Shibori Tie-Dye Techniques for Throw Pillows
Most of us have been tie dyeing everything we can find in our closets, but have you thought about tie dyeing your home décor? Cushy throw pillows add a cozy vibe to any space you like to relax … why not add some cool tie-dye patterns and colors too? Delineate Your Dwelling will show you three different shibori tie-dye techniques to create unique home décor that makes a statement. Choose your favorite Tulip® One-Step Tie-Dye Kit or colors to match your color palette, and read on to get the details!
What you need:
- Tulip Wilderness Tie-Dye Kit or kit of choice
- 100% Cotton pillow covers in light colors
- Pillow forms (1 per pillow cover)
- Sealable plastic bags
- PVC pipe or other pole/tube
- Wax string/twine
Before you begin, be sure to lay out a plastic tablecloth to cover and protect your work space. Then prewash your pillow covers (without fabric softener) and leave a bit damp for the dye process. Mix your dyes according to the instructions in your kit.
Lay out your pillow cover and fold in an accordion fashion, then bind with rubber bands (provided in your kit) every couple of inches.
Apply your dyes to the pillow cover. You can use as many colors as you like, alternating with each section, or keep to one color. It’s completely up to you so have fun! Rotate your fabric as you add the dye to make sure you get all sides.
Once you’ve added all dye colors to your liking, place the pillow cover in a sealed plastic bag for 6 to 8 hours to let the dye fully set.
This next option is a traditional shibori tie-dye technique. For this method you can use a wrapping paper tube or PVC pipe, rubber bands and some wax string or twine. Start by rolling your damp pillow cover around the tube and scrunch both ends inward towards the center to create lots of crinkles in your fabric. Bind with string and/or rubber bands to hold the fabric tightly in place.
Apply your dye to the pillow cover, rotating as you go to cover all sides of the fabric. Again, you can choose any color combination you like or use all one color. Cover with plastic (if it won’t fit into a bag) to keep damp while the dye sets.
The last of the shibori tie-dye techniques featured requires triangle folds to create cool diamond patterns on fabric! To do the triangle fold, accordion fold the pillow cover into four even sections. At one end, fold over the corner to form a triangle, aligning the edges. Continue folding the cover in this triangle shape until you’ve reached the other end of the fabric. Wrap a few rubber bands around the folded cover to secure, then apply dye to the folded cover. You can apply it around all edges (leaving the center without dye), or just along the bottom edge like Delineate Your Dwelling. Once you’ve added your dye, seal your project in a plastic bag to keep damp while the dye sets.
Once the dye has completely set, you’re ready to rinse. Unbag each pillow cover and rinse under running water until the runoff is clear, removing the rubber bands. Wash and dry each cover separately according to instructions.
After drying, your pillow covers are ready to stuff with pillow forms and cozy up your spaces with color and cool patterns!
You can even add embellishments to your pillows like tassels or trim for extra personalization.
