On March 13, 2014 the Baltimore Chapter of ASDP learned a technique called Shibori. Guest facilitator, Mika Eubanks conducted this session. Mika demonstrated 4 different techniques of shibori: Below is a brief description of what Shibori is and a description of two out of the 4 techniques learned.

Shibori is a Japanese term for methods of dyeing cloth by binding, stitching, folding, twisting, and compressing. In Japan, the earliest known example of cloth dyed with the Shibori technique dates back to the 8th century where indigo was the main dye used.

Below are two of the techniques we learned along with some other various Shibori techniques.

1. Arashi (Japanese for “storm”) Shibori is a pole-wrapping technique. The cloth is wrapped on a diagonal around a pole or cylindrical object (we used old PVC and copper piping) and then tightly bound by wrapping thread or wire up and down the pole. Next, the cloth is scrunched down on the pole.

2. Itajime Shibori is a shape-resist technique. The cloth is folded like an accordion and sandwiched between two pieces of wood or any flat objects, which are held in place with string or rubber bands. The objects prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric they cover and give an endless variety of patterns depending on the fold, binding object and placement of rubber bands.

As you can see from the photos it was a bit messy but a fun evening of Shibori. This technique can be used in dyeing lining fabric to add interest to a garment inside and out. You can also dye the whole garment using this technique.. Overall, the Baltimore Chapter had lots of fun with this session and left feeling inspired … take a look at the photos for yourself!

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Written by Debby Spence, VP of Chapter Relations