Shibori T-Shirt

Shibori T-Shirt

Shibori is the Japanese art of shaped resist dyeing. The fabric is compressed by using wrapping, stitching or folding techniques which create a resist when dyeing the fabric. With this shirt the bottom is hand-stitched and wrapped with rubber bands which creates dimension and colorful striated patterns. 

Supplies & Tools

  • Rit Liquid Dye, Teal & Fuchsia
  • 100% Cotton T-Shirt, White 
  • Measuring cup
  • 2 Plastic disposable containers (4-cup size)
  • 3 Plastic shallow containers (8-cup size) 
  • Plastic disposable spoons
  • Foam brush, 1” wide
  • Blue Tailor’s Chalk
  • 18” Ruler
  • Heavyweight thread & hand needle
  • Rubber bands
  • Plastic wrap
  • Paper towels
  • Rubber gloves
  • Plastic cover to protect table
  • 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.  Beginning at bottom edge of shirt, draw 7 parallel chalk lines across shirt 1 ½” apart.

4.  Using heavyweight thread, sew a ½” – ¾” running stitch through both layers of the shirt along the chalk lines.  

5.  Pull the threads tight to gather the fabric along the lines.  Knot threads.  Wrap 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.  Pour dye into shallow plastic container or bowl:

  • ¼ cup Teal Liquid Dye with 2 cups hot water
  • ½ cup Fuchsia Liquid Dye with 2 cups hot water 

3.  Carefully immerse tied part of shirt in Teal dye bath for 2 minutes.  (Top of shirt remains white.)  Push down on tied area with gloves or spoon to help dye penetrate the fabric.  Then remove shirt and squeeze out excess dye and place in shallow plastic container.  Make sure white part of shirt does not touch dye.

4.  Carefully brush Fuchsia dye over pleated shirt. Squeeze out excess dye.

5.  Place shirt in dry shallow dish, making sure dyed part of shirt does not touch the white part. Cover with plastic wrap. Line 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.  Hold white part of shirt with clean hand or gloves and rinse dyed bottom of shirt under cool running water until water runs clear.  Then wash with warm water and detergent; rinse and dry.

Details