Hand Stitched Shibori

 

Hand-Stitched 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 Japanese often use “stitching” as a resist when dyeing fabric. The stitching helps to create a great variety of designs from simple to complex and abstract. Long hand-running stitches can be used to create a vertical striated pattern.

  1. Cut fabric to a fat quarter size, 18” x 22”.
  2. Draw chalk lines in the long direction about 2” apart. 
  3. Using a hand embroidery needle and topstitching thread, sew long running stitches over marked lines.

  4. After all the stitching is completed, pull the threads to gather the fabric and knot the threads to hold the pleats in place. Immerse the tied fabric in warm water while preparing the dyes.

  5. Preparing dyes: Wearing rubber gloves, measure 1 tablespoon Sunshine Orange with 2 cups very HOT Water; stir will. Pour into a squirt bottle. Then mix 1 tablespoon Violet with 1 cup very HOT Water; stir well. Pour into a squirt bottle. The bottles give you more control and allow you to apply the dyes directly where you want them. 
  6. Remove tied fabric from water. Squeeze out excess water. Place fabric on small plastic tray or plastic dish. Apply Sunshine Orange over the pleated fabric. Turn and apply to other side. Pour off excess dye.

  7. Then apply Violet dye randomly to folds.

  8. Cover plastic dish with plastic wrap. Line microwave with paper towels. Heat set dyes in the microwave on HIGH for 1 - 2 minutes. 
  9. Wearing rubber gloves, carefully remove from the microwave. Rinse in cool water and cut threads. Continue rinsing until water runs clear. Wash in warm water with mild detergent; rinse and dry flat.

 

 

Shibori Hand-Stitched Color Samples & Recipes

  • 1 T. Fuchsia + 2 Cups Hot Water  (squirt on)
    1 T. Purple + 1 Cup Hot Water  (squirt on last)

  • 2 tsp. Lemon Yellow + 4 Cups Hot Water  (squirt on)
    1 T. Scarlet + 1 Cup Hot Water   (squirt on)
    1 T. Tangerine + 1 Cup Hot Water  (squirt on)