Shibori Side-Shirred T-Shirt

 

Shibori Side-Shirred T-Shirt

Supplies & Tools

  • Rit® Liquid Dye, Teal & Fuchsia
  • 100% Cotton T-Shirt, White
  • Measuring cup
  • 2 Plastic disposable containers (4 – 6 cup size)
  • Plastic disposable spoons
  • Shallow dish or disposable container for microwave
  • Heavyweight thread & hand needle
  • Rubber bands
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Plastic cover to protect table
  • Marking pencil & 6" sewing gauge
  • Microwave oven

Directions:

  1. For best results, prewash and dry T-shirt to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
  2. Cover table with plastic sheet or tablecloth.
  3. Draw a chalk line 2 ½” – 3” from each side of the shirt, curving it through the sleeve area to the sleeve hem, as shown.
  4. Using heavyweight thread, sew a ½” running stitch through both layers of the shirt along the chalk lines.
  5. Pull the thread tight to gather the fabric along both sides and wrap two rubber bands tightly over the gathered lines of stitching.
  6. Dip shirt in water and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.

Preparing Rit® Dye

  1. Heat water in the microwave to be sure it is very hot, at least 140º F.
  2. Wearing rubber gloves, measure and mix dye in disposable containers in the following amounts. Stir well.
    ¼ cup Teal Liquid Dye with 2 cups hot water
    ½ cup Fuchsia Liquid Dye with 2 cups hot water
  3. Wearing rubber gloves, immerse wet T-shirt in Teal dye. Push down on shirt with spoon or rubber gloves to be sure dye penetrates fabric. Then remove shirt and squeeze out excess Teal dye.
  4. Dip gathered sides of shirt in Fuchsia dye. Squeeze out excess dye.
  5. Place shirt in shallow dish and cover with plastic wrap. Cover bottom of microwave with paper towels.
  6. Place plastic-wrapped dish with shirt in microwave and set on High for 2 minutes. Wear rubber gloves or use a pot holder to remove from microwave. Remove plastic wrap. Allow fabric and wrap to cool.
  7. Remove rubber bands and thread. Rinse shirt under cool running water until water runs clear. Then wash with warm water and detergent; rinse and dry.

Details