Jumputan is a popular technique that is often used to give motifs to fabrics. The result is very beautiful and colorful. While this technique is fun for anyone of any age to do, some parents may be concerned about using textile dye around young children. Luckily, you can dye the fabric with food coloring. Although the dyeing results will not be as bright and vibrant as textile dyes, the process will still be fun and can be a good activity to introduce you to jumputan.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Selecting and Soaking the Fabric
Step 1. Select the white cloth to be dyed using the jumputan method
T-shirts are a popular choice for this process, but you can also color scarves, socks, handkerchiefs, etc. Jumputans can be applied to cotton as a temporary option. However, for long-lasting color, use fabrics made of wool, silk, or nylon.
Food coloring is an acid-based dye. The resulting color is less than satisfactory if you apply it to cotton, linen, and other materials made from plants
Step 2. Mix equal amounts of white vinegar and water
Pour water and white vinegar into a bucket or bowl in equal proportions. The vinegar smell may be unpleasant, but it will help the dye adhere to the fabric. If the smell is very bothersome, work outside.
- For small fabrics and children's T-shirts, use 120 ml of water and 120 ml of white vinegar.
- For large fabrics and adult T-shirts, use 500 ml of water and 500 ml of white vinegar.
Step 3. Soak the cloth in the solution for 1 hour
Place the fabric to be dyed in the vinegar-water solution. Press so that the entire cloth is submerged in the solution and leave for 1 hour. If the fabric continues to float on the surface, use a jar as a weight to hold it in place.
Step 4. Squeeze out the excess vinegar-water solution
After an hour, remove the cloth from the vinegar-water solution. Squeeze well until all excess vinegar-water is removed. The fabric should be damp when you start dyeing with the pinch method. So, move on to the next step right away.
Method 2 of 4: Tying Cloth
Step 1. Determine the type of pattern you want
The bound areas will remain white, while the unbound areas will be colored. If the fabric has a lot of creases, keep in mind that the area may not be exposed to color. Here are some patterns you can try:
- Spiral
- stripes
- stellar radiation
- Tangled pattern
Step 2. Twist the fabric into a spiral
Do this method if you want a classic swirl pattern. Select a center point on the fabric; doesn't have to be in the middle. Pinch the fabric, making sure you take all the layers. Twist the fabric into a tight spiral, much like a cinnamon cookie. Wrap 2 rubber bands around the spiral so that it forms an X to hold it in place.
- This method works best for T-shirts.
- You can also make some small twists on a large shirt.
Step 3. Wrap an elastic band around the fabric if you want a striped pattern
Roll or crimp the fabric into a tubular shape. You can roll it vertically, horizontally, or even diagonally. Wrap 3-5 rubber bands around the roll. The rubber must be wrapped tightly to press and bend the fabric. You can arrange the rubbers in equal distances or randomly.
Step 4. Pinch and tie a bunch of fabric if you want to get a mini star radiation pattern
Spread the fabric evenly. Take a handful of cloth, then tie it with a rubber band to form a small lump. Do the same process on the other parts as many times as you want. Each part that is tied will form a stellar radiation pattern.
This technique is ideal for T-shirts
Step 5. Clump the fabric and tie it if you want a random pattern
Roll the fabric into a ball. Tie 2 rubber bands around the ball to form a cross. Add some rubber if necessary to keep the ball from unraveling. The rubber should be tied as tightly as possible so that it can squeeze the fabric tightly to form a solid ball.
Method 3 of 4: Coloring the Fabric
Step 1. Choose 1-3 colors that will look harmonious with each other
When dyeing the fabric with the jumputan technique, using a little color is better. If you use too much, the colors will mix and produce a mud-like color. We recommend that you choose 1-3 colors that you like. Make sure the colors look attractive when combined. Do not choose opposite colors, such as red and green.
- If you want a bright combination, try red/pink, yellow, and orange.
- If you want a cool combination, choose blue, purple, and pink.
Step 2. Fill the bottle with 120 ml of water and 8 drops of food coloring
You will need 1 bottle of water for each color you will use. Close the bottle and shake to mix the colors. Feel free to mix colors to get a beautiful new color. For example, red and blue make purple. Read the information on the food coloring package for the correct amount.
- If the bottle has a standard flat cap (not a nozzle like an athlete's bottle), punch a hole in the cap with a thumbtack.
- You can also use a plastic squeeze bottle. Such bottles can be purchased at the grocery store, in the baking supplies section or at a craft store, in the jumputan section.
Step 3. Select the first color and spray on the first part
Place the cloth on an empty tray or bucket. Spray the dye on the first part that has been tied. Make sure the color is evenly distributed throughout the area. Since the shirt is already moistened with a solution of vinegar and water, the dye will spread quickly.
Food coloring can stain your hands. We recommend that you use plastic gloves when performing this step
Step 4. Repeat the same process on the other tied parts
Use one color for each tied section. You can create random patterns or specific patterns like blue-pink-blue-pink.
If you are using one color for the entire fabric, apply that color to each section
Step 5. Apply this technique to the back of the fabric if necessary
When you're done dyeing the fabric, turn the roll over and inspect the back. If you see white spots, flush with more dye. You can use the same pattern as on the front or choose a different pattern.
Method 4 of 4: Finishing Your Work
Step 1. Put the dyed cloth into a plastic bag
After that, close tightly. Make sure to get the air out of the plastic bag. You can also put the cloth in a large plastic clip bag and seal it tightly.
Step 2. Leave the cloth in the plastic bag for 8 hours
During this period the dye will seep into the fabric. Try not to move the plastic bag during this process as this can mess up the color. It's best if you place the plastic bag in a warm, sunny area. That way, the heat of the sun will make the color seep better into the fabric.
Step 3. Remove the cloth from the plastic bag and remove the rubber band
If you're having trouble, use scissors. Again, food coloring can stain your hands. So you have to do it wearing plastic gloves. If you must lay the cloth on a surface, cover it first with a sheet of plastic, wax paper, or aluminum foil so it won't leave a stain.
Step 4. Soak the cloth in the gram-water solution
Mix 150 grams of salt and 120 ml of water. Dip a cloth in the solution, then remove it and wring it out to remove excess water.
Step 5. Rinse the cloth with clean, cold water until the rinse water is clear
Hold the cloth under the faucet, then open it. Let the water run until the rinse water looks clear. You can also dip the cloth in a bucket of water, but you'll need to keep changing the water until the rinse water is clear.
Step 6. Let the cloth dry
You can hang the cloth and let it dry or put it in the dryer to speed up the process. The heat from the dryer can even help the dye adhere better to the fabric.
- Be aware that the color will fade once the shirt is dry. It is the nature of the use of food coloring as a colorant.
- Do not tumble dry the fabric if you are using silk, wool, or nylon.
Step 7. Wash the fabric separately for the first 3 washes
Food coloring tends to stain more strongly than regular dyes. The color is not permanent like real textile dyes. To prevent food coloring from staining other clothes, wash fabrics separately for the first 3 washes.
Tips
- It is not recommended to use fabrics made of cotton, bamboo, rayon, and synthetic materials (except nylon) for this dyeing technique.
- Even though food coloring is safe to eat, don't instill in your child the idea that eating dye is normal. He might try doing it with textile dye someday.
- Food coloring can leave stains. So, it's best to do this work outdoors or cover the work area with plastic/newspaper. Wear old clothes or a work apron.
