Reverse tie and dye using bleach

Shibori (or tie and dye) is a Japanese method of dyeing cloth, traditionally with indigo. Reverse shibori or revere tie and dye consists of submerging dark color fabrics into a dilute of water and bleach. 

In this project we will explore the reverse itajime technique (fold and clamp). 

Step 1. Cut a piece of black fabric (preferably 100% cotton) 

Step 2. Fold the piece of fabric like an accordion (diagonally, vertically or horizontally) 

Step 3. Bind the fabric to remain folded either with thread or with pins

Step 4. Prepare a small container with 3 or 4 cups of bleach and 1 cup of water. 

Step 5. With a large paintbrush, apply bleach on the folds of the fabric, on both sides.  

Step 6. Wait a few minutes until the black transforms into a light brown color. 

Step 7. Apply more bleach if you want the effect to be more intense. 

Step 8. Unbind the fabric, unfold it and let it dry. 

Step 9. Give the fabric a rinse. Decorate further with machine stitches or pieces of yarn. 

Safety notes: Work outdoors or in a well ventilated area. Wear thin latex gloves if desired to protect your hands

In the following example the bleached fabric was decorated with pieces of yarn. stitched to the fabric with machine zig zag stitche. 

Bleach on semi cotton fabric /reverse tie and dye/ further decoration with cotton yarn

The result depends also on the fabric used. For example, 100% cotton fabrics bleach easier in relation to synthetic or semisynhetic fabrics.