The Art of Shibori - Japanese Indigo dyeing

The Art of Indigo: A Journey Into Japanese Shibori Dyeing

There’s something captivating about indigo—the way it stains your fingertips, settles into natural fibres, and reveals its true colour only as it reacts with the air. Deep, moody blue. Earthy yet elegant. For centuries, Japanese artisans have harnessed this magic through a textile dyeing technique known as shibori.

At Hands On Workshop, we’re endlessly inspired by traditional crafts that invite slow, thoughtful making—and shibori is just that. A practice of patience and precision, shibori transforms cloth into a canvas of folds, binds, twists, and stitches that resist the dye to form intricate patterns. And while no two pieces are ever the same, every creation is bound by the same timeless principles passed down through generations.

What is Shibori?

Shibori (絞り) comes from the Japanese root word Shiboru, meaning "to wring, squeeze, or press." It’s an umbrella term for various manual resist-dyeing techniques, where fabric is manipulated in a way that prevents the dye from penetrating certain areas.

Think of it as tie-dye’s ancient ancestor—but far more refined, complex, and steeped in history.

There are several styles of shibori, including:

• Kanoko shibori – similar to Western tie-dye, using bound sections of fabric to create circular patterns.
  
• Arashi shibori – meaning "storm," this method involves wrapping cloth around a pole and scrunching it to form diagonal lines.
  
• Itajime shibori – a folded cloth is pressed between wooden blocks to create geometric designs.
  
• Kumo shibori – involving pleated and bound fabric to create spider-like webbing effects.
  
  

A History Dyed in Blue

Shibori dates back over 1,300 years in Japan. The earliest known examples can be traced to the Nara period (710–794 AD), when imported Chinese silk techniques were adapted for use with local hemp and cotton fabrics. Over time, shibori became both a practical method for decorating clothing and an expressive art form.

During the Edo period (1603–1868), when sumptuary laws restricted the wearing of silk among the lower classes, shibori became a creative outlet for ordinary people. Artisans used indigo dye—readily available from the native Polygonum tinctorium plant—to create striking patterns on cotton garments. These everyday items became walking works of art.

Shibori’s indigo blues came to symbolise both elegance and humility, with its deep, rich tones and subtle, organic patterning.

Today, these techniques are preserved in towns like Arimatsu in Aichi Prefecture—considered the birthplace of modern shibori. There, family-run studios continue to produce hand-dyed textiles using methods passed down for generations.

Shibori in the Modern World

Far from a relic of the past, shibori is experiencing a revival across the world. Contemporary designers and slow-fashion advocates are drawn to its tactile beauty and low-waste process. Indigo itself is a natural dye, making it a sustainable choice for conscious makers.

In Australia, we’re lucky to have shibori artists keeping the tradition alive and adding their own flair.

• @nui.studio is a Melbourne-based textile artist offering workshops and sharing elegant, botanical-inspired indigo creations.
  
• @shiboristudio in Sydney experiments with traditional Japanese and contemporary methods in fashion, homewares, and installations.
  
• www.boundstudios.com.au features a refined collection of naturally dyed clothing made in small batches with ethical materials.
  
• Internationally, @takara.indigo in Los Angeles showcases dramatic large-scale wall hangings and installations using ancient Japanese dye methods.
  
  

Each artist demonstrates the versatility of shibori—it can be bold or delicate, modern or nostalgic, artful or practical.

Want to Try Shibori?

Shibori is one of those crafts that welcomes beginners with open arms. You don’t need expensive tools or advanced skills—just a willingness to experiment. Watching the cloth unfurl after dyeing is part of the joy, like opening a present made by your own hands.

Our Shibori Indigo Dye Kits by Iwase are carefully curated to guide you through the process. Whether you're dyeing tea towels, scarves, cushion covers or creating your own fabric for sewing projects, it’s an experience that connects you with generations of makers.

Each dip into the indigo vat is a small act of mindfulness—a moment to slow down, breathe, and make something truly unique.

Shibori is More Than a Technique—It’s a Philosophy

In a world of fast everything, shibori reminds us to take our time. It teaches us that beauty can emerge from imperfection, that no two moments—or patterns—are ever alike. It’s art made with your hands, shaped by water, cloth, and air.

Whether you're a seasoned textile artist or simply looking for a new creative outlet, shibori offers a beautiful entry point. Let it be your introduction to the wonder of slow craft and the serenity of indigo.

Try the Indigo Dye kits by Iwase here