Flag-Fold Shibori

 

Flag-Fold Shibori

Supplies Needed

  • Rit Dye, powder or liquid
  • Cotton fabric, 18” squares or 18” x 22” fat quarters
  • PVC pipe, 4” diameter x 12”
  • Ball of cotton twine or mason line
  • Masking tape
  • Rubber bands
  • Topstitching thread & hand embroidery needle
  • 4-cup measuring cup
  • Large spoon
  • Foam brush
  • Plastic tray
  • Large 3-gallon plastic container for dyeing
  • 1 cup plastic container for dyeing
  • 2 plastic squirt bottles
  • Several small plastic containers
  • Plastic wrap
  • Plastic table cover
  • Rubber gloves

The intricate patterns in this dyed fabric were created by folding the fabric like a flag and binding the corners with rubber bands. The folded fabric is dyed Golden Yellow first and then the corners are dipped in Teal, which creates the yellow/green patterns. It’s fun to see the effects of color mixing.

  1. Cut fabric to a fat quarter size, 18” x 22”. Fold fabric into thirds in the long direction. Press with an iron for crisp lines.
  2. Then flag-fold the fabric, moving the strip of fabric back and forth so the folds are on the outside of the triangle. Press with an iron for crisp lines.

  3. Bind off the corners of the triangle with rubber bands, placing them about 1” from tips.

  4. Place folded fabric in warm water while preparing the dyes.
  5. Preparing the dyes: Wearing rubber gloves, measure and mix ½ cup Golden Yellow liquid dye with 4 cups very HOT Water; stir well. Set aside. Then measure and mix 1 tablespoon Teal liquid dye with 1 cup very HOT Water; stir well. Set aside.
  6. Remove tied fabric from water. Squeeze out excess water. Place in plastic dish. Pour Golden Yellow dye over flag-folded fabric. Open folds with a spoon to help dye penetrate fabric. Push down with spoon as well. Then remove folded fabric from dye and squeeze out excess dye.
  7. Dip corners in Teal dye.

  8. Place in plastic container and cover with plastic wrap. Line microwave with paper towels and heat set on High for 2 minutes.
  9. Wearing rubber gloves, carefully remove from the microwave. Rinse in cool water and remove rubber bands. Continue rinsing until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent; rinse and dry flat.

 

 

Other Flag-Fold Color Recipes

 
  • ½ Cup Petal Pink + 4 Cups very Hot Water
    1 T. Purple + 1 Cup very Hot Water (dip ends in Purple)