How to make Chinese tie-dyeing ?

After showing what is zha-ran, how zha-ran looks like, I decided to move further to show the process of how to make tie-dye towards our young generation.

Handmade zha-ran needs a long time to produce.

The process can be repeated several times to achieve the best results, and the effects could be vary which would depend on the quality of the fabric, pattern designs, dye density, temperature and time. So each tie-dye product is unique, even if made by the same craftsperson.

They need to collect some Radix Isatidis roots (Banlangen in Chinese). This root is a Chinese medicinal herb which can be used to dissipate excess heat from the body, remove toxic substances and diminish inflammation and detumescence. 
Then they need to ferment the Banlangen and produce the indigo in a vat
Time to design the pattern for the textile
Use a brush to print the pattern out in the fabric
They need to fold and stitch the cotton cloth that the tied part will retain its original colour, while the rest is dyed
Soak the cloth into the water and let it destarch
Put the fabric in the boiling water with the dye for half or one minute
Take them out and cool them for oxidation
Take out the stitches
Use the clean water to wash again
Final step —– Dry it

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