, immerse the cloth (e.g., 50 x 150 cm size) into it for about 5 minutes.
• 😀 Once soaked, wring out the cloth and dry it under direct sunlight, typically taking about 30 minutes for quick drying.
• 😀 The next step involves soaking the cloth in calcium carbonate (CC) solution, which is safe for the environment and does not damage soil.
• 😀 The leaves used for the ecoprinting process must be rich in tannins, such as Lanang, African, and Teak leaves.
• 😀 Arrange the leaves with their 'good' sides facing the cloth and ensure they are aligned correctly to get the best prints.
• 😀 The cloth must be tightly rolled with the leaves inside, ensuring the prints are pressed firmly onto the fabric.
• 😀 After rolling, the cloth is tied up and steamed for 1.5 to 2 hours to transfer the leaf prints onto the fabric.
• 😀 Once steamed, the fabric reveals clear and detailed leaf prints, with the color intensity depending on the type and age of the leaves used.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of Tunjung and Tawas in the ecoprinting process?

Tunjung and Tawas (alum) are used as mordants in the ecoprinting process. Tunjung helps fix the color onto the fabric, while Tawas (alum) enhances the color's bond and helps the fabric absorb tannins from the leaves more effectively.

How much Tunjung and Alum should be used for the mordant solution?

For the mordant solution, you should mix 1 tablespoon of Tunjung and 1 tablespoon of Alum in 1.5 liters of water.

Why is it important to wear gloves during the mordanting process?

Wearing gloves during the mordanting process is important for safety, as both Tunjung and Alum are chemicals that could irritate the skin or cause allergic reactions.

How long should the cloth be soaked in the mordant solution?

The cloth should be soaked in the mordant solution for about 5 minutes to allow the solution to thoroughly soak into the fabric.

What should you do after soaking the cloth in the mordant solution?

After soaking the cloth, wring it out gently and dry it in direct sunlight for about 30 minutes, or until it is fully dry.

What type of leaves are used for ecoprinting, and why are they chosen?

Leaves with high tannin content, such as Lanang, African, and Teak leaves, are used for ecoprinting. Tannins help create a strong, detailed print on the fabric.

How should the leaves be arranged on the fabric for ecoprinting?

The leaves should be placed on the 'good side' of the cloth, with their underside facing up. The mirroring technique is used, where the leaves are arranged to create symmetrical prints.

Why is it important to roll the cloth tightly during the ecoprinting process?

Rolling the cloth tightly ensures that the leaves press firmly against the fabric, creating sharp and detailed prints during the steaming process.

How long should the cloth be steamed for the best print results?

The cloth should be steamed for 1.5 to 2 hours. Steaming for less than 1.5 hours might result in prints that are not as detailed or vivid.

What happens if the cloth is not steamed long enough?

If the cloth is not steamed for at least 1.5 hours, the leaves may not release their tannins properly, resulting in a print with less detail and less color transfer.