Wrap-Dyed Shibori

 

Wrap-Dyed Shibori

Using this technique, fabric is wrapped with twine around a PVC pipe and then pushed together or compressed. This creates a resist which forms the patterns and textured lines in the fabric.

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

Wrapping the Fabric

  1. Cut fabric to an 18” square.
  2. Wrap fabric around a 4” diameter PVC pipe cut to a 12” length and secure one end with a rubber band. Secure the other end with a piece of masking tape. Note: Fabric can be wrapped diagonally around the pipe to create a different effect.
  3. Tie a piece of twine or cotton mason line around one end of the pipe. Then wrap the twine around the pipe, spacing the wraps about ½” apart, for 4”. Then stop and push the fabric down to the end of the pipe. The tighter the fabric is compressed, the less dye that will be able to penetrate the fabric. Continue wrapping and pushing the fabric until it is all pushed down. Secure end of twine with a knot.

  4. Immerse wrapped fabric in warm water for several minutes. This will help the dye move onto the fabric more easily.

Preparing Rit Dye

  1. Shake liquid dye before measuring. Wearing rubber gloves, pour ½ cup Golden Yellow dye into a measuring cup, add 4 cups very HOT water; stir. Pour dye solution into a large plastic container. Add 2 gallons very HOT water; stir. Immerse wrapped fabric in dye bath. Let set for 4 – 6 minutes.

  2. Measure 1 tablespoon Teal liquid dye into a small plastic container; add 1 cup very water; stir.
  3. Remove wrapped fabric from dye bath. Place on plastic tray. Using foam brush, brush Teal dye horizontally around wrapped fabric. Let set 1 – 2 minutes. Notice that Yellow and Teal Blue make Green.

  4. Then rinse dyed fabric in cold water. Remove twine or string. Continue rinsing fabric in cool water until water runs clear. Then launder in warm water with mild detergent, rinse and dry flat.

 

 

Other Shibori Color Recipes (see photos for each)

  • 1 T. Royal Blue + 2 Gallons HOT Water 
    1 T. Purple + 1 Cup HOT Water (Brush on)

  • ½ C. Lemon Yellow + 2 Gallons HOT Water 
    1 T. Scarlet + 1 Cup HOT water (Brush on)

 

 

Single Color Shibori (see photos for each)
 
  • ½ Cup Apple Green liquid + 2 Gallons Hot Water

  • ¾ Cup Violet liquid + 3 Gallons Hot Water (diagonal wrap)

  • ½ Cup Fuchsia liquid + 2 Gallons Hot Water

  • ½ Cup Evening Blue liquid + 2 Gallons Hot Water