How To Shibori Tye DYe Pillows Covers In Easy Steps
If you like the look of tie-dye fabric check out how to shibori tye dye pillows covers in easy steps.
What is Shibori Tye Dye
By now most of you know how much I love dyeing fabric. I thought it be fun to tie-dye pillow covers and creates a Shibori design. If you are not familiar with this process it is a Japanese dying technique involved by folding twisting, bunching material, and then binding it. Then you dye it with indigo. Whatever is used to bind the fabric will resist the dye. This process of resistance creates a pattern. Shibori has so many ways you can create patterns. Because I am new at this I just stuck with two designs. One with squares and the other with circles.
Types Of Shibori Techniques
There are six techniques: Kumo, Nui, Arashi, Itajime, Miura and Kanoko. Kanoko is similar to tye dye its twisting the fabric with string and rubber bands. Asrashi is twisting and wrapping around a pole before dyeing. Nui is stitching the fabric tightly in a patterns, probably the hardest to do. Kumo wrap around object held with thread. Itajime this is one I used in this post wrapping between two objects. Miura plucking threads from fabric.
Supplies For ShiBori Tye Dye
- The indigo dyeing kit (dye, wood blocks, rubber bands)
- pillow cover or sheets (cotton, muslin or linen)
- 2 pails (one for dyeing and the other to rinse)
What Is The Best Dyes For Shibori
The best dye to use for shibori is Indigo. Its a strong dye that has a beautiful shade of deep blue that is perfect for creating designs. You can use RIT dyes or Jacquard but the colors won’t last as much as they will with Indigo.
Lets Do It!
The first part is to create a design. There are many shibori designs. I picked two that was easy to follow along.
- To make a square design: Take the fabric or pillowcase and fold it into a square. Add one wooden square on the front and the other on the back. Fold sides of material over the wood and bind with 4 elastic rubber bands.
- To make the circle design: Tie a rubber band on each end of the folded fabric. So you have your choice of either wooden blocks or circles using rubber bands.
Preparing the indigo dye.
3. Start by mixing the indigo dye according to the directions. Indigo is affected by oxygen, so keep the container covered as much as you can. Once you fold the fabric its time to dye. First, soak the folded and bound fabric into plain water. Squeeze out the water and dunk into the dye. After submerging it you have to hold the fabric under the surface with your hands or use weights for 10 minutes.
Oxidizing
4. Here is the cool part, when you remove the fabric it’s yellow and green. When left in the air it starts oxidizing and turning blue like magic. It takes 20 minutes to oxidize. Rinse well and unbind the fabric. Let the fabric dry!
Drying the Shibori Tye Dye fabric
5. Let air dry on a rack or hang on a tree to dry. Once it has dried you can iron and use them.
Pin This:
Maria, these are beautiful!!! I have been wanting to give this method a whirl and you have definitely encouraged me. Enjoy your weekend.
Hugs, Lynn
Thanks so much for visiting. How did you see my post is it through my newsletter or you just saw it on FB, trying to see how readers see my stuff. thanks Maria
Oh, how I love this! I’m going to tackle one of these soon. Looks like fun too! I love the color you chose! Just beautiful.
Beautiful!! I used to do this with fabric to make stuffed toys with. Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Thank so much for the wonderful party!
Thanks for the feature! Maria xoxo
Hi Maria! I found your post through the Family Joy Blog Link-up. I love shibori and enjoyed your tutorial! Hoping to incorporate something like this in my own home soon!
Hope you do this project, love to see it, if you do make sure you wear gloves and take your time. it can be messy! 🙂 Contact me if you have any questions.
Maria
Oh I love these!!! I was thinking of doing something like this! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Have a great week! Pinned & Sharing on FB!
Kim
Kim, Hope you get to experience this fun project, it can be detail in its process, but the results are amazing.
Maria
The photograph of the cushion on the chair with the gorgeous shutters open is stunning Marie. I have never seen real shutters in a home, much less used. Your home is so pretty I enjoy getting a peek into it.
You never have enough cushions that’s my motto and these one of a kind cushions in indigo blue are perfect for summer.
Thanks Leanna, love that name, every time you stop by I think of my daughter! Thats her name, I think I told you. Glad you like the Project with Dye.
Maria
How pretty! It’s been a long time since I dyed anything. Thank you for the inspiration! -Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures
Hope you get to do it again! Its a fun project and a bit messy.
Maria
I’ve wanted to try this technique out for some time, it’s such a pretty crisp look.
Its ton of fun, but you need to make sure you wear gloves because it can get messy.
Maria
I absolutely must try this! Thanks for the tutorial.
Hope you do! its a bit messy but fun.
And here I thought you had bought them like that. Thanks for the great tutorial Maria.
Thanks Mary! it was fun and messy!
Maria
Love your pillows. You make it look so easy. I need to try this.
Thanks for sharing at Over The Moon Party,
Bev
I am loving this project! That is just gorgeous.
This is a beautiful project! I’m in Japan at the moment and this is such a gorgeous use of Japanese dying style, one I haven’t seen before!
Sarah https://www.enrichmentality.com
Absolutely love this project and what a great color choice! Pinned
Thank you for sharing at the Creative Muster. Robin | Fluster Buster
Thanks so much, Love your paties, Maria
Thanks for the feature!
Maria
Very cool! Thanks for sharing the process.
Thanks for stopping by!