Shibori Folding - no 6

A more complicated fold today, but with a very pretty result, see if you can get it by these pictures. Start with a rectangular of 50 x 25 cm or similar. Fold it like an M. Then start turning the upper corners to the middle line:

 

And again:

 

 

Clamp two triangles to the fabric package:

 

 

 

Et voila:

 

Shibori Folding - no 5

Ofcourse, you don't need to fold, you might also roll your fabric:

 

Same clips, two different patterns:

Shibori Folding - no 4

Easy clamping today, just use those cling clips from IKEA or another store to clamp your fabric:

You can play with the fabric which part will be outside, resulting in a stronger result, by now, you now how I folded this ;-)>

Shibori Folding - no 3

Now it's time for a funny experiment, I addes a sponge in one of the jar lids, with some red dye soaked in it:

 

I see some very interesting parts, will have to spend some more time on this technique!

Shibori Folding - no 2

Same fold as yesterday, but now in the other direction:

Let's see how this works out with a few of the bought shapes.

 

Shibori Folding - no 1

To start this serie, I want to show you two ways to fold a grid pattern.
The first one  (right) is known as the 'flagfold' I think, and the other one is just a variation. I made an example in paper as it is easier to make a picture of this:

You see the difference in the starting point. For both, fold a rectangle piece of fabric like this:

Then start folding the triangle each with another starting point, but after the start just make sure you outline one of the triangle sides along the long side of the fabric:

Clamp your folded triangle accordion between two glass coasters with some rubber bands:

Now it's time to make your dye bath. Don't forget to add soda and salt as you want the dye to move through the water, looking for fabric to attach on ;-). And be generous, mix at least 3 pure colours, for a nice colour splitting effect.

Leave these packages at least one night in the dyebath. Rinse cold before un-clamping your fabric! Now it's time to unfold your package, and follow your regular rinse-process. Voila:

Shibori folding

It's november so it's my turn (Nienke) and as may expected, dyeing is involved!
Recently, one of my clamp shibori pieces was published in a dutch magazine 'Quilt en zo' and it will be published in the november issue of Patchwork Professional as well.

 

 

So, a nice starting point to explore 'more ways to fold your fabric' to create some nice shibori fabric.

I started with collecting items to clamp onto the fabric, like, this stuff from the hardware store

 

acrylic shapes, bought f.e. at http://www.thermofaxprinting.co.uk/

a couple of jar lids, and yes it is a sponge you're seeing (more to come, stay tuned ;-):

glass or metal coasters from the pennyshop:

Or even try to saw some shapes yourself for example in trespa, perspex or woord.

For the clamping, you can use rubber bands, or all sorts of (glue or paper or wash) clamps:

See what you can find, the folding party will start tomorrow!

PS. If you are new to dyeing, this online course is a good starting point:
http://www.craftsy.com/class/the-art-of-cloth-dyeing/107