I have had a number of requests to put this blog together following my workshops and talks based on the Power Point slides where I present the 5 principle techniques of stitch resist shibori to help everyone begin to get an idea of the possibilities and the stitches involved in creating ideas, patterns and images in shibori stitch resist or sophisticated tie dye. These 5 ways of working can help you produce a wonderful range of patterns. This is a very visual blog based on my slide presentation.

All these techniques should be looked at in conjunction with 7 helpful hints for shibori sewing and my video.

5 most valuable shibori techniques

1. ORI NUI

This stitch is a simple single fold or pleat with a row of running stitches through all layers of the fabric.

 

 

2. NE-MAKI

This is the simple technique of binding beads and items of different shapes and sizes into the cloth to produce circles of differing size. The bead or other object is always inserted under the cloth and bound from the top.

3. MIRU SHIBORI

This way of working involves sewing through two layers of folded fabric with rows of parallel stitching about 0.5 or 1cm apart, again using a simple running stitch.

 

4. MAKI-AGE SHIBORI

Here you can create irregular shapes by sewing through a single layer of fabric, gathering it up and then binding it with a thicker stronger thread.

5. MOKUME OR WOODGRAIN SHIBORI

This stunning pattern is very labour intensive as it involves sewing many lines of parallel stitching through one layer of fabric. The rows of stitches need to be close together to achieve the best effect. The beautiful moon shown is a Jane Callender design which was made by Caroline on one of my workshops recently. Jane Callender’s “Stitched Shibori” book is a must for any shibori enthusiast.

I do hope these images help to remind those who have been on one of my workshops, listened to my talks on “Creating with Shibori” or just all of you who are fascinated by the possibilities of shibori patterns and images.