5 Shibori Dye Techniques

Shibori is an ancient Japanese form of dying. Typically, indigo colored dye is used but you can use whatever color you would like. Rit makes an indigo kit or I will show you how to make a mix using two blues. To get the patterns, you fold your cloth and then submerge it into the dye. I had an hour of kid-free and husband-free time yesterday and wasn't sure what to do with myself. This is something I'd rather not have a little one "helping me with." If he were a better listener, I would. I think older kids would absolutely love this! It would be great for a birthday party activity or a girl's craft night. The possibilities are endless with what you could dye. I used cotton dish cloths and a t-shirt but you could dye your own fabric, towels, aprons, canvas totes, curtains, sheets and pillow cases. I was pretty excited to score Rit dye on clearance at my local Rite Aid. It was under $2 instead of $6.99.




You'll Need:
HOT water
Rit dye kit or Rit dyes
Cotton fabric items to dye
rubber gloves
a plastic bin to put dyed items in
clothespins, rubber bands, binder clips, tongue depressors etc.
twine

When it comes to the art of folding, you can look up a ton of different patterns on pinterest. You can make up your own patterns and try new techniques. All but two of the designs I did require accordion folding the fabric. I couldn't locate rubber bands so I used the abundance of hair ties I have.

To make the dye bath:
Use as close to boiling water as you can. Thankfully, our water temperature is cranked up since I like scalding showers. I filled a large plastic tupperware container (from DollarTree) with super hot water. Then I added 1/2 cup of royal blue dye and 1/4 cup of navy blue dye. Mix it up using the measuring cup. Use an empty container that you can put the dyed items in to bring them to the sink.
To dye:
Wearing your rubber gloves, submerge the tied piece into the dye for 5 minutes. Wring it out and put it in your empty bin. When you are done dying, rinse each piece in cold water until it runs clear then unfold and lay flat to dry. The color is very bright when wet. Once it dries, it tones down to a pretty blue. You can alter your shade or do a totally different color!

1. Circles
The easiest technique! Tie the shirt or fabric with rubber bands in random spots and follow the directions above for dying. Cole was very excited about his new shirt. Do you have a shirt with a stain? Try this!

2. Binder Clips
Accordion fold the fabric then fold into a square. You may have to try a few times to try fold the fabric somewhat even. Secure each side with binder clips. Follow the directions above for dying. So beautiful! The cipped parts stay white. You could add more clips.

3. Fold and tie
Accordion fold your fabric then fold into thirds (or half or more if you want) then secure with rubber bands (or hair ties) This looks cool because the fabric on the inside doesn't get as much dye so it's not a uniform look.

4. Diagonal Fold and tie
Fold the fabric diagonally then accordion fold the triangle. Fold in half and tightly wrap twine (I tried to evenly space it) around the whole piece and tie it at the end. Follow the directions above to dye. I love all the pretty, delicate lines this technique makes. You could use a thicker twine and have bolder lines.

5. Tongue Depressor Square
Thi is similar to number 2. Accordion fold your fabric. Next, you're going to fold it into a square but you will fold it into a square accordion style. Put a tongue depressor in between each layer, including the top and bottom then secure tightly with rubber bands on each end. Follow the dye technique above. This leaves a pretty,thick band of white.

Which one is your favorite? I definitely need to buy more fabric to dye! I put the cover on my leftover dye and saved it. I'm going to give it a shot when it's at room temperature! I'll let you know how it goes! I hope this post helps you and assures you that it is easy to do! It may look like a lot of work but in stages, it works out pretty fast. Tyeing/folding. Dying. Rinsing. Drying. DONE!