What is the technique?
Bleaching is done by removing the bond between the colour particle and the fabric, which allow the fabric to look whiter after treatment as the colour pigment are being removed through chemical reaction.
What are the relevant materials needed for the technique?
- Bleach
- Spray bottle
- Dark coloured fabric (100% cotton recommended)
- Pattern stencil(optional)
- Gloves
- Mask
How to achieve the technique?
- Prepare the fabric, such as through twisting,tying or folding and even taping with masking tape to allow creation of negatives.
- Prepare the bleach in spray bottle (can choose to mix with water to dilute the solution)
- Lay the fabric on a table(recommended to be done outdoor)
- Wear glove and mask.
- Spray the fabric with bleach.
- Let the fabric sits until desired colour is achieved.
- Wash the fabric.
- Repeat step 1 to 7 until desired design is achieved.
- Let dry.
What are the uses and applications of the technique?
This technique can be used to create wearable items, pouches, shirts, etc.
Photos
Bleach used
Sample showed in class
Denim used for experimentation
Experimentation result
Own personal reflections
This technique is very simple and can allow very organic and unique design to be achieved. However, due to the nature of this technique. No two same design could be created, so every piece of work achieved through this technique is unique.
It is also very fun to see how bleaching changes the colour of the fabric to colour we do not expect such as from black to orange.