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Lesson 3 of 7
  • Year 11

Exploring dyeing methods: colour and pattern creation

I can experiment with dyeing and stencil printing techniques to create a patterned fabric design.

Lesson 3 of 7
New
New
  • Year 11

Exploring dyeing methods: colour and pattern creation

I can experiment with dyeing and stencil printing techniques to create a patterned fabric design.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Artists simplify designs into bold motifs so they can be cut and used as stencils.
  2. Combining dyed backgrounds with stencil printing allows artists to create layered, textured effects.
  3. Combining printing with resist techniques helps control where dye or ink is absorbed, adding contrast.

Keywords

  • Stencil - a cut-out shape used to apply paint or dye in a specific pattern

  • Dyeing - adding colour to fabric by soaking it in dye

  • Resist - a method that prevents dye from colouring certain parts of the fabric

Common misconception

All dyeing methods colour fabric evenly across the whole surface.

Different dyeing methods produce different effects, techniques like dip-dyeing, tie-dye, or resist create uneven or patterned results, while immersion dyeing can give a more uniform colour.


To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Exploring dyeing methods: colour and pattern creation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model safe use of a craft knife through practical demonstration and ensure close supervision of pupils.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Paper, card, craft knife, cutting mat, white cotton, inks or dyes, paintbrushes , bowls, silk screens, squeegies, printing inks.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is dyeing?

Drawing with coloured pencils on fabric
Correct answer: Adding colour to fabric using dyes or pigments
Sewing shapes into fabric

Q2.
Fabrics can absorb dye so that the colour soaks into the ...

Correct answer: fibres.
paper.
hands.

Q3.
Match the material to its source:

Correct Answer:Cotton,Plant fibre from a cotton plant

Plant fibre from a cotton plant

Correct Answer:Silk,Made from silkworms

Made from silkworms

Correct Answer:Synthetic fabric (like polyester),Man-made using chemicals and plastics

Man-made using chemicals and plastics

Q4.
Which of these can be used to make patterns when dyeing fabric?

Folding and tying fabric
Using wax or resist
Layering leaves or objects
Correct answer: All of the above

Q5.
Primary colours can be mixed to create secondary colours like ...

Correct answer: green, yellow, and purple.
green, orange, and purple.
green, orange, and black.

Q6.
Match the subject to how dyeing links with it:

Correct Answer:Science,Dyes involve chemical reactions and absorption into fibres

Dyes involve chemical reactions and absorption into fibres

Correct Answer:Art & Design,Artists and designers use dyeing to explore colour and pattern

Artists and designers use dyeing to explore colour and pattern

Correct Answer:History,People have used natural dyes (like plants or insects) for centuries

People have used natural dyes (like plants or insects) for centuries

Additional material

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