FABRICTIONARY

A usefull fabrics dictionary

Shiburi

I’m writing to you straight from the textile workshop: My hands are dirty from dye, and I’ve been tying and stretching fabrics all day only to create the Shibori affect, or also known as the Tie-Dye.

The word Shibori is derived from the Japanese meaning of “Compress and Shrink”, and describes the manipulation that the fabric undergoes. Instead of referring to the the fabric as a two-dimensional surface, it receives a third dimension by folding, shrinking and tying it before dipping it in dye.

According to Japanese tradition the “Indigo” pigment is used for the dye, which enters the layers and folds that once unraveled, create magnificent formations of all sorts.

This technique evolved as a form of pass-time activity for women in Japan. This amateur activity has led to the development of a wide range of techniques which have ultimately made it to the commercial market.

There are an infinite number of ways one can bind, stitch, fold, twist, or compress cloth for shibori, and each way results in very different patterns. The simplicity and freedom of creativity that this technique allows has made it popular in the USA in the 60’s where it was translated into bright psychedelic colors, making it one of the strongest symbols of the Hippie movement.

If you feel inspired, you’re invited to dip your shirts in color and create your own homemade Shibori. GO DIY!

A bit of Shiburi by Co.Co: