A traditional Japanese technique called Arashi Shibori is used to dye fabrics.To dye fabric using this technique, you need a cylindrical object and some twine or yarn to tie the fabric down.You can mix and match different colors, and you can dye your fabric any color you want.As you get better, you can try different ways of wrapping the fabric to get more intricate designs.
Step 1: You can choose a fabric made of natural fibers.
It is possible to dye things like blankets, sheets, pillowcases, shirts, and dresses.Natural fibers can be used.If you are dyeing for the first time, start with a small item, like a shirt, bandana, or scarf.
Step 2: Remove the fabric from the baking soda bath for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl or plastic container, mix 14 gallon of water and 1 ounce of baking soda.The fabric should be submerged in the baking soda bath.The fabric will absorb more color if you use the baking soda bath.If you're dyeing a large piece of fabric, double the amount of water and baking soda you use.
Step 3: The fabric can be folded into a triangle.
It is easier to tie onto the pole when you fold your fabric in a rectangular shape.If the fabric you are dyeing is already square or rectangular, you can either fold it in half or leave it as is.If you are dyeing a t-shirt, you should fold the sleeves in and then fold them in half.
Step 4: Attach a corner of the fabric to a cylindrical object.
Traditional arashi shibori is done using a long wooden pole, but you can use any object that is cylindrical in shape.A card stock tube will work.The cylinder should have a corner on it that touches one of the ends.Wrap a rubber band around the end of the cylinder to hold it in place.
Step 5: Attach the end of twine to the rubber band
If you don't have twine, use yarn or a thick thread.Wrap the twine around the rubber band on the cylinder.Attach the twine with a knot.
Step 6: Wrap the cylinder and fabric with twine.
The twine should be used to press the fabric against the cylinder.Wrap the twine around and it will leave 2.5 cm between the loops you make.
Step 7: You can make four loops around the fabric by adding another rubber band.
The fabric and twine will be held in place by the second rubber band.Next to the last loop of twine, position the rubber band over the cylinder and fabric.
Step 8: The fabric needs to be crunched up to make more room.
The fabric should be pushed toward the end of the cylinder.The twine should be pushed up to the one that came before it.The second rubber band should be 12 inch away from the first one.Between the loops of twine, you want the fabric to be bunched up.The unique design will be created by the bunching up of the fabric.
Step 9: Wrap and suck the fabric until it is all on the cylinder.
Add another rubber band after you make a few loops of twine.All of the fabric should be put on the cylinder.
Step 10: The rest of the ball can be cut with scissors.
The rubber bands on the cylinder have twine loops through them.
Step 11: Bring the water to a boil in the plastic container.
You should use a container large enough to hold the cylinder.The entire cylinder can be submerged if it is filled with enough water.
Step 12: Add fabric to the water.
At your local craft store, you can find fabric dye in a variety of colors.You need to shake the bottle to open it.To find out how much dye you should use, read the instructions on the back of the dye.The more dye you use, the more saturated the color will be.Use a spoon to stir the mixture.You should wear rubber gloves when pouring the dye.If you are dyeing cotton or linen, you should add 1-2 cups of regular table salt to the water.
Step 13: The cylinder and fabric should be soaked in the dye bath.
The cylinder should be completely submerged.If there isn't enough water in the dye bath to cover all of the fabric, add more.If you want the color on the fabric to be more saturated, leave it in the dye bath for more than 10 minutes.
Step 14: If you want, you can add different colors to your fabric.
In a small dish, mix a different color dye with water.Put some of the new dye onto the fabric by removing it from the dye bath.The fabric should be in the dye bath for 10 minutes.An eyedropper can be used to apply the new dye.
Step 15: The fixative is needed to preserve the dye.
Before you remove the fabric from the cylinder, do this.There are dye fixatives at your local craft store.
Step 16: Under the water, rinse the cylinder and fabric.
All the fabric is getting washed if you put the cylinder in your hands.Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.
Step 17: Wrap the twine around the fabric.
Remove the rubber bands as well.Set the cylinder aside once the fabric is off.
Step 18: Under cold water, rinse the fabric with it.
Continue rinsing until the water runs clear.When you are done rinsing, wring out the fabric.
Step 19: The fabric must be washed in cold water.
If you want to dry it, wash it on the hottest setting.If you're worried about the fabric Shrinking, you can air-dry it.Once the fabric is dry, it is ready to be worn or displayed.To avoid dyeing your other fabrics, wash the fabric separately.