Shibori dyeing technique

One of the crafts I have enjoyed most was taught to me in a brilliant workshop run by Bethan of Decorator’s Notebook and Heather of Growing Spaces. We spent such a lovely morning together at Sisterhood Camp creating something out of nothing using the Japanese dyeing technique of Shibori. I took along an old white cotton pillowcase and managed to completely transform it with a few elastic bands and a bit of Dylon. If you would like to give Shibori a try there is a great tutorial here.

I really love the variety of colours created using the Shibori technique and I’ve been thinking about incorporating these colours into my home more. Here’s a Shoibori inspired collection of homewares that you can buy right here, including the dark blue plates featured in this post…

When I got home from Sisterhood camp I decided to turn my Shibori dyed pillowcase into a set of unique napkins. I just had to cut the case into four equal pieces and hem the edges on the sewing machine. And here are my hand dyed napkins in all their glory complimenting these gorgeous deep blue plates from Minor Goods and some ceramics from Bring The Outside In

DIY Shibori napkins | Apartment Apothecary

Our Shibori dyed fabric hanging out to dry.

Shibori 2

It was so exciting to untie the fabric after the dyeing process to reveal the pattern that I had created. I’m quite in love with the dark blue of these plates with the blue dyed napkins.

DIY Shibori napkins | Apartment Apothecary

The ceramic bowl and beakers have a really interesting glaze that complement the napkins perfectly.

If you give Shibori a go I’d love to see some pics! I would like to make a quilt next – perhaps that could be a project for the Autumn.

Katy x

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5 Comments

  1. 28th July 2015 / 4:39 am

    Beautiful! I’ve got to give this a try. Lovely idea making napkins from your pillowcase.

    • Katy
      Author
      28th July 2015 / 8:31 am

      Yes, do give it a go! Would love to see some pics when you do x

  2. 29th July 2015 / 8:41 am

    I’m desperate to try this but it might be a bit of a safety hazard doing it outside on my tiny balcony!

    • Katy
      Author
      3rd August 2015 / 7:35 am

      All you need to a bucket – a small balcony would be fine! Unless youw ant to dye a huge piece of fabric. You must try it – it is so satisfying! xx

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