Starch Resist Batik Practical for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 7
Age: 17 years
Duration: 60 minutes
Subject: Dyeing and Bleaching
Curriculum Theme: Textile Design and Production
Previous Lesson: Different Processes of Starch Resist
Topic: BATIC (STARCH)
Subject Matter: Practical- demonstration with emphasis on starch technique

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils/students should be able to:

Cognitive Domain

• Identify the materials required for starch resist batik.
• Explain the steps involved in preparing starch paste for batik.
• Describe the process of applying starch and dyeing fabric using the resist method.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the artistic and cultural value of starch resist batik.
• Show patience and attention to detail during the practical process.
• Develop an interest in experimenting with different batik resist techniques.

Psychomotor Domain

• Prepare a suitable starch paste for batik.
• Transfer a design onto fabric and apply starch paste accurately.
• Successfully dye a fabric using the starch resist technique.
• Remove starch and finish a batik fabric properly.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 Senior Secondary Education Curriculum (SSEC)
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work
• A suitable Textile Design textbook for SS 3

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Cotton fabric pieces
• Cassava or corn starch
• Water (cold and boiling)
• Direct or reactive dyes
• Brushes or spatulas for applying starch
• Pencil and paper for design
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Stove or hot plate for cooking starch
• Drying line and pegs
• Iron and ironing board
• Gloves and apron for safety
• Examples of starch resist batik fabrics

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson provides students with hands-on experience in starch resist batik, a traditional textile art form. It helps develop practical skills in design transfer, material preparation, and dyeing techniques. Mastering this technique can foster creativity and open avenues for entrepreneurship in textile production.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have basic knowledge of batik as a resist dyeing method, different types of fabrics, and simple design transfer techniques.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Starch Resist Batik Practical

Materials Required for Starch Resist Batik

The essential materials for performing starch resist batik include:

1. Fabric: Usually cotton or other natural fibres that absorb dye well.
2. Starch: Cassava starch (garri flour) or corn starch, used as the resist agent.
3. Water: For mixing starch and dye.
4. Dye: Direct or reactive dyes suitable for fabric.
5. Application Tools: Brushes, spatulas, or squeeze bottles for applying starch.
6. Design Tools: Pencil, paper, and tracing paper for creating and transferring designs.
7. Dyeing Equipment: Buckets or basins for dye baths.
8. Safety Gear: Gloves and apron to protect hands and clothing.
9. Finishing Tools: Drying line, iron, and ironing board.

Preparation of Starch Paste

A thick, smooth starch paste is crucial for effective resist. The steps are:

1. Measure the desired amount of starch into a mixing bowl.
2. Add a small amount of cold water to the starch and mix thoroughly to form a smooth, lump-free slurry.
3. Gradually add boiling water to the starch slurry while stirring continuously.
4. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens into a translucent, gel-like paste. The consistency should be thick enough to hold its shape when applied but still spreadable.
5. Allow the starch paste to cool completely before use.

Design Transfer and Starch Application

Applying the starch correctly ensures the design is preserved:

1. Pre-wash and iron the fabric to remove any sizing or impurities.
2. Transfer the chosen design onto the fabric using a pencil or carbon paper.
3. Place the fabric on a flat, protected surface.
4. Using a brush, spatula, or squeeze bottle, apply the cooled starch paste thickly and evenly over the areas of the design that are to remain undyed (the resist areas).
5. Ensure the starch penetrates the fabric to prevent dye seepage.
6. Allow the starch to dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the thickness of the starch and environmental conditions. The starch must be hard and brittle.

Dyeing the Fabric

The dyeing process imparts colour to the un-starched areas:

1. Prepare the dye bath according to the manufacturer’s instructions for the chosen dye type and desired colour intensity.
2. Ensure the dye bath is large enough to immerse the fabric without crowding.
3. Carefully immerse the starch-applied fabric into the dye bath.
4. Agitate the fabric gently and continuously to ensure even dyeing.
5. Allow the fabric to remain in the dye bath for the recommended time to achieve the desired colour depth.
6. Remove the fabric from the dye bath and rinse it thoroughly under running cold water until the water runs clear.

