What is shibori?

10 08 2009

SHIBORI is a collective term for Japanese resist-dye textile techniques: tie-dye, stitch-dye, fold-dye, pole wrap-dye, etc. The most common English translation is “tie-dye” but we prefer the more accurate term: “shaped resist dyeing.”

Motohiko

Katano Motohiko (ph: Takumi Fujimoto)

What is ’shaped-resist dyeing’? This describes what naturally happens in the patterning process: manipulation of cloth from a 2-Dimensional surface into a 3-D shape while compressed in dye.

Who are we?

WORLD SHIBORI NETWORK is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and celebrating these centuries old, resist-dye traditions and similar techniques across the globe.

WSN celebrates textile traditions and other creative practices that share a like-minded mission: to promote knowledge and to foster culturally enriched environments. WSN is proud to be a leading example of the Slow Fiber Studio ™ movement.

left: shibori master Motohiko Katano (learn more about him here)

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Traveling to Japan soon? Check out our FAQ page for answers to some popular topics, like: what to see, where to learn more about shibori, and more.

Interested in classes? Check the EVENTS page. And check out our NEWS page for a quick rundown of recently posted web items.

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