STEPS TO ACHIEVING FREEHAND DESIGNS IN ADIRE MAKING.

Freehand drawings are drawings made without the use of drawing instruments or straightedge. Sketching patterns as a first-timer without the aid of any instrument could be challenging, but practice they say makes perfect. 

Materials needed

•  A 100% cotton white fabric
• Latex gloves
• Scissors 
• Pencil stencil
• Fabric dyes 
• Wax
• Water
• Plastic bowl/bucket
• Face mask.
• Stove
• Pot

Procedure

• Step 1: Ensure your workspace is cleared up and materials are readily available and at reach.
• Step 2: Make your stencil pointed using a pair of scissors. 

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• Step 3: Spread out your white fabric and using the wax melt which serves as a resist. Draw 2 or 3 lines (horizontally and vertically) creating different boxes for your designs.

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• Step 4: Start off with the first box and proceed to the last, drawing different strokes or design of your choice. (You can repeat designs, but be creative about it).  

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• Step 5: After all boxes have been covered with patterns/designs, soak the fabric in water for at least 10 minutes, and then proceed to dye in any color of your choice. Rinse immediately after the dyeing process until the water is clear.

• Step 6: Proceed to dewax your fabric after dyeing, rinse, hang it out to dry, and iron afterward to remove any trace of wax that’s left on the fabric.

P S: Freehand design must not be done exactly like this, you can draw whatever you like using wax which serves as a resist. See the pictures below to see examples of different freehand drawings made by beneficiaries of The Adire Lounge Empowerment Scheme. 

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