Stitched Shibori

Learn a variety of traditional methods of folding and clamping, stitching and gathering, arashi (pole-wrapping), and binding to enhance cloth with interesting motifs and shapes.

A reference source to the dyeing technique of shibori. The book isllustrated throughout and presents a complete survey of the craft, from itsrigins, over 1000 years ago to the latest 20th-century innovations.

Creative Stitched Shibori introduces the Japanese craft of resist dyeing where a plain piece of fabric can be transformed into remarkable patterns. It starts with the simple running stitch and then explores how techniques can be combined to create more ambitious projects inspired by the natural world. With over 300 illustrations, including step-by-step sequences, this practical guide is a textile enthusiast's dream to a simple technique with vast and exciting potential.

"Includes information on working with natural dyes!"--Cover.

Written by expert shibori teacher Jane Callender, this beautiful, practical book is packed with both traditional and inventive stitch-resist techniques, a complete dyeing guide and an inspirational gallery of Janes work. This book contains all the information a beginner will need to get started - including tips on dyeing in small spaces and a guide to all the necessary health and safety considerations - but is also packed with innovative techniques and inspiring designs that will appeal to the experienced textile artist. The book is broken into three sections. The first shows you all the key stitch-resist techniques you need - from the basics right through to creating intricate designs and all are clearly explained with photography and illustrations. Learn how to create a range of different shibori styles, oversew, make circles and other shapes, use grids, double needles, stencils and caps, bind fabrics, work with machine stitch, use fabric buffers and incorporate appliqué. The second section shows you how to use motifs to create pattern: learn how to create and position designs, including traditional arrangements such as Karamatsu and Tatewaku, create composite designs and get tips on how to plan your own patterns. Finally, the book contains a complete guide to dyeing it contains recipes, tips and advice so that you can get the very best from every dye bath you make. Learn how to dye with both natural and synthetic indigo, in organic and synthetic vats. Also choose from a wide range of natural dyes, iron rust and dazzling Procion dyes, which can be used in combination or alone for amazing effects.

Mandy Southan takes the art of Shibori, in which fabric is bound, clamped or stitched before dyeing, and goes beyond the traditional blue and white to create fabrics in a fabulous array of colours, patterns and textures. Clear step by step photographs and instructions demonstrate how to use acid dyes and cold water reactive dyes in a variety of creative ways. Mandy then demonstrates shibori techniques such as binding, hand painting, capping, stitching, folding and clamping, pole winding and pole wrapping can be used to create truly wonderful dyed fabrics.

Shibori is the Japanese term (from the word meaning "to squeeze or wring") for the dye-resist technique of binding, clamping or gathering the cloth so that the dye cannot reach certain parts. The result is a most powerful combination: a carefully structured design with the organic freedom of the unpredictable. One of the richest textile traditions in the world, shibori has been used in Japan, Africa, India and South America for centuries to create vibrant color, bold patterns, and intricate motifs. In recent years, a resurgence of the art has revealed its full potential. Janice Gunner's book is aimed at quilters, embroiderers and textile artists who want to master the techniques of shibori and to find ways of using the fabric for a range of textile applications. The book begins with the historical and cultural background of shibori; then goes on to explain, with clear, precise instructions and diagrams, how to make a wide range of exquisite fabrics. Gunner covers many different techniques, including tied-resist, stitched-resist, wrapped-resist, clamp-resist, folded- and pleated-resist, as well as immersion, space and indigo dyeing. Stunning examples of shibori pieces appear throughout the book both to inspire and guide; and practical advice is given on incorporating shibori textiles into the reader's own quilted and embroidered work.