Dive in to Learn How to Create Words with Shibori Stitch

Let’s explore forming letters, learn how to create words with shibori. I’ve chosen some beautiful words to help us bring more positive feelings into 2025. So much that is troubling around the world, and it is so helpful to focus on the positive and look for all that is good.

When thinking about making letter shapes in shibori you need to find a nice, rounded alphabet of letters on the internet or on your computer. I find Pinterest is a great place to search for suitable lettering styles. Here is my Pinterest board on alphabets for a place to start. Admittedly there are not many examples but a good place to begin. These styles lend themselves to creating with guntai shibori, which is where we will start today in our explorations.

Create Words with Shibori; Examples to Get You Going!

I have two examples of using guntai shibori which lends itself to writing and alphabets. The other is a sample of mixed techniques.

To Use Guntai Shibori

This is a lovely word to begin with, as it is nice and short in length!

Guntai stitch is a kind of oversew stitch, as the stitching progresses the fabric rolls in on itself. Firstly, a sharp clear drawing is imperative. The shape can be clearlyseen and enables you to follow the line easily. Next, select a double thread which is 3 times the length of the finished shape. Though it is possible to join another thread in as the stitching progresses. The stitch is spaced approximately 2mm/1/16” apart.

Something to be aware of with guntai shibori is that it is most successful with natural indigo and good results can also be achieved using Rit dyes. Furthermore, with fibre reactive and natural plant dyes there is a tendency for too much colour to seep into the stitching and the results are rather disappointing. Not enough distinct white is left. Finally, when unpicking great care is needed. A seam ripper is best tool for this and additionally to unpick on the reverse side of the fabric.

Guntai shibori has also formed the word PEACE. And below is the stitching that created it. As shown, start and finish with a tag, it helps at the unpicking stage.

Some Mixed Techniques to Use to Create Words with Shibori

This example of lettering uses 4 techniques.

Firstly, the “H” is formed with mokume shibori, 4 rows of stitching close together, making the uprights and the crossbar. This way of working will be great for many letters, but the size of the letter will need to be bigger than when using guntai shibori.

Secondly, the “O” is made with boshi shibori. The circle of the O is stitched around then gathered up around a “CORE”. The shape is then wrapped in a small piece of plastic to keep out the dye totally. See this blog all about it here.

Next, the “P” is stitched as described above, using guntai shibori.

And finally, the “E” is made with that favourite little stitch of mine, ori-nui shibori. A very simple technique but in this instant you must pull the stitching very tightly even though the length of stitch is quite short in length.

To Conclude

I hope my ideas on creating words with shibori will inspire you to have a go at forming some letters and words to decorate clothing or household items. Lovely for a shoe bag with a child’s initials perhaps. I will leave you to see where these ideas can take you. Do let me know how you get on and what you create.

Find out so much about how to shibori with my book “Creative Stitched Shibori” It is full of inspiration and many, many step by step photos of the process of shibori. Here is a link to my book page.