Resist Dyed
TIE-DYE
Due to the nature of this craft, it's easier to develop a distinguished array of designs applying the tie dye directions at the yarn, fabric or even apparel stage creating unique designs merging many colours and hues. At Anuprerna, we are developing tie dye fabrics using Organic Certified Azo free dyes, on a range of fabrics made of natural materials like cotton, linen and silk.
What is Tie Dye?
Tie-Dye is a term used for a number of ancient resist-dyeing techniques. The tie dye directions or technique typically consists of stitching, folding, twisting, pleating, or crumpling fabric or a garment and binding with string or rubber bands, or even clamps which is followed by dyeing. The areas which have been tied or constricted, resist the penetration of the dye and remains white or the base fabric colour. Factors like the thickness of yarn or how tightly they are tied affect the extent to which the dye penetrates or is resisted Some popular examples of tie-dye fabrics are Shibori and Bandhani.
Another form of tie-dye exists where the yarns for weaving are tie-dyed first and then the yarns are woven into a fabric. This is known as Ikat. Also, the technique can be used with different kinds of dye including azo-free or even natural dyes for fabrics.
History of Tie Dye Fabrics:
The existence of this art form dates back as early as 4000 B.C. Evidence of tie-dye known as “Bandhani” exists from the Indus Valley Civilisation, which continues to be crafted in India to this day. Besides that, there are artefacts of this resist dyeing technique, known as Shibori which dates back to the 8th century. Though introduced earlier, the craft became popular during the late 1960s in the form of a psychedelic pattern.
What is great about Tie-Dye?
In our earlier Shibori collection, nylon threads were woven into the fabric that was then pulled and tied before dyeing. In contrast, our new tie dye collection is made by tying the fabric with separate thread after it has already been woven and then dyeing it. The great thing about Tie-Dye is that it's cost-effective. The equipment needed for tie-dye is easily available and inexpensive. It does not require the use of machinery. Besides, the patterns for tie dye are always unique. No two fabrics can ever be identical. And it can be done in a wide range of colours. However, depending on the pattern, it can be labour-intensive. More sophisticated tie-dyed may involve additional steps, including an initial application of dye before the resist, multiple sequential dyeing and resist steps, and the use of other types of resists (stitching, stencils) and discharge.
The Process - How to tie dye step by step:
The Re-emergence of Tie Dye:
The major appeal of tie-dye has always been its individuality. Being a manual process and the nature of this craft, no two pieces are ever the same.
With the growing awareness of sustainability, eco-fashion and natural dyes in the fashion industry, there has been a re-emergence of Tie dye. More and more brands have embraced the uniqueness and uncertain outcome of the craft.
Tie-dye has come a long way from the psychedelic tees of 60's and 70's today's caftans, maxi dresses, sweatsuits and denim. But it continues to be a symbol of individuality and creative expression.
Team Anuprerna
