Turn simple cover-ups into zebra- and tiger-inspired prints using Itajime Shibori techniques. Add party hats and blowers because these animals came to party.
Supplies:
- Rit All-Purpose Dyes in Marigold and Black
- Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative
- Cotton Sarong
- Rubberbands
- String or Twine
- Long PVC Pipe or similar width pole
- Container for dyeing
- Measuring Cup and Spoon
- Paper Towels
- Tongs
- Rubber Gloves
- Dish Detergent
- Salt
Time: 1 Hour
Difficulty: Intermediate
Instructions:
- Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the fabric. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Prewash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.
- For tiger stripes, solid dye the fabric with All-Purpose Liquid Dye in Marigold first, then follow instructions below.
- Wet fabric and squeeze out any excess water so that fabric is slightly damp.
- To create a traditional Arashi pattern, fold fabric into fourths and secure one corner of the folded fabric to a PVC pipe or pole with a rubber band.
- Wrap the fabric tightly around the pipe or pole and secure opposite end with rubber band.
- Secure string or twine near the first rubber band and wrap around down the entire length of the pole. Make sure to keep the tension tight as this is what will create the organic stripes. Secure string onto opposite end of the pole.
- Place pole vertically and pull one top end of the fabric down to compress together.
- Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with three gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 140ºF / 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.
- To enhance the colour: (1) add 1 cup / 240 mL of salt when dyeing fabrics containing cotton, rayon, ramie or linen; (2) add 1 cup / 240 mL of vinegar when dyeing fabrics containing nylon, silk or wool.
- Add 1 teaspoon / 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.
- Wearing rubber gloves, add well-shaken Black dye to dyebath.
- Add bound fabric to dyebath. If the fabric on the pipe or pole is too long to fit in the dyebath, use a measuring cup to pour dye over the fabric. For a high contrast pattern, keep the wrapped fabric in the dye for about 3 to 5 minutes to keep the wrapped part dye-free. For more colour and less white areas, let the wrapped fabric set in the dyebath for 10 to 20 minutes.
- When desired colour is achieved, remove wrapped fabric from the dyebath. Do not remove the fabric from the pipe or pole.
- For additional colours, create smaller dyebaths with 2 cups of hot water and 2 tbsp of All-Purpose Liquid Dye. Pour over sections of bound fabric using a measuring cup to create a multicolor design.
- We strongly recommend using Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing. It enhances the colour, increases colour retention and prevents dye from bleeding into white areas. Follow these instructions.
- Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.
- Carefully remove fabric from pipe or pole.
- Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.
