Creating Patterns of Indigo-Dyed Fabrics by Using the Candle Drawing Technique

Abstract

The purposes of this research were to study the context related to the wisdom of producing Mudmee fabric and creating Mudmee patterns using the candle drawing technique and to evaluate the satisfaction with the products. This was a research and development project involving in-depth interviews, prototype development, and collaborative experiments. Target groups included indigenous knowledge holders and traditional Mudmee fabric producers in Ban Nakham and Ban Nong Krong villages, Choeng Chum sub-district, Phanna Nikhom district, Sakon Nakhon Province. The research findings indicated that the majority were Thai ethnic groups with a traditional culture of weaving Mudmee patterns. There was an attempt to develop fabric patterns to meet market demand. Patterns created with the use of the candle drawing technique had fluid curves and could create a variety of patterns, both geometric and free-form. The technique involved boiling to melt the candle onto the thread instead of tying with rice straw. The candle could be reused multiple times, reducing waste and significantly reducing the time to tie Mudmee, from two days to 20-30 minutes. Fabrics produced with this technique had unique patterns and could be transformed into various products. A satisfaction study involving 300 consumers of Mudmee fabric dyed with the candle drawing technique found that consumers were most satisfied with the free-form pattern, accounting for 58.34 percent.