Summer is officially here! While many cities and states are starting to reopen, let’s continue to explore our creativity at home. We are happy to share unique “Shibori” (tie-dye) pattern making ideas using our Yamato Indigo Starter Kit. 

Shibori Idea #1: Circle & Star

You will need: 
Yamato Indigo Starter Kit
1 or 2 buckets or bowls (about 5 to 8 liter)
Waterproof table covering
Mixing stick
Paper

How to make Circle & Star

1. Take a square bandana from the kit. Fold it in half into a triangle. Fold it in half 3 more times, each time in a smaller triangle. Be sure to crease them well. 

2. Open the bandana into the first triangle. Then, fold the bandana in accordion pleats following the crease. 

3. Place 2 sets of wood sticks on fabric and secure with rubber bands from the kit. Place one of the sets at an angle. The sticks placed straight will be Circle, and sticks placed at angle will be Star. 

4. Pour 2 to 4 liter of water into a bucket and mix 10g of Yamato Indigo Dye from the kit. Mix it well. Skim bubbles off the surface.  

5. Soak the tied bandana in water. Squeeze it out well, and dip in the indigo vat for 2 to 3 mins. Make sure to submerge the entire fabric item in the vat. Massage the fabric in the vat for a darker, more even dye result. 

6. Take the fabric out of the vat, squeeze out the dye liquid well, and expose for 2 to 3 minutes to the air in order for the dye to oxidize. The fabric may appear green at first, but it will soon turn blue as it oxidizes. 

7. Repeat steps 3 and 4 if you wish to dye your fabric a darker, more saturated blue color.

8. Soak the dyed bandana pieces in water, then take off the rubber bands and wood sticks. Rinse the fabric in water until the water runs clear.

9. Mix 60ml of 30% vinegar from the kit with 3 liter  of water. Soak the bandana into the vinegar water for

5 to 10 minutes. Rinse in water again, and dry naturally.

Tip for less mess: 
When making multiple pieces, make sure to complete shibori (“dry” part of the process) to all pieces first, before moving onto dyeing (“wet” process). Best to avoid going back and forth between the “dry” and “wet” processes.