karamatsu shibori technique

The art of Shibori, where fabric is bound, clamped, or stitched before dyeing, is often referred to as "tie-dye for grown-ups." The beauty of this technique lies in its unpredictability—no two pieces ever turn out exactly alike, making each piece a true work of art. Recently, I decided to try my hand at one of the simpler Shibori techniques, known as Karamatsu, or Japanese larch. This method involves creating circular patterns with branching lines radiating outward from the center. I was thrilled with the outcome and decided to feature my finished piece on the front yoke of an Oliver + S Hide-and-Seek Tunic. I'm eager to share how I achieved this unique look. To start, you'll need 100% cotton fabric, preferably pre-washed. I used muslin, cutting a piece roughly 16 inches by 20 inches. Keep in mind that you'll likely want at least a square foot of fabric if you're planning to use it for the front yoke of the Hide-and-Seek pattern. It's better to have extra fabric than to run short after all the effort! Since we'll be using a natural indigo dye, the fabric must first be prepared with a mordant to help it absorb the dye effectively. For every pound of fabric, mix 4 ounces of alum and 1 tablespoon of cream of tartar in a large pot of water, then bring it to a simmer. While not an exact science, wetting the fabric beforehand ensures better absorption. Once simmered for about 30 minutes, remove the fabric, dry it thoroughly, and give it a good ironing. Next, fold your fabric and mark half-circle outlines along the folded edge. I divided my fabric into four equal sections using creases and traced different-sized half-circles using objects like masking tape rolls and thread spools. Thread a needle with strong polyester thread and begin sewing along these marked lines using a running stitch. I stitched three staggered rows of half-circles, which took me around an hour to complete. Once all the stitching is done, gather the fabric by pulling the threads together and tying them securely at the ends. Trim any excess thread. Before dyeing, dampen the gathered fabric and submerge it in the indigo bath. As you pull it out, you'll notice the initial green hue transform into a rich blue—a fascinating chemical reaction that never gets old! After letting the fabric sit for a while, rinse it gently under cold water until the water runs clear. The final step is to carefully cut away the threads and unfold your masterpiece. The result is always a delightful surprise. For this project, I chose the Hide-and-Seek pattern because it beautifully highlights special fabrics like my newly dyed Karamatsu piece. Placing the front yoke over my favorite section of the fabric, I paired it with white linen to create a stunning tunic. This whole experience was incredibly enjoyable, and I highly recommend giving Karamatsu a try if you haven't already. The "Shibori Designs & Techniques" book by Mandy Southan provided invaluable guidance throughout the process. If you're interested in exploring more Shibori projects, check out these resources: - Liesl’s indigo shibori post - Indigo Shibori Jump Rope Dress - Shibori Hide-and-Seek Dress on Pinterest I hope you found this journey into Shibori inspiring. There's something magical about creating something so personal and unique through traditional techniques. Happy dyeing!

Polyester Fiber Used On Spunlace

THIS FIBER CAN BE USED TO PRODUCE ALL KINDS OF SPUNLACE FABRICS ,1.2D and 1.4D ,cut-length 32mm and 38mm .raw white .

Polyester Fiber Used On Spunlace,Flame Retardant Polyester Staple Fiber,Spunlace Polyester Staple Fiber,Hydrophilic Type Polyester Staple Fiber

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