Basic Materials for DIY Shibori Technique

Discover what materials you’ll need to dye fabrics using shibori techniques such as sewing, tying, folding, and fastening

With a history that spans over 1300 years, shibori is a reserve dyeing technique, like batik or ikat, which means that areas of the fabric are left undyed; they are “reserved.” Those who practice shibori techniques use methods such as stitching, tying, folding, and pressing.

Designer and artist Carolina Raggio (@carolina_45) grew up surrounded by fabric and colors. Keen to experiment with new materials, she discovered shibori–an ancient technique that has the power to transform your garments and home textile accessories using simple materials. In this blog post, Carolina also shares suggestions for tools you can use to reserve or protect areas of the fabric from the dye.

1. Essential materials for dyeing:

–a selection of aniline dyes: this is the substance that will add color to your fabrics. Choose whichever colors work best for your design.
–a glass receptacle in which to prepare the aniline dyes.
–a strainer for dissolving the aniline dyes (optional).
–a pot: as a precaution, you should avoid using one of your cooking pots–aniline dyes have some toxicity.
–a spoon for stirring.
–gloves to protect your hands from the heat and the dye.
–an electric stove or your home stove, either work!

2. Other materials

–cotton fabric: this is what you’ll use to create your samples. Carolina recommends opting for vegetable fibers.

3. Materials for sewing technique

–large needle and cotton thread
–polyester thread: if this is your first attempt, Carolina recommends using a colored polyester thread. This way, it won't absorb the dye, and this contrast will make it easier to unpick.

4. Materials for shibori tying technique

–thick thread: you will not have any trouble finding the thread to unpick it. The important thing is that you choose a thread made of natural fiber that is particularly thick.

To protect or reserve areas of the fabric and create your patterns, you’ll need:

–glass marbles, which can be easily found in any toy store.
–different types of wood.
–elastic bands: these can be used as an alternative to thread when using the tying technique.

You can make even more patterns on your fabric using different objects with similar characteristics to those above. However, Carolina strongly advises against using beans as, when the pot boils, they will turn into a puree.

5. Materials for folding and fastening technique

–wood: Carolina likes using wood because when it swells a little in the water, the reserved area of fabric gets tighter. The length of the wood you will use will depend on the size of the material you want to dye.

The following tools can also be used to protect areas of fabric from the dye or reserve them:

–different clothespins: their shapes will create unique patterns.
–pieces of acrylic: optional. You can get them made to your liking in a factory.
–clips to hold the acrylic firmly in place on the fabric.

6. Materials for marbling technique

–net: a simple net, which you will be able to find at a market, which you will use to create the pattern with this technique.

These are the basic materials that Carolina recommends if you want to explore this technique. If you want to learn more about this technique from an expert, sign up for Carolina Raggio's Domestika course Introduction to Shibori Tie Dyeing and create your own original designs.

English version by @eloiseedgington.

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