Starch Removal and Finishing

The final steps reveal the batik design:

1. After rinsing, gently crack the dried starch by crumpling the fabric.
2. Carefully scrape off the larger pieces of starch from the fabric surface.
3. Wash the fabric with warm water and a mild soap to remove any remaining starch and excess dye.
4. Rinse again thoroughly until all soap and starch residues are gone.
5. Hang the fabric to air dry completely.
6. Once dry, iron the batik fabric to smooth it out and set the colours.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Demonstration, Guided Practice, Question and Answer, Explanation, Observation, Practical Activity.

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engagement/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they know about batik and resist dyeing. The teacher then introduces starch resist batik as a practical application of these concepts.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions about batik and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Introduction to starch batik

Step 2: Identification of Materials

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Identification/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher displays all the materials required for starch resist batik and explains the function of each item, referring to the Board Summary for clarity.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the materials, ask questions, and identify each item as explained by the teacher.

Learning Point: Starch batik materials

Step 3: Starch Paste Preparation Demonstration

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Modelling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates step-by-step how to prepare the starch paste, ensuring the correct consistency is achieved. The teacher explains the importance of a lump-free and thick paste.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstration carefully, noting the process and consistency of the starch paste.

Learning Point: Starch paste preparation

Step 4: Design Transfer and Starch Application Demonstration

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Guidance

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to transfer a design onto the fabric and then applies the starch paste accurately onto the resist areas of the design. The teacher emphasizes applying a thick, even layer and allowing it to dry.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the design transfer and starch application, then begin to practice transferring their own designs and applying starch on small fabric samples.

Learning Point: Starch application technique

Step 5: Dyeing Process Demonstration

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Instruction

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher prepares the dye bath and demonstrates how to carefully immerse the starch-applied fabric, ensuring even saturation. The teacher explains the importance of agitation and dye time.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the dyeing process and ask questions about dye concentration and timing.

Learning Point: Fabric dyeing process

Step 6: Starch Removal and Finishing Demonstration

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Explanation

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher demonstrates how to gently crack and remove the dried starch, wash the fabric, rinse it, and prepare it for drying and ironing. The teacher highlights the reveal of the batik design.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the starch removal and finishing steps, appreciating the final outcome.

Learning Point: Starch removal and finishing

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. List three materials needed for starch resist batik.
2. Briefly explain how to prepare starch paste.
3. What is the purpose of applying starch to the fabric?
4. Describe two steps involved in removing the starch after dyeing.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Understanding starch batik process

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 10 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the starch resist batik process into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Recording lesson notes

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Reinforcement

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarises the key steps of starch resist batik, reiterates the importance of patience and precision, and encourages students to practice the technique further.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and ask any final clarifying questions.

Learning Point: Starch batik technique consolidated

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Project/Practical Exercise

Instruction: Individually or in pairs, students are to:

1. Design a simple pattern suitable for starch resist batik on an A4 paper.
2. Prepare a small piece of cotton fabric (e.g., 30cm x 30cm).
3. Using locally sourced starch, apply their design onto the fabric using the starch resist technique.
4. Dye the fabric using a single colour.
5. Remove the starch and finish the fabric.
6. Present their finished batik piece in the next class, explaining the steps they followed.

Lesson Keywords

• Starch Resist – A batik technique where starch paste is used as a resist agent to prevent dye from colouring certain areas of fabric.
• Batik – A method of dyeing textiles by applying wax or other resist agents to parts of the fabric, preventing dye penetration.
• Resist – Any substance applied to fabric to prevent dye from reaching certain areas.
• Dye – A colouring agent used to impart colour to textiles.
• Cracking – The process of breaking the dried resist (starch or wax) to create fine lines or textures in batik.

Differentiation

For students who grasp the concept quickly, encourage them to experiment with more intricate designs or explore different methods of applying starch (e.g., using stencils). For students who may struggle, provide pre-drawn designs for them to practice starch application and offer more one-on-one guidance during the practical steps.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding, search YouTube for: starch resist batik tutorial nigeria ss3