Thursday, May 21, 2020

Second Thursday Tutorial: faux shibori dyeing


Today we're going to make faux shibori.  I enjoy making shibori, like arashi shibori, which is fabric wrapped diagonally on a pole, then tightly wrapped with thread up and down the pole.  I have several examples of arashi shibori on my blog.  

I tried nui shibori once, where you take a running stitch across the fabric, then pull the thread tight before tying it tightly, knotting, then adding the dye.  I used my sewing machine set at the longest stitch because I can't hand sew due to my inability to grip a needle.  Five or six lengths perpendicular to the long end of a fabric were all I managed.  The idea is to scrunch the fabric, then tie the knots on the ends as tight as possible before adding the dye.

I'd love to try itajime shibori next, where you place the cloth between two pieces of plexiglass or wood which is the same shape and size, then clamp the wood in place or tie the fabric tightly.

Today, though, we're making FAUX shibori.   Supplies from back left clockwise:
Length of PFD fabric (prepared for dyeing) or old bed sheet (pre-washed in color and fragrance free detergent) 
Handmade and purchased shimmering mists, colors in the same color family
Wax linen thread
Pipette or paint brushes
Rubber bands
Gloves (latex or other)

After washing and drying the fabric, it's time to iron it.

Now the fabric has been ironed, fold in half, then fold opposite folds on each side of the center.

Starting at one end, place one side toward the center.

Turn the fabric over and bring the second side up.  You now have a fan type fold.

Start a flag fold and crease in place.

Now turn over and 

bring the fold parallel to the length of the fabric.  Personally, I think you can see it better than I can describe it.

Keep folding and turning the fabric over with each fold until you reach the end of the fabric.  Mine didn't come out even.  That's the problem by not using a fat quarter or actually measuring your fabric, something I never seem to do.

Secure with rubber bands.  Use these to loosely hold the fabric in place so it doesn't fall apart.

The rubber bands give you time to get your waxed linen or other thread in place and tightly tied.

Note there will be openings on all three sides in which you can add your ink.

I had trouble spraying my inks, so I used a brush to add ink to the fabric.

I thought two of the inks were so similar in color when wet, I couldn't tell them apart when I was applying them.  Wait until your fabric is completely dry before unbundling it.

Finally, open the fabric and enjoy your new faux shibori.  I love the patterns I created. 

I can't wait to try another piece of fabric that I fold differently.

Ruminations:
1.  I should have tried to work with fabric that was square, or used a fat quarter.
2.  I was surprised at how different the colors were once they dried.
3.  I may have not made enough folds.

Regardless, if you have a bit of fabric and spray mists and want to try this to make something you will NOT WASH (these inks/mists are notorious for bleeding when wet), this is a fun project to try.

Thanks so very much for joining me todayI am grateful for your continued support of these monthly projects. When this post goes live, you will find it on my Tutorials page under Faux Shibori.

16 thoughtful remarks:

Helen said...

what a fun idea, I love the colours and the way the splodges have come out!

Valerie-Jael said...

Your end result is fabulous, love the colours, so fresh and summery. Have a fun day, Valerie

aussie aNNie said...

Brilliant, you come up with the most interesting of goods and tutorials..the colour is gorgeous.xx

My name is Erika. said...

I've only tried itajime shibori, which is gives cool results. What I'd really love to do is to figure out how to home dye a large piece of cloth shibori. The process is the same but you would need a big vat (I'd think) and some way to wrap the fabric. OK, but let me move on to your faux shibori. I love the results. The colors are my favorite, and I like the splotchy, diamond result. I need to try that this summer once this remote learning is done. And it needs to be done. But that is neither here nor there. Thanks for the inspiration today. And hope it's a good day. Hugs-Erika

Barbara said...

Very beautiful!

Meggymay said...

This sounds a super technique and your results look fantastic. i love the dyed pattern you created beautiful colours as well.
Stay safe.
Yvonne xx

kathyinozarks said...

very fun Elizabeth I have always wanted to play with shibori maybe this summer so I can play outdoors

Sami said...

The outcome is beautiful Elizabeth, love the colour combination.

Nancy said...

The reveal is so much fun! Very pretty fabric piece.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

this does look like a fun project; and even one I could do !! turned out great Elizabeth ~~~hope you and the boys have a safe and healthy long weekend ~~ ☺☺♥♥

Linda Manning Findley said...

A different way to tie-die and I love it ... especially the colors ... great job "E"

PerthDailyPhoto said...

Oh wow I was not expecting that.. what a very pretty result Elizabeth, I would have been thrilled with that 💙

Mia said...

I have never tried to dye a fabric, but certainly I will try it, Elizabeth. I love the result on your faux Shibori. Hugs, my dear friend.

Jeanie said...

I'm impressed. I think it looks terrific and your instructions are extremely clear. I always love your tutorials because you really walk us through it and with such good photos! Well done.

Thanks for your visit and kind words. The basement is dry now but Midland, 90 miles north east of us, won't be for a long while. It's tragic, all that chemically toxic water going at such force into different areas. My heart aches for them.

RO said...

These colors turned out so well, and it looks like an activity I can try at home too! Air Hugs, RO

Divers and Sundry said...

Cool! So pretty!