DIY Shibori Style Table Runner Tutorial

Is it just me, or is there is something deliciously bohemian about Shibori? Shibori is an ancient Japanese style of dying textiles by utilising different techniques such as binding, wrapping and clipping to ‘resist’ the dye, leaving a glorious pattern within the fabric.

This tutorial uses a combination of wooden clothes pegs, rubber bands, thick card and twine. The dye permeates only sections of the fabric, forming a striking contrast between blue and white. It’s an exciting moment when after leaving the bundle to dry overnight, you remove the binding to reveal your distinctly individual pattern.

This table runner would be a striking inclusion at an engagement party, bridal high tea, dessert buffet or if like me you find yourself a little bit addicted, you could easily recreate the tutorial and make table runners for a whole wedding.

Using the same technique you could also dye fabric napkins, a wall decal – whatever takes your fancy. Remember to be creative! The inconsistencies of this art form are what makes it so beautiful, so test different techniques and use a combination of binding and clipping until you find a pattern you love. Enjoy!

What You’ll Need:

1 x cotton table runner in white or cream
A portion of dark blue or navy dye (I used ‘denim’)
Rubber gloves
A bucket
A wooden spoon
Rubber bands
Pegs
A thick piece of card cut into squares

What To Do:

Step 1. Fold the table runner, accordion or fan style with a fold width of approximately five centimetres.

Step 2. Use pegs to clip down one side of the folded fabric, approximately 1.5 centimetres apart.

Step 3. In the same accordion style, fold the now-pegged length of material back and forth on itself until it forms a square.

Step 4. Position a piece of the thick card on either side of the folded fabric. Use the rubber bands to secure the card. Use the twine to secure in the opposite direction.

Step 5. In the bucket, make the dye to the manufacturers instructions. Submerge the fabric bundle into clear water for a minute.

Step 6. Wearing rubber gloves, submerge the fabric into the dye. Use the wooden spoon to stir and push down the bundle.

Step 7. Leave the fabric bundle submerged in the dye for at least 15 minutes or be guided by the directions on your dye packet. Make sure the whole bundle is submerged. Stir from time to time.

Step 8. Remove fabric bundle from the dye and place in a clean, cool place to dry overnight.

Step 9. Take your time to remove the pegs, rubber bands, cardboard and twine. Unfold the fabric to reveal your pattern (this is the BEST part!). Rinse as per dye instructions and hang to dry.