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  • SHIBORI DYEING

    SHIBORI DYEING

    resist dyed
    Published on 16th Aug, 2023
    Last Edited on 30th Dec, 2025
    Reading Time: 2 Minute Read

    Shibori Art Is A Japanese Manual Resist Dyeing Technique, Which Produces A Number Of Different Patterns On Fabric. There Are Many Ways To Create Shibori; However, Most Techniques Have Names, And These Techniques Have A Number Of Varieties. At Anuprerna, Our Shibori Pattern Fabric Is Created By Weaving Thick Threads, To Be Used For Tying As Resist, Directly Into The Fabric.

    PROCESS BEHIND SHIBORI DYEING

    Shibori Dyeing Process

    What is Shibori dyeing

     

    Shibori dyeing is one of the resist dyeing techniques where the fabric is resisted by using threads in the desired pattern & the dyed. 

     

    The tied threads resist the dye from penetrating the fabric in those areas, thus producing a unique pattern each time. It is however a time-consuming and labor-intensive textile craft.

     

    There are several different types under the Shibori techniques depending on how the resist is applied. Shibori design requires very precise technique.

     

    Anuprerna is closely working with Shibori Artisans from a cluster located in the district of Nadia in West Bengal.

    Shibori Fabric

    History

     

    There are some discussions and debates over the origin of Shibori as a technique of Japan. 

     

    The earliest surviving examples of shibori-dyed cloth date back to the mid-8th century donated to the Todai-ji Buddhist temple in Nara in 756 C.E. upon the death of Emperor Shomu. 

     

    The techniques seen on these earliest fragments show bound resists and clamped resists

    Type of Shibori Dying

    Shibori dyeing is a traditional Japanese resist-dye method that produces distinctive designs by folding, twisting, tying, or sewing fabric before dyeing. 

    The primary varieties are Itajime (fabric folded and clamped between shapes for geometric patterns), Kumo (pleated and bound for spiderweb effects), Miura (loop binding for watery designs), Kanoko (tie-dye using threads for circular patterns), and Nui (stitched resist for fine, detailed motifs). Every technique yields a unique texture and natural look.

    Step 1: THE SHIBORI DYEING PROCESS- The Art of Woven Resist

    The thicker yarn for tying as resist is directly woven into the fabric during handweaving.

    Step 2: The Secured Weave

    The yarns are secured on one side while the fabric is drawn together to create a tight gather.

    Step 3: The Final Knot

    Once the gathers have been formed in the fabric, tying up the loose ends securely ensures that the gathers will be held together, preventing them from unraveling or shifting.

    Step 4: The Azo-Free Dye Bath Process

    The Azo-free dye is utilized to create a dye bath.

     

     The fabric, which has been gathered and tied, is then immersed in the dye bath to enable the dye to penetrate the fabric as much as possible.

    Step 5: Removing the Excess Dye

    The process involves removing the dyed fabric and subjecting it to a thorough washing to eliminate any excess dye.

    Step 6: Unveiling the Shibori Pattern

     

    Once the fabric has undergone the dyeing stage, the next step is to reveal the Shibori pattern. 

     

    To accomplish this, the yarns used for binding the fabric are carefully cut and removed, allowing the fabric to be unraveled. 

    VARIOUS SHIBORI TECHNIQUES

    Kanoko shibori- Kanoko shibori is what is commonly thought of in the West as tie-dye. It involves binding certain sections of the cloth to achieve the desired pattern.

    Miura shibori - Also known as looped binding. It involves taking a hooked needle and plucking sections of the cloth. Then a thread is looped around each section twice. The resulting dyed cloth is a water-like design.

    Kumo shibori- Kumo shibori is a pleated and bound resist. The result is a very specific spider-like design.

    Nui shibori- Nui shibori includes stitched (simple running stitch) shibori. The fabric is stitched 1st, the thread is then pulled to gather up the fabric and knot. 

    Arashi shibori- Arashi shibori is also known as pole-wrapping shibori.

    Itajime shibori- Itajime shibori is a shaped-resist technique. The shapes prevent the dye from penetrating the fabric they cover.

    Techniques of Shibori

    Summary

    At Anuprerna, our Shibori fabric pattern is created by pulling and tying threads woven directly into the fabric and then dyeing. Discover the beauty and charm of our Shibori fabric patterns, meticulously created to detail.

    EXPLORE SHIBORI FABRICS

    frequently asked questions

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    What materials and techniques are commonly used in making Shibori fabrics?

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    Shibori crafts typically involve dyeing natural fabrics like cotton, silk, linen, and hemp. The intricate patterns are achieved through various folding, binding, and resist techniques, creating stunning textures on these materials.

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    Are Shibori fabrics colorfast? How do I ensure the colors stay vibrant?

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    Shibori fabrics are treated with care during the dyeing process to ensure colorfastness. To maintain vibrant colors, it's recommended to wash your Shibori fabric separately, especially during the first few washes. Using a mild pH-neutral detergent and cold water will help preserve the colors over time.

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    How can I best store my Shibori fabric to prevent damage?

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    To ensure the longevity of your Shibori fabric, it's recommended to store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Using acid-free tissue paper or a breathable fabric cover can help protect the fabric from dust and potential discoloration.

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    What are the various applications of shibori fabric?

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    Shibori has a diverse range of uses encompassing the creation of various garments such as tops, dresses, scarves, as well as home decor items like curtains, pillow covers, table linens, and bedding. It is also utilized in the production of textile accessories like tote bags and purses. Additionally, textile artists incorporate Shibori into their artwork, and it is often employed in different art and craft projects.

    About Us

    Discover Anuprerna’s sustainable handloom fabrics crafted by 300+ skilled artisans in East India. We also offer low MOQ custom manufacturing of apparel, stoles, scarves, handbags, and home furnishings in organic khadi, cotton, linen, wool, bamboo, mulberry, ahimsa silk and more.

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