Utilization of banana tree natural dyes with high print and marbling techniques in artwear

Abstract

The rapid development of the fashion industry encourages a variety of raw fabric processing through various textile techniques and raw materials. Natural resources in Indonesia have great potential for the manufacture of natural textile dyes. This research was conducted in a holistic manner, where the researcher also acted as an actor directly involved in the experiment: pre-experiment, experiment implementation, and post-experiment evaluation. The holistic objectives of this research were: 1) to find natural dyes that support the use of environmentally friendly materials; 2) to produce natural dyes from banana trees; and 3) to find appropriate high-printing and marbling procedures according to the characteristics of natural dyes from banana trees on textile media. The achievement of the greater goal of this research is to contribute to the development of alternative natural textile dyes that are more environmentally friendly and sustainable. This research uses an experimental method with the support of observation, literature study, and interviews. The results showed that to increase the durability of the color on the fabric fiber so that it does not fade easily, materials such as rice washing water, alum, and salt are needed. The color produced from banana trees becomes more intense if fixation is done with alum and quicklime. The combination of high print and marbling techniques proved suitable for application in artwear fashion products. The use of these natural materials was deemed feasible and affordable as alterations.