Dyeing instructions

Before you start dyeing, you should define and prepare the subsequent shibori patterns by folding, tying or sewing the fabric. This will make bright patterns visible after dyeing with the blue colour.

Preparation:

1. Pre-wash the fabric. This helps to remove any finishes that may impair colour absorption.

2. As a general guide, 1/2 bottle of dye (120ml) mixed with 10 litres of water will dye 500g of dry fabric. Adjust the dosage accordingly.

3. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with hot water. Ideally, the water temperature should be 60°C or higher. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the cooker, in a kettle or microwave and add it to the dye bath. Use the hottest water that is safe for the fabric.

4. To enhance colour: (1) add 250g salt when dyeing fabrics contain cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 250ml vinegar when dyeing fabrics contain nylon, silk or wool. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent or Synthrapol to promote even colouring. To enhance colour: (1) add 250g salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 250ml vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool. Add 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing detergent or Synthrapol to promote even colouring. 

5. Wear rubber gloves and add the well-shaken colourant.

Dyeing:

6. Place your bound fabric into the dye bath

7. For patterns with strong blue/white contrasts, leave the bound fabric in the dye bath for 3 to 5 minutes. For a stronger blue and fewer white areas, the bound fabric should remain in the dye bath for 10 to 20 minutes.

8. When the desired colour intensity has been reached, remove the bound fabric from the dye bath. Do not loosen the elastics or ribbons yet.

Fixation:

9. Immediately after dyeing, the colour must be fixed with ColorStay Dye Fixative. This product helps to improve colour intensity and reduce colour bleeding. As with the dye ratio, mix ½ bottle (120ml) of ColorStay Dye Fixative with approx. 10 litres of water per 500g of fabric. Adjust the dosage accordingly.

10. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with warm water (60°C). Wear rubber gloves and pour the well shaken ColorStay Dye Fixative into the container or sink. Stir well.

11. Add the still bound fabric to the bath.

12. Stir slowly and continuously for 20 minutes.

13. Remove the bound fabric from the liquid.

14. Rinse with cold water.

Opening the lacing:

15. Remove any tying (i.e. string, rubber bands, blocks of wood, etc.).

16. Wash in cold water with a mild detergent, rinse and leave to dry.

Good luck with your Shibori dyeing!