Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners from Udemy

Indigo is a beautiful dye that oxidizes into that famous blue. Shibori is a resist dyeing method that creates patterns by folding and tie dyeing. The teacher, Catherine Ruhl is a Textile Artist, Teacher and YouTuber.

You will learn the basics of shibori folding, mixing up the indigo dye, dipping and laundry instructions. You can use any kind of dye for this class, but the demonstration will be with an indigo vat.

1. Supply overview: this section will let you know all the supplies you will need to get started.

2. Folding: I show you step by step instructions for folding 6 patterns with visual aides. This includes 2 folds for masks, 2 folds for pillows, and 2 folds for tea towels. Students can choose which patterns they like the best.

3. Mixing up the indigo vat: Indigo is a really cool dye because it gives you such a beautiful rich color. Pre reduced indigo is the most common kind of indigo sold. I talk about how to reduce your indigo vat, stir it, and make sure not to get too much oxygen in the vat.

4. Dipping your pieces in the indigo. The process of dipping is a little nuanced. I show you my favorite technique for getting a good balance of white and blue in your piece.

5. Revealing and opening up your indigo tie dye. After letting the pieces oxidize in the bind it's time to open them up. I show you how to carefully cut open your pieces and reveal the patterns for you on camera. Then the pieces need to keep oxidizing to get to be fully blue. Indigo is green when it first comes out of the vat.

6. Washing instructions. After letting the pieces fully oxidize for at least 1 hour. You can rinse them in the sink and wash them. You can wash them by hand with dyers detergent (synthrapol). Or you can rinse them and put them in your washing machine. Wash on hot with an extra rinse. Dry on hot to set the dye.

7. Share your results. I love to see what everyone has made. In a physical workshop this is one of the most inspiring parts to see how everyone's pieces look. Results for shibori dyeing are always a little bit different and there is an element of surprise when it comes to resist dyeing.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Learn the basics of resist dyeing and indigo
Fold multiple designs on fabric
Mix up the pre reduced indigo vat

Dye fabric in the indgo vat
How to wash your indigo dyed fabric

Learn the basics of resist dyeing and indigo
Fold multiple designs on fabric
Mix up the pre reduced indigo vat
Dye fabric in the indgo vat
How to wash your indigo dyed fabric

Syllabus

Introduction

Intro To Indigo Tie Dye Shibori and Catherine Ruhl's Introduction

Supply Overview

This section will let you know all the supplies you will need to get started.

Step by step instructions for folding 2 patterns for masks with visual aides. Students can choose which patterns they like the best or do both.

Step by step Instructions for folding 2 patterns for a pillow cover with visual aides. Students can choose which patterns they like the best or do both!.

Step by Step Instructions for folding 2 tea towel patterns. Students can choose which one they like best or do both.

Indigo is a really cool dye because it gives you such a beautiful rich color. Pre reduced indigo is the most common kind of indigo sold. I talk about how to reduce your indigo vat, stir it, and make sure not to get too much oxygen in the vat.

After letting the pieces oxidize in the bind it's time to open them up. I show you how to carefully cut open your pieces and reveal the patterns for you on camera. Then the pieces need to keep oxidizing to get to be fully blue. Indigo is green when it first comes out of the vat.After letting the pieces fully oxidize for at least 1 hour. You can rinse them in the sink and wash them. You can wash them by hand with dyers detergent (synthrapol). Or you can rinse them and put them in your washing machine. Wash on hot with an extra rinse. Dry on hot to set the dye.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides step-by-step instructions for folding six different shibori patterns, which allows learners to explore a variety of designs and find their favorites

Covers the process of mixing an indigo vat, including how to reduce it and avoid over-oxidation, which is essential knowledge for successful indigo dyeing

Details the nuances of dipping fabric in indigo to achieve a good balance of white and blue, which helps learners refine their dyeing technique

Explains how to reveal and oxidize indigo-dyed pieces, including washing instructions, which ensures learners know how to properly finish their projects

Requires dyers detergent (synthrapol) for washing, which may not be readily available and could be an additional expense for some students

Demonstrates the use of pre-reduced indigo, which may limit learners' exposure to other indigo dyeing methods and techniques

Reviews summary

Beginner guide to indigo shibori dyeing

According to learners, this is a wonderful and accessible introduction to indigo shibori tie dyeing for absolute beginners. Students praised the clear, easy-to-follow instructions and the helpful visual demonstrations of various folding techniques and the dyeing process. The instructor is frequently highlighted as knowledgeable and engaging. While sourcing specific supplies like the indigo kit was noted as a potential hurdle for some, the overall experience is described as fun, creative, and highly rewarding, leading to beautiful, unique results on items like masks, pillows, and tea towels. The course successfully demystifies the process and encourages students to start creating.

