What is Shibori?

Discover this traditional Japanese technique for dyeing textiles

Costume and textile designer Carolina Raggio (@carolina_45) reinterprets ancestral techniques to achieve modern results. Carolina is the creative director of her own eponymous brand, for which she develops timeless garments and accessories.

In this blog, Carolina explains more about the history of this technique and how you can experiment with it to create unique designs and patterns.

What does "shibori" mean?

The Japanese term “shibori” literally means to wring, to squeeze, to press.

What is it?

This technique is carried out by protecting sections of the fabric you are using from the dye. This is done by applying pressure using different tools.

Where did it originate from?

Shibori is one of Japan’s oldest techniques for dyeing textiles–it has a history that spans over 1300 years. This technique consists in producing different patterns on fabric by resist dyeing. It is similar to tie-dyeing, yet it has specific characteristics that make it unique.

This technique has also been used in other countries. For example, in America, there is proof that thousand-year-old cultures have used this technique. In the USA, “tie-dye” is very popular, consisting of tying the fabric in knots to protect sections from the dye. In India, it is known as “bandhani,” and in some regions of Africa there’s “adire.” Each culture’s technique has its own unique traits.

Materials

It’s best to use natural plant-sourced fibers for this technique, such as cotton or linen.

To apply pressure to the fabric, you can use different materials such as elastic bands or other pieces of fabric, wood, or any other item you might want to experiment with. You will also need some cooking instruments to prepare the dye.

Lastly, you will use textile dyes to achieve your results.

If you would like to learn more about this technique, sign up to Carolina course, Introduction to Shibori Tie Dyeing, and start creating unique patterns and designs for your garments and accessories.

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