Creative Fabric Pattern Design Using Cyanotype: A New Approach for Product Development of Suan Hansa Community Enterprise, Khlong Narai Sub-district, Mueang District, Chanthaburi Province

Abstract

              This research aimed to 1) create cyanotypes using dyes extracted from local plants in Chanthaburi province, and 2) determine guidelines for designing cyanotype-based community products. This mixed-methods study involved reviewing documentary data related to image-making with light and conducting experiments with cyanotype techniques using local plant dyes to identify suitable methods. The results were analyzed in the form of a summary of the processes and principles of creating and designing patterns. Four members of the Suan Harn Sa Community Enterprise Group were interviewed using an interview form to organize a focus group discussion. Comments were collected as a guideline for developing community products, and the data were analyzed from the summary of design data and guidelines, as well as a reference image sheet for designing community products was created in the form of a qualitative essay. 

              The results indicated that 1) a cyanotype using dyes from local plants in Chanthaburi province consisted of four steps by creating patterns with light using ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide, arranging dried flowers and leaves and drying them in the sun for 15 minutes, adjusting the colors with ash alkaline water, and being dyed with natural colors from mangosteen peels and leaves, resulting in dark brown colors, in which appropriate colors must contain tannin as a component, and appropriate pattern arrangements included stacked patterns, overlapping patterns, spreading patterns, and mixed patterns. And 2) design guidelines of community products were that the community must be able to produce their products themselves and that pattern arrangements must meet design guidelines, namely overlapping and spreading patterns were suitable for cushions, cloth bags, or wall decorations, and stacked patterns and mixed patterns were suitable for designing clothing products.