Perfect for those with no experience.

"This course is absolutely perfect if you have zero prior experience with dyeing."

"As a complete beginner, I felt the pace and content were just right for me."

"Someone with existing dyeing knowledge might find some parts too basic."

"It gave me the confidence to try this craft without feeling overwhelmed."

Instructor is knowledgeable and clear.

"Catherine is a fantastic teacher, very clear and passionate about the subject."

"The instructor's enthusiasm made the course very enjoyable."

"She explained the concepts of indigo dyeing in a way that was easy to understand for a non-chemist like me."

"Her background and experience really came through in the teaching."

Demonstrations aid understanding.

"Seeing the folding techniques demonstrated visually was incredibly helpful."

"The video segments showing the actual dipping and revealing process were key."

"The visual aids for the different patterns made it easy to choose and execute."

"Watching the instructor perform the steps helped me feel confident trying it myself."

Steps are easy for beginners to follow.

"The steps for folding and dyeing were really clear and broken down well."

"Everything was explained in such a way that even a total beginner could grasp it."

"I appreciated the detailed instructions provided for each step of the process."

"The instructor made the process seem much less intimidating than I expected."

Creates beautiful, unique pieces.

"I was so happy with how my first piece turned out - exactly like the demo!"

"The patterns created using the techniques from the course are beautiful and unique."

"There is such a great sense of accomplishment opening up your dyed items."

"My projects look fantastic, very professional for a first-timer."

Specific materials are needed.

"Finding the specific pre-reduced indigo kit mentioned required a bit of searching online."

"Be prepared to gather a list of specific materials before you start the course."

"Some supplies aren't commonly found in local craft stores."

"It helps to plan ahead for getting the necessary dyeing chemicals."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners with these activities:

Review Basic Color Theory

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Reinforce your understanding of color theory to better predict and understand the results of indigo dyeing.

Browse courses on Color Theory

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Review the color wheel and primary, secondary, and tertiary colors.
Study color harmonies like complementary, analogous, and triadic color schemes.
Consider how indigo interacts with the base color of the fabric.

Read 'The Art and Science of Natural Dyes'

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Deepen your understanding of the chemical processes involved in indigo dyeing.

View The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Art and Science of Natural Dyes'.
Read the sections pertaining to indigo and vat dyeing.
Take notes on key concepts and processes.

Practice Shibori Folds on Scrap Fabric

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Improve your shibori folding techniques to achieve more consistent and predictable results.

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Gather scrap fabric and practice folding the patterns taught in the course.
Focus on achieving tight and even folds.
Experiment with variations of the folds to create unique patterns.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Explore 'Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing'

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Expand your knowledge of shibori techniques and explore more advanced patterns.

View Melania on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing'.
Browse the book and identify techniques that interest you.
Attempt to replicate some of the patterns using scrap fabric.

Document Your Dyeing Process

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Solidify your learning by documenting each step of the indigo dyeing process, including materials, techniques, and results.

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Photograph or video each step of the dyeing process.
Write detailed notes about the materials used, folding techniques, and dyeing times.
Reflect on the results and identify areas for improvement.

Design and Dye a Shibori Scarf

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Apply your knowledge and skills to create a finished product, reinforcing your understanding of shibori and indigo dyeing.

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Plan the design and choose the desired shibori techniques.
Prepare the scarf and dye the fabric.
Finish the scarf and share your creation.

Create a Shibori Pattern Guide

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Synthesize your knowledge by creating a guide that documents different shibori patterns, folding techniques, and dyeing results.

Show steps

Select a variety of shibori patterns to include in the guide.
Document the folding techniques for each pattern with clear instructions and diagrams.
Include photos of the dyed fabric for each pattern, noting any variations in color or texture.
Organize the guide in a clear and accessible format.

