Collection: Obsessed with Shibori Tie-Dye? Here's Your DIY Guide

The Japanese term for “storm” because it creates a pattern reminiscent of rainfall, also known as the pole-wrapping technique. You will need a piece of fabric (square is easiest, but you can fold sleeves, etc., inward to create a symmetrical shape if you’re using a different shape of fabric), a wooden dowel or piece of PVC pipe and twine.

Learn more about this technique here.

 

 

This twist and bind resist technique can be accomplished in a number of ways, ranging from expert to beginner difficulty level. One of the easiest ways to try this technique involves wrapping small sections of your fabric over found objects, usually small stones or pebbles. The fabric is bound in place with rubber bands which will ultimately create spider-like patterns. You will need similarly shaped objects (we used decorative glass stones) and rubber bands.

Learn more about this technique here.

 

 

 

Also known as the shape-resist technique. Fabric is typically folded like an accordion and then bound together between two pieces of wood using string or rubber bands to hold the design together tightly. The shapes prevent the dye from reaching parts of the fabric they are covering. You can create a wide variety of patterns depending on the fold, binding object/shape and placement of rubber bands. We’ll show you two ways to achieve this technique using wood blocks, large popsicle/craft sticks and two sizes of rubber bands.

Learn more about this technique here.

 

The closest technique to what is commonly thought of as modern tie-dye. This involves binding certain sections of fabric to achieve the desired pattern, usually with rubber bands.

Learn more about this technique here.

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Depending on which indigo dye kit you have, follow the instructions on how to set up the dyeing vat properly. Likely you will be filling a large bucket with warm water and mixing in the pre-measured powders and activation ingredients.

Depending on which indigo dye kit you have, follow the instructions on how to set up the dyeing vat properly. Likely you will be filling a large bucket with warm water and mixing in the pre-measured powders and activation ingredients.

Make sure you wet all your bound fabric before submerging in the dye bath. Once the recommended amount of time is up, take your pieces out of the bath and check to see how well the dye has penetrated your items. Your fabric will have a greenish hue before the indigo has a chance to oxidize and turn its traditional deep blue color.

You can repeat the dyeing process as needed. The darker you want your indigo color to be, the longer it needs to be in the dye. Keep in mind that most dye will look darker just out of dye bath and will fade just slightly upon washing.

After dyeing, remove all bundles to a piece of cardboard (or other flat surface without a lot of texture). Leave overnight if possible to properly set. Once set, put on a pair of gloves and carefully use a pair of scissors to remove the rubber bands and other binding agents from your fabric. Rinse thoroughly under cold water. Wash in a washing machine with cold water and without detergent. Hang outside to dry or dry on the lowest heat setting in a dryer, iron as needed to set the design, and remove any wrinkles.

Experiment with different types of binding items from around your house, like clips or can lids or anything with an interesting shape to keep your Shibori exciting and fun!