TATAKI ZOME: Japanese Botanical Printing
Tataki Zome, or "hammer dyeing," is a stunning Japanese art form that transfers the natural pigments from flowers and leaves onto fabric. This technique is simple, meditative, and leaves you with unique, nature-inspired prints perfect for crafting tea towels, bunting, or even upcycled clothing. There’s something magical about seeing real petals and leaves become part of the cloth through gentle tapping.
How long will it take?
How hard is it?
How many people can do it together?
Under 2 hours
Beginner-friendly
Great for solo crafters or small workshops
Spring-Summer
a wildish story
What do you need?
Cotton fabric (preferably mordanted with alum)
Fresh flowers and leaves
Hammer or mallet
Paper to protect hammer
Newspaper or scrap paper Iron (optional)
How to do it.
Mordanting Fabric (Optional but Recommended) - Dissolve ~10% alum of fabric weight in warm water - Simmer fabric for ~1 hour, let dry
Tataki Zome Steps
1. Lay fabric on a hard surface.
2. Arrange flowers/leaves in desired design.
3. Cover with paper to protect hammer.
4. Tap or hammer gently to transfer pigments.
5. Carefully peel away plant material.
6. Allow to dry; optionally press with an iron to set colors. Experiment with different plants for unique hues and shapes!