Stunning Shibori Techniques | An Array of Colors, Patterns and Textures

Master Shibori Dyeing
A Complete Guide to Mandy Southan’s Techniques & Design

Mandy Southan’s Shibori Techniques and Designs – a highly regarded book in the textile arts community, especially for those interested in Japanese-inspired resist-dyeing methods.

Key Features of the Book:

• Comprehensive Shibori Guide: Covers traditional and contemporary techniques, including:
  • Arashi (pole-wrapping)
  • Itajime (shape-resist with clamps)
  • Kumo (pleat-and-bind)
  • Nui (stitched resist)
• Step-by-Step Instructions: Clear visuals and tutorials for beginners to advanced artists.
• Project Ideas: Features wearables, home décor, and art pieces using shibori.
• Material Tips: Best fabrics, dyes (indigo, procion MX), and tools for professional results.

Why It Stands Out:

• Bridges traditional Japanese methods with modern DIY adaptations.
• Great for indigo dye enthusiasts and those exploring organic, geometric patterns.

With eighteen beautiful Shibori techniques, projects, and many variations, Mandy Southan goes beyond the traditional blue and white to create fabrics in a fabulous array of colors, patterns, and textures.

She takes the art of Shibori, in which fabric is bound, clamped or stitched before dyeing.

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 demonstrates Shibori techniques such as binding, hand painting, capping, stitching, folding and clamping, pole winding and pole wrapping and how they can be used to create truly wonderful dyed fabrics.

About the Author

Mandy Southan trained at Ravensbourne College Of Art And Design and has a BA Hons. in Fashion/Textile design.

She is president of the Guild of Silk Painters and a member of The Sussex Guild. Mandy has painted on silk for many years and is particularly interested in traditional Japanese resist techniques.

She experiments continually to find new ways of using old methods and her work on silk often combines different resist processes. Mandy teaches silk painting, rhizome (Japanese wax resist), and Shibori techniques at West Dean College and her home studio in Hastings.

What are the six major shibori techniques?

Master the art of shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that results in rich patterns from indigo color. By bundling the fabric in five different ways, you can produce a traditional set of prints including Arashi, Kumo, Itajime, and ne-maki.

Shibori is the Japanese word for a variety of ways to resist dye textiles. There are countless ways to create the effect. Essentially, any way you can think of to fold, twist, stitch, or bind fabric before dyeing will achieve the look. And while the results are currently on trend—you’ll find it in all shapes and forms in home décor—the process is also extremely meditative.

Folding and binding without really knowing what to expect when you unwrap the dyed piece is a thrill in and of itself, making this art form low-pressure with consistently beautiful results. Just remember: With all tutorials, you should always iron and pre-wash fabric before dyeing to remove wrinkles. Then, choose one (or many) of these bundling styles to create a pattern.

Editorial Reviews

“Another stunning book from Search Press!” —Guild of Silk Painters

“A superb techniques book that fully explores the wonderful art of shibori.” —karenplatt.co.uk

“A great book for those who love bold and exotic fabrics.” —Sewing World

 

 

 

Here’s what some readers have to say about the Shibori Techniques and Designs book

 

“Good book to create fantastic outcomes”

“Very useful and inspiring contents. It widened my knowledge of resist dyeing, and I enjoyed experimenting with techniques”

“I loved how the basics of a handful of Shibori techniques were taught in a wonderfully simple manner with stunning results”

“Very useful and inspiring contents”

“Great book, easy written and good for shibori beginners”

Master Shibori Dyeing with Mandy Southan’s Essential Guide

Want to create stunning, intricate patterns on fabric? Mandy Southan’s Shibori Designs and Techniques breaks down ancient Japanese dyeing methods into easy, modern projects.

Learn how to transform cloth with folding, clamping, and stitching resist techniques—perfect for indigo vats, bold wall hangings, or custom fashion.

Dive into this guide to unlock:

✔ 6 core shibori styles (with step-by-step photos)
✔ Pro tips for crisp resists (fabric prep, clamping hacks)
✔ Indigo VAT maintenance (for authentic blue-and-white designs)

Ideal for: Slow-fashion lovers, indigo artists, and crafters craving textured, hand-dyed magic.

 

 

 

Shibori Tie-Dye Tutorial: Japanese Resist-Dyeing Inspired by Mandy Southan

Create stunning, hand-dyed fabrics using Shibori techniques from Mandy Southan’s book! This step-by-step guide covers folding, binding, and clamping methods for beautiful geometric and organic patterns—no prior experience is needed.

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📜 Traditional Shibori vs. Modern Tie-Dye

While tie-dye uses random folds and bright colors, Shibori focuses on intentional resists for precise, often monochromatic designs. Southan’s book bridges both worlds, making it perfect for crafters who love structure + creativity.

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🎨 Supplies Needed

✅ Fabric: Cotton, linen, or silk (pre-washed)
✅ Dye: Indigo (traditional) or fiber-reactive dyes (e.g., Procion MX)
✅ Resist Tools:

• Rubber bands | Wooden blocks | Clamps | Needle/thread
  ✅ Other:
• Soda ash (for cotton) | Plastic gloves | Bucket/vat

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✂️ 3 Easy Techniques to Try

1. Kumo (Spiderweb) Shibori

Effect: Radiating spiderweb lines.
Steps:

1. Pinch the fabric into a tight peak.
2. Wrap thread/rubber bands every ½ inch down the peak.
3. Dye in indigo (5 mins), then rinse.

2. Itajime (Shape-Resist) Shibori

Effect: Crisp geometric patterns.
Steps:

1. Fold fabric into accordion pleats.
2. Sandwich between wooden shapes (triangles, squares).
3. Clamp tightly, then dip in dye.

3. Arashi (Pole-Wrapped) Shibori

Effect: Diagonal rain-like streaks.
Steps:

1. Wrap fabric diagonally around a PVC pipe.
2. Scrunch fabric down, then bind with string.
3. Dye (unscrunch for gradient effects).

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🌀 Pro Tips from Southan’s Book

• Pre-soak cotton in soda ash (1 cup/gallon water) for brighter colors.
• For indigo: Dip fabric 3–5 times (oxidize between dips) for deeper blues.
• Mix techniques: Try stitched resists (Nui) + clamping for hybrid designs.

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🌈 Project Idea: Shibori Tote Bag

1. Use Itajime clamps on folded corners.
2. Dye in navy procion MX.
3. Rinse, and unveil for a modern minimalist print.

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🔍 Want More?

Grab Mandy Southan’s Shibori Designs and Techniques for advanced folds, indigo vat recipes, and gallery inspiration!

Try it and tag your creations! Which Shibori style is your favorite? Comment below! 👇

Essential Tie Dye Supplies

 

 

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