Easy Shibori Tie-Dye – Arashi Pole-Wrapping Shibori Technique

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Shibori tie-dye is something I’d never tried – until now.

I decided to try the arashi method first. This arashi shibori technique , aka. pole-wrapping shibori, involves tightly wrapping the fabric around a pipe to create the resist dyeing pattern.

I don’t buy supplies until I really need them, so I searched the house for a suitable pipe or tube. I used our vaccuum cleaner pipe and it worked pretty well – I think the slipperiness of the steel helped me to really cram the t-shirt up tightly to get more defined shibori patterns.

Check out my rather unorthodox but successful experiment below!

I’m really happy with the results. The line pattern looks fantastic, and I love the gradual transition between the indigo and white. It ended up being a great everyday t-shirt.

The shibori method is over 1000 years old, with examples existing from the 8th century. The different shibori techniques use binding, stitching, folding, paste/wax, or compression to create resist patterns on the fabric, and many of the patterns are very intricate or precise. Natural indigo is still used today.

Arashi is usually done diagonally, but I didn’t have a long enough pole! Horizontal arashi seems to work just fine.

Fun fact: Arashi is Japanese for storm, with the (normally) diagonal lines meant to represent driving rain. It suits the result.

We use Procion dye in indigo, but if you want something a little simpler Tulip tie-dye kits are a great option. Tulip tie-dye kits already contain soda ash so it’s as simple as adding water to the pre-mixed dye and squirting on your fabric.

Thanks for watching! I’d love to hear if you decide to try it and DIY your own tie dyes (and especially if you use creative supplies like vacuum cleaners). Tag @dyediyhq on Instagram or Facebook and I’ll check it out.

Hey, I’m Kelly! I’ve been tie-dyeing since 2008 for my family + business.

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