DIY SHIBORI DYEING

I’m sipping coffee at the moment and I can’t seem to contain my excitement in writing this post. I finally tried Shibori dyeing! And I can’t wait to share the details here. Learn how I created beautiful patterns using easy indigo dyeing techniques in this post.

I’m really proud of writing this post because it’s one of those things I never thought I would try. I’ve never been so elated with the prospect of creating a DIY project I never thought I would attempt. But thanks to Fran and her super idea called “We Make Collective”, I’m the proud maker of cushions, a brush roll and a pretty scarf. In addition, I also took the Easy Indigo Dyeing class on Creative Bug because I love detailed videos. This is completely optional though because We Make Collective has a members area that has detailed tutorials for every kit.

A little bit about We Make Collective :-

We make collective is a bi-monthly subscription project through which Fran( the creator and blogger at Fall For DIY ) rolls out unique DIY kits. And no, this is not a sponsored post. I think it’s a fab idea and I wanted to share this with you.

{This post contains affiliate links. This means that I will earn a small percentage if you decide to buy from one of the links you click below.You will not be charged extra.}

Moving on…

Materials you’ll need for indigo dyeing techniques are:-

1. Shibori dyeing kit
2. Fabric in natural material
3. A large bucket
4. Square wooden tiles
5. Cotton twine

I couldn’t take photos of me dyeing the fabric but the instructions in the kit are pretty well listed. I’ll quickly explain the process of mixing below

1. Cover your area with plastic so that you don’t get dye everywhere. Make sure you’re wearing gloves.
2. Take a large bucket and fill it with warm water.
3. Take a smaller mug and mix the contents of your kit(indigo dye and soda ash) in hot water using a popsicle stick.
4. Pour mixture into the bucket and let it sit for about 15-20 minutes.
5. Scum may form on top the surface. Just move it with your hands and dip your fabric inside for a few minutes.
6. Take it out and open carefully.Let it dry on a rack.
7. Wash it with warm water and you’re good to go.

1.Kanoko shibori

With this Shibori dyeing technique, I attempted to create a scarf.

1. Fold the fabric in like an accordion widthwise. Fold it over once.Cut cotton twine in equal length to tie around the fabric.

2.Tie the string using a double knot at equal intervals or an increasing interval like I did.

3. Cut off the excess string. I learnt this technique from Creative Bug’s Shibori class. The artist uses a stick to go in between the fold but I didn’t use one. This video class explains everything in detail.

The end result!

2.Itajime Shibori

I simply folded the fabric as an accordion and again folded it widthwise to form a square. The size I cut was 50 x 50 cm, perfect for a brush toll I wanted my friend to create for me.

Sandwich them between two square wooden pieces as shown below. Tie thick rubber bands around to make it stay in place.

The end result! I’m in love with the fab job my lovely friend Jaya of Jaya’s Place made for me.

I really had an amazing time trying out these indigo dyeing techniques.I hope enjoyed and inspired to try out something new after reading my post. Remember that it’s not always about getting it perfect but enjoying the process. Which I throughly did by doing today’s DIY. I hope you have an enjoyable and pleasant rest of the week. Thanks for being here!

x

About zakkiya @ inkstruck studio

Zakkiya is the creative blogger and founder of Inkstruck Studio. She’s a self taught artist who let go of her architecture profession to pursue her passion in art. Zakkiya likes to write detailed tutorials in watercolor, calligraphy, and hand lettering. She also teaches watercolor workshops occasionally in Doha where she’s based currently. Other passions include traveling, photography, and basketball.When she’s not working, you can find her cuddling and running around with her toddler boy.