SHIBORI
Shibori is a Japanese term for methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, or compressing it - what we know as tie-dye. The English language does not have a word that encompasses all the techniques of shibori. Tie-dye simply covers binding methods of dyeing, known as bound resist. The earliest known example of cloth dyed with a shibori technique dates from the 8th century. The number of ways one can bind, stitch, fold, twist, or compress cloth for shibori is limited only by the imagination of the artist. Techniques used in shibori depend on the desired pattern and the characteristics of the cloth being dyed; different techniques can be used in conjunction with one another to achieve very elaborate results.
Kumo shibori Kumo shibori is the process of pleating the cloth and then binding it in place. This technique must be done very finely and evenly to result in a very specific spider-like design.
Nui shibori Nui shibori includes stitched shibori. A simple running stitch is used on the cloth then pulled tight to gather the cloth. The thread must be pulled very tight in order to work, and a wooden dowel must often be used in order to pull it tight enough. Each thread is secured by knotting before being dyed. This technique allows for greater control of the pattern and greater variety of pattern, but this technique is also very time consuming.
Arashi shibori Arashi shibori is also known as pole-wrapping shibori. The cloth is wrapped on a diagonal around a pole. Then the cloth is very tightly bound by wrapping thread up and down the pole. Next, the cloth is scrunched on the pole. The result is a pleated cloth with a design on a diagonal. The name "arashi" comes from the Japanese word for storm. The patterns are always on a diagonal in arashi shibori, which suggests the driving rain of a heavy storm.
Itajime shibori Itajime shibori is a shaped-resist technique. Traditionally, the cloth is sandwiched between two pieces of wood, which are held in place with string. Modern textile artists use shapes cut from acrylic or Plexiglas and hold the shapes with c-clamps, the acrylic pieces last longer than wood, which can warp over time. The shapes prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric they cover.
On separate paper- Search internet to answer 5 questions about indigo dyes
1. Where does natural indigo dye come from?
2. What color is indigo dye?
3. What fabric is typically dyed with indigo?
4. List 3 ancient cultures that were famous for using indigo.
5. Why do you think synthetic indigo is used more often than natural indigo today?
6. Creat a set of 4 different SHIBORI napkins using 4 different techniques. To see some techniques- watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOot-ysZXOk
7. To prepare- measure the width of 100% cotton fabric- from selvedge to selvedge.
8. Measure out that much in length. ( Example- if fabric is 60" wide- cut 60" of fabric- if 45" wide- cut 45")
9. Prewash on HOT temperature. Dry.
10. Cut into equal size squares. For most- you will need to cut in half and then cut each piece in half again.
11. Research the above shibori techniques. Each can create a wide variety of results.
12. Tie up with string or rubber bands. Remember- no rubber bands can go down the sink!
13. Using gloves and tongs- mix one cup soda ash per gallon of water and emerse your bundles for 15 minutes before dyeing Dharma Fiber Reactive Dye must be 'fixed' (made permanent) with soda ash on cotton and other cellulose fibers. It's a mild alkali that enables the reaction between the dye and the cellulose fibers at lower temperatures, causing them to "become one", and the reason Fiber Reactive Dye is so permanent. How much you use is normally a function of the amount of water, not the amount of fabric or dye. Roughly 1 oz. per gallon of water is needed when garment dyeing or 1 cup per gallon of water as a pre-soak when tie-dyeing. If you don't use enough, the dye won't yield full strength.
14. Apply blue dye (to emulate indigo is classic and most harmonious!) with squeeze bottle.
15. Put in Zip-lock bag for 24 hours
16. Remove rubber bands and carefully discard -use gloves!!!!
17. Rinse until water runs clear - use gloves!!!
18. Take home to wash in laundry separately- then dry.
19. Check in for grades
20. Imagine/plan what you will do with your fabrics... Hemmed napkins are the most practical. If you want to make pillows- you must provide your own pillow forms.