Fabric Types & Dye Compatibility

Fabric Type Best Dye Types Ease of Dyeing Notes
Cotton Fiber reactive, indigo Easy Absorbs rich colours
Silk Acid dyes, indigo Intermediate Smooth texture, vibrant colours
Linen Fiber reactive Intermediate Natural texture, slightly rough
Rayon Fiber reactive Easy Soft feel, good dye uptake
Wool Acid dyes Intermediate Warm colours, slower dyeing

Essential Shibori Tools & Materials

Tool/Material Purpose Notes
Indigo Dye Traditional blue dye Can be natural or synthetic
Fiber Reactive Dye Alternative vibrant dyes Works on cotton and blends
Wooden Blocks Resist shapes by clamping fabric For Itajime shibori
Rubber Bands/String Bind fabric tightly for resist Various thicknesses
Plastic Bottles/Squeeze Bottles Apply dye precisely Useful for detailed designs
Buckets Dye vats For dipping fabric
Protective Gloves Hands protection Prevent staining
Protective Apron Clothing protection Avoid dye spills

Shibori Folding & Resist Techniques

Technique Description Tools/Materials Used Pattern Outcome Difficulty
Arashi Fabric wrapped around pole, then scrunched Pole or cylinder, rubber bands Diagonal, storm-like stripes Intermediate
Itajime Fabric folded, clamped between shapes Wooden blocks/clamps Geometric, symmetrical patterns Intermediate
Kumo Fabric bound tightly in sections Thread or string Spiderweb-like circles Advanced
Shibori Nui Stitch resist with thread Needle, thread Fine lines and detailed patterns Advanced
Miura Loop binding technique String Water ripple patterns Intermediate
Kanoko Traditional tie-dye knots Thread or rubber bands Small circular spots Beginner

Dyeing & Setting Process

Step Description Tips
Prepare Fabric Pre-wash to remove sizing Use mild detergent
Fold & Bind Use chosen Shibori technique Bind tightly for crisp patterns
Prepare Dye Vat Mix indigo or fiber reactive dyes Follow manufacturer instructions
Dye Fabric Dip fabric into dye vat, repeat as needed Longer dips = deeper colour
Oxidize Air exposure turns fabric blue Watch colour develop
Rinse & Dry Rinse with cold water, air dry Avoid direct sunlight drying

Common Issues & Solutions

Problem Cause Solution
Faint or uneven colour Insufficient dye saturation Dip longer or repeat dipping
Blurry patterns Loose binding or folds Bind tighter, use more precise folds
Dye bleeding Overlapping wet fabric Space folds carefully, dry between dips
Colour fades quickly Improper setting or washing Use correct fixative or setting method
Difficult folding Complex techniques require practice Start with simpler patterns first

Beginner Project Ideas

Project Fabric Type Technique Time Estimate
Shibori Tote Bag Cotton Kanoko (tie knots) 2–3 hours
Striped Scarf Cotton or silk Arashi (pole wrap) 3–4 hours
Pillow Cover Linen or cotton Itajime (clamp dye) 3–5 hours
Table Runner Cotton or linen Miura (loop binding) 4 hours
Wall Hanging Fabric Cotton Mixed techniques 5+ hours

Care & Maintenance Tips

Tip Explanation
Wash Cold & Gentle Preserve dye and fabric texture
Avoid Harsh Detergents Prevent fading and fiber damage
Air Dry in Shade Protect colours from sun bleaching
Iron on Reverse Maintain fabric integrity and colour
Store Away from Sunlight Prevent long-term fading

Resources for Further Learning

Resource Type Description Link/Notes
Books “Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing” by Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada Recommended classic
Workshops Local textile studios and cultural centers Check local listings
Online Tutorials Video demos and step-by-step guides YouTube, Craftsy
Suppliers Indigo dye kits, shibori tools Specialty fabric dye stores