Shibori Textiles: Top 5 TIPS

SHIBORI WORKSHOP NOTES and Tips 

Would you like some advice on how to have success with the ancient Art of Shibori? Here are 5 quick tips to guarantee your Shibori project succeeds!

As you know, I recently hosted a workshop as part of my Shibori workshop series, where workshop guests explore Shibori, the ancient art of folding and dyeing using indigo dyes. Each attendee will receive a workshop guide to materials and recommendations,  2 tea towels or cotton linen scarf.  

Here are my top 5 tips on Shibori as a guide! 

Are you ready to get started right away? Join to receive the full list of Shibori supplies!  

​#1. USE NATURAL FIBERS
Natural fibers such as silk, cotton or wool work the best when dyeing with indigo.

# 2. PREPARE AN ADDITIONAL DYE BATH
I enjoyed having 2 dye-baths so that I could work on more than a few pieces at a time. I used a 3 gallon wash basin along with a deeper 2 gallon bucket picture below. The deeper bucket works well for Arashi technique on a pole, wherein the fabric is dipped into the dye. 

​​#3. VARY DYE TIMES BASED ON SATURATION 
For a faded look dip 1-2 times and use a non-cotton item. I found that synthetic blends appear lighter than more absorbent cellulose fibers such as cotton or wool. Logically, to achieve deeper blues, I left the fabric in the tub for longer periods of time. 

#4. USE ACCORDION FOLDS TO MAKE PLEATS
 Use accordion folds to make grids to form horizontal pattern as shown below. 

​#5. SUBMERGE FABRIC 2-3 TIMES
Remember that the fabrics' color will lighten up a bit once it is rinsed out. I submerge a piece 2-3 times and ring out excess dye between dips. Next, I let the indigo set for 20-30 minutes, then rinse completely. 

For these pieces, I gifted a toddler t-shirt to Neel's bestie. I was able to re-use and shirt that he had quickly outgrown and it took on a 2nd life.

​​#6. EXPERIMENT WITH FOUND OBJECTS
You should feel free to experiment with unusual found objects or non traditional materials. In Kumo Shibori, the artist uses naturally shaped stones to bind the cloth forming organically shaped rings. For the rings in the t-shirts above, I used perfectly shaped round wooden beads (please see Shibori supply list below). 

At left: twine on thick round dowels. Middle: accordion folds. At right: triangle fold with C-clamp on masonite.

**HAVE FUN!**
Remember to take your time, experiment and enjoy. My first few experiences with Shibori were loosely planned and the results were spontaneous. Ready to get started?

Favorite Shibori Supplies:

• Indigo dye kit 
• Favorite linen tea towels 
• Cotton scarf
• Little boys t-shirt- (toddler size is currently sold out)
• S-M Natural wooden beads (used for the Kumo: spider web/ring technique)
• M-L Natural wooden beads (used for XL rings)​ 

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If you have tried this project out already, I would love to hear more about your results and experience. If you would like to attend the workshop coming in November, you can sign-up here. 

I shared pictures of our latest Summer workshop here! 

To receive a free downloadable copy of these tips and more, please join my mailing list below. You will be notified about all upcoming workshops, events, and tutorials.