Dyeing textiles with the Shibori technique – 18 ideas for DIY Shibori patterns

Shibori is an ancient textile dyeing technique that originally comes from Japan. There the poor people used the dyeing technique to create new effects on their old clothes. It is similar to the batik used for the popular batik t-shirts. Using the Shibori technique, various textiles can be dyed and designed with creative patterns in order to make original pillowcases, scarves, curtains and many others.

With the Shibori technique, arbitrary patterns are conjured up on the textiles by folding, knotting, tying and pinching. The first step is to select a suitable fabric and prepare it for dyeing using the chosen method. The various techniques often use wooden plates, rubber bands, clothespins and yarnto create a creative motif. In order to find the right method for your DIY project, you can try different fabric scraps at the beginning and choose your favorite motif.

How does the Shibori technique work?

If you want to dye textiles, then you should choose a suitable textile dye. Indigo blue is the traditional color used for shibori patterns, but you can use any color you like. Once you have folded, knotted or tied the fabric, soak it in the prepared dye bath for about 30 minutes. Depending on the type and strength of the binding, the color does not work in the bound areas and the pattern is ultimately created. The dyed fabric is immediately washed with cold water and left to dry. The color is fixed when washed in the washing machine.

What materials are for this?suitable

Of course, you should use a suitable fabric that can be dyed. As a rule, synthetic fabrics cannot be dyed and in this case they become a waste of time. To create a good effect, you should use natural fabrics such as cotton, silk or linen.

Helpful tips

If you are dyeing textiles for the first time, you should work carefully and not rush if you get good results. Preparation, soaking and unfolding each require a lot of time to achieve the desired effect. Textile dyes such as indigo can stain the table or floor, so you should choose an insensitive place to work, preferably outdoors. Always use good gloves when dyeing textiles to protect the skin of your hands and fingernails.

Depending on the type of binding, different Shibori techniques are created. The so-called Kumo Shibori is used here, in which various objects are integrated into the fabric. Circles can be created as patterns using round wooden plates or beads.

InstructionsforKumo Shibori Technik

To do this, you should use a fabric in a light color, preferably white, so that the patterns are clearly visible. The selected items are wrapped in the desired places and tied with rubber bands. Then dye the fabric, wash it and remove the additional materials used.

You can use the Schibori technique to spice up white clothing or accessories such as scarves and create a unique pattern. Now we would like to introduce the Itajime Shibori, in which the fabric is folded and tied.

Itajime Shibori Technik

First, iron the fabric and fold it like an accordion. Then fold the resulting strip three times and secure it with rubber bands or yarn. The resulting pattern is determined by the width of the folds in the fabric, as well as the location of the elastic bands.

The Shibori technique is a popular method that creates original and unique patterns. You can make elegant, patterned fabric napkins yourself by folding different geometric figures such as triangles, squares or rectangles. However, using this technique, two identical patterns are rarely created and each dyed fabric becomes unique.

Folding instructionsforShibori-Muster

To create beautiful geometric patterns on the fabrics, you can use Shibori technique with folds. Here you will find instructions for folding a cloth napkin into a triangle shape using cardboard and yarn. It is important to tie the cardboard well with the thread so that the paint does not get into the folded areas.

The popular Shibori pattern can be used to spice up various home textiles, such as curtains, bed linen, fabric napkins or tablecloths. If you don't have a picnic blanket yet, you can make one yourself from an old, white bed sheet. Whether it's a classic or original pattern, there are no limits when it comes to coloring.

Shibori pattern inLiving room

The Shibori dyeing technique can be used to refresh not only small textiles, but also larger fabrics, such as new upholstery for an old sofa. Although this is a cheeky decision, it can be used to freshen up the living room and make it more playful.

Armchair withShiboriupholstery

If the whole sofa is too much for you, you can also spice up a smaller piece of furniture with the Shibori pattern, such as an armchair. Alternatively, the cushion covers on the sofa cushions can be dyed to create playful accents in the room.

Beddingdecorate

One of the best rooms in the home where you can spice up fabrics using the Shibori technique is the bedroom. Instead of buying creative and playful bed linen with different patterns and motifs, you can spice up the bed sheets yourself with a Shibori pattern.

Indigo as a dye is a good choice for dyeing textiles because it can be processed at room temperature. In addition to the classic indigo color for the shibori pattern, you can also use any other color. When choosing, however, you should choose strong tones so that the pattern is clearly recognizable.

If you want to spice up the boring white curtains, then the Shibori pattern is perfect for you. Whether in the living room, bedroom or children's room, you can create playful accents that are intensified by the sunlight. Geometric patterns, stripes or scattered spots – everything is possible.

Indigotableclothdo it Yourself

You can also showcase the Shibori pattern in the kitchen. In addition to napkins, you can color a tablecloth and refresh the atmosphere in the kitchen. Checked patterns and geometric motifs are perfect for this.

Since the Shibori pattern has a decorative effect, it can be used for creative wall design. You can dye simple textiles and hang them on the wall to create beautiful effects in the interior. Alternatively, you can cut scraps of fabric into triangles, dye them using the Shibori technique and design them as a bunting for the wall.