Shibori is the Japanese art of stitched and bound resist. It is a slow craft, often requiring many hours of binding, stitching and pulling up of threads, followed by multiple dyeing processes. This and the variations in tension and pressure applied in construction mean that every piece produced is unique. Learn the traditional methods of this beautiful series of techniques and how to dye your creations in indigo to achieve a range of beautiful blues.

Circles are a common motif in Shibori patterns and work very well in combination to make repeating patterns.

Workshop Format: During the morning you will learn the techniques and knots required for shibori stitching and then stitch up a number of different shibori circle patterns and dye sample pieces in indigo dye. In the afternoon you will apply your learning from the morning, and design and dye your own scarf or cushion cover

Fabrications welcomes Rob Jones to teach this class! Rob is a textile designer specialising in the ancient Japanese art of Shibori, using stitch, bound and clamped resist techniques to create intricate patterns and textures on scarves, table linens and lampshades. He selects both new and vintage textiles, sourcing beautiful old kimono silk from Japan and vintage and modern cloth from the UK for his creations, made at his studio in North London. Rob has studied at West Dean College and under Bryan Whitehead in Fujino, Japan.

On completion of the class participants will confidently be able to:

– How to tie the basic kamosage knot used to secure all bound work– How to tie the quilters knot and the surgeons knot required for all stitched work
– How to create bounded side to side stitched patterns (these patterns are known as “Guntai” or Military shibori as they were often used to decorate samurai clothing
– How to sew an outline and bind it with Kumo spiderweb binding (these patterns are known as “Makiage”)
– How to dye your fabrics in a genuine indigo vat
– How to set up and maintain your own indigo vat at home

The class is a natural follow on to Rob’s morning “Beginners Shibori” class or for those with some experience of shibori, wishing to explore more techniques.

Class Size: 6 students

All materials are provided as part of the workshop.

Please Bring: Your own rubber gloves (washing up style)

We will provide shirts to wear but please avoid wearing your favourite clothes and shoes!

PRICE: £100 (Full Day – Beginners Shibori & Makiage and Guntai Shibori) or £55 (Makiage & Guntai Shibori)

HOW TO BOOK: You can BOOK ONLINE (+ Eventbrite Booking Fee) E_mail or Call us on 020 7275 8043 (to avoid online booking fee!) Our  Booking Terms & Conditions

Please Note: The workshop will take place in the Fabrications studio (which is downstairs from the shop via 12 steps)