Career center

Learners who complete Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Fiber Artist

Fiber artists create artwork using natural and synthetic fibers, such as fabric, yarn, and thread. This career involves a combination of artistic vision and technical skill in manipulating fibers. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is highly relevant for a fiber artist looking to explore new dyeing techniques. The course provides a hands-on introduction to shibori, a resist dyeing method that creates unique patterns on fabric. You can learn how to fold, bind, and dye fabric with indigo. The course's folding instructions will enhance pattern making techniques. The indigo dyeing knowledge will inform a fiber artist's understanding of the artistic properties of fabric. The methods for revealing designs are also important.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fiber Artist

Craftsperson

A craftsperson creates handmade items for sale or display. This role requires creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to work with various materials. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course offers valuable skills for a craftsperson looking to add unique, handmade textiles to their product line. Learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing can result in items such as clothing, pillowcases, and tea towels. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to create a variety of designs. You can then use the indigo dyeing knowledge for various projects. The course teaches techniques for washing shibori-dyed projects, which are key to crafting high-quality textiles.

See salaries and explore the career path for Craftsperson

Textile Artist Assistant

A textile artist assistant supports a lead textile artist in the creation of their work. Tasks may include preparing materials, assisting in the dyeing process, and helping with studio maintenance. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is directly applicable to the work of a textile artist assistant, and can help advance professional skills. The learning of shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add value to a textile artist assistant's skillset. The course's instructions for folding patterns will allow you to better assist the lead artist. The indigo dyeing knowledge will help when preparing dyes. The course's washing instructions also provide skills to help care for textiles in the studio.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Artist Assistant

Surface Designer

Surface designers create designs for the surfaces of various products, including fabrics, wallpapers, and home goods. This career benefits from a deep understanding of pattern creation and color application. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course provides a practical introduction to a specific surface design technique. Learning the basics of shibori folding and indigo dyeing can equip you with new skills for creating unique patterns on fabric. You can gain concrete experience in resist dyeing methods. The course's instructions for mixing the indigo vat and dyeing fabric will enhance your understanding of color application techniques. The techniques for washing the fabric will also add to your set of skills. As a surface designer, this course may be a useful way to add to your knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Surface Designer

Custom Clothier

Custom clothiers work directly with clients to design and create clothing tailored to their specific needs and preferences. This includes taking measurements, selecting fabrics, and overseeing the garment construction process. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is useful for a custom clothier seeking to offer unique, handmade textiles to their clients. You can learn shibori folding and indigo dyeing, allowing you to introduce distinctive patterns and colors into custom-made clothing. The course's instructions for folding patterns can be incorporated into design choices. The indigo dyeing knowledge will add to the range of materials that you can make. The course's washing instructions can be given to customers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Custom Clothier

Costume Designer

Costume designers create the clothing worn by actors in theater, film, and television productions. They must have a strong understanding of historical and contemporary fashion, as well as the ability to translate a director's vision into tangible garments. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is helpful for a costume designer who wants to expand their textile design skills. Learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add unique, handmade elements to costumes. You can use the course's folding instructions to create intricate patterns on fabric. You can use the indigo dyeing knowledge for creating specialized textures. The course's washing instructions are also beneficial, as they describe how to care for delicate indigo-dyed garments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Costume Designer

Art teacher

An art teacher educates students on art history, techniques, and creative expression. The art teacher guides learners through projects using paints, sculpting, and textile work. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is a direct addition to the teaching skills of an art teacher, allowing that teacher to relay the techniques of shibori folding and indigo dyeing. The teacher can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to instruct students in pattern creation. Teachers can use indigo dyeing knowledge to teach students about fabric dyeing. The course's washing instructions can be passed on to students as well.

See salaries and explore the career path for Art teacher

Textile Designer

A textile designer creates patterns and designs for woven, knitted, printed, or other fabric materials. This career involves a strong understanding of color, texture, and manufacturing processes. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course may be useful for a textile designer who wants to expand their knowledge of surface design techniques. Learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add a unique, handmade element to your design portfolio, separating you from the competition. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to diversify your skills, and use the indigo dyeing knowledge for various projects, adding depth to your understanding of dye processes. The course's teaching of how to reveal and wash indigo-dyed fabrics are directly applicable to the kind of work textile designers perform.

See salaries and explore the career path for Textile Designer

Fashion Designer

Fashion designers conceptualize and create clothing and accessories. They sketch designs, select fabrics, and oversee the production of their creations. For a Fashion Designer, understanding fabric manipulation and dyeing techniques is essential. This Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course can complement your existing knowledge by providing an introduction to shibori, a unique resist dyeing method. You can learn how to create intricate patterns on fabric through folding, binding, and dyeing with indigo. The course's folding instructions are invaluable for creating unusual textures on fabrics. Learning about indigo dyeing techniques will inform material choices and processes that a Fashion Designer needs to be familiar with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Fashion Designer

Visual Merchandiser

Visual merchandisers create eye-catching displays in retail stores to attract customers and promote sales. This career requires creativity, an understanding of design principles, and the ability to showcase products effectively. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is helpful for a visual merchandiser who wants to add unique, handmade textiles to their displays. By learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing, you can create compelling visual elements for retail settings. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to make custom textiles for mannequins or display tables. The indigo dyeing knowledge will inform the creation of appealing textures for store products. The techniques covered in the course are easily adapted.

See salaries and explore the career path for Visual Merchandiser

Home Decorator

A home decorator designs and implements interior design plans for residential spaces. This career involves selecting furniture, textiles, and accessories to create a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing environment. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course may be useful for a home decorator seeking to add unique, handmade textiles to their design projects. Learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add distinctive elements to home interiors. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to create pillows or tea towels. You can use indigo dyeing knowledge to produce a range of fabric patterns. The course's instructions for washing indigo-dyed fabric are also helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Home Decorator

Textile Conservator

Textile conservators work to preserve and restore historical and culturally significant textiles. This role demands a strong understanding of textile materials, dyeing techniques, and conservation methods and may require an advanced degree. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course may be useful for a textile conservator who wishes to deepen their knowledge of historical dyeing techniques. Understanding the process of indigo dyeing, including vat preparation and fabric manipulation, provides insight into the original creation of textiles. You can learn the nuances of indigo dyeing, which can aid in identifying and preserving indigo-dyed textiles. The course's washing instructions are especially relevant for understanding how historical textiles may have been cared for. The knowledge of the oxidation process is also relevant.

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Independent Designer

Independent designers work on a freelance basis, creating designs for various clients and projects. This can include graphic design, web design, or product design. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course may be useful for an independent designer who wants to expand their skills and offer textile design services. Learning shibori folding and indigo dyeing can widen your scope of work. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to create textiles for clients. You can use the indigo dyeing knowledge to produce a range of visual effects. The course's washing instructions are also relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Independent Designer

Set Decorator

Set decorators furnish and decorate the sets used in theater, film, and television productions. They work closely with the production designer to create a realistic and visually appealing environment. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course may be useful for a set decorator seeking to create unique and visually interesting textiles for set dressing. Learning the basics of shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add handmade elements to set designs. You can use the course's instructions for folding patterns to create a range of textiles, such as pillows and tea towels. You can also use the indigo dyeing knowledge for creating interesting color palettes. The course's instructions for washing indigo-dyed fabric are also relevant.

See salaries and explore the career path for Set Decorator

Display Artist

Display artists create visual displays for various purposes, such as exhibitions, events, or retail spaces. They use a range of materials to build visually appealing and engaging installations. The Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners course is applicable to a display artist's work, enabling them to create artful textile displays. The learning of shibori folding and indigo dyeing can add depth to the artist's skillset. The course's instructions for folding patterns can be adapted to create three dimensional displays. The indigo dyeing knowledge will help in producing rich colors. The course's washing instructions can be skipped, as the product may not be intended for wear.

See salaries and explore the career path for Display Artist

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners.

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes

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Provides a comprehensive overview of natural dyes, including indigo. It delves into the chemical processes involved in dyeing, offering a deeper understanding of how indigo interacts with fabric. This book valuable resource for understanding the science behind the art, and is commonly used by textile artists and dyers.

The Art and Science of Natural Dyes: Principles,...

Spiral-bound

The Studio Formulas Set for The Art and Science of...

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Indigo Tie Dye Shibori for Beginners

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Save this course

Reviews summary

Beginner guide to indigo shibori dyeing